Posted on October 28, 2020
Invisalign clear aligners are a beneficial choice for teenagers and adults alike. In fact, 47% of teens using Invisalign report feeling more self-confident as opposed to only 22% of teens wearing metal braces. This is due in large part to the near invisibility of Invisalign aligners, allowing wearers to smile without feeling self-conscious about wires and brackets.
While their subtlety is a big drawing point, some people may put off treatment because they’re not sure what to expect. While there are some considerations to keep in mind, here is what you need to know about the Invisalign process.
First and foremost, before you get started, you’ll have your primary visit to an Invisalign orthodontist. During this visit, the orthodontist will look at your mouth and talk about everything that needs to be done and how the Invisalign treatment will go. However, because Invisalign isn’t recommended for some severe cases, your orthodontist may suggest other treatment options that you should consider. That said, if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, your orthodontist will begin discussing how long the treatment can last and the specifics of what you need to keep in mind.
This step may happen on your first visit to an Invisalign orthodontist or they may have you come back for an additional appointment. Either way, during the molding process, your orthodontist will scan your mouth and take x-rays to create an accurate digital model that can be used to create your custom trays. This process also allows a much more customizable straightening process, giving you a quicker process with far less guesswork.
Once the trays have been created and shipped back to your Invisalign orthodontist you’ll be called in for your first fitting. During this process, your orthodontist may attach small buttons to your teeth, which are nearly invisible and painless, to help the trays stay in place. These attachments are temporary. Once the trays are properly fitted and your orthodontist is satisfied, they will explain what you can expect from aftercare and how you can take care of your teeth throughout the treatment.
After a few weeks you will return to your Invisalign orthodontist so that they can ensure everything is still fitted properly. During this time they will also assess how you are progressing. Unlike traditional braces that can require tightening, Invisalign treatment is entirely comprised of a series of trays. This means you won’t need to have nearly as many visits as you would with regular braces. In fact, aside from the initial check-up weeks after the first fitting, you can expect a handful of visits that check to see how you are progressing. Your orthodontist will give you a time table of when you’ll need to put in the next set of trays, and will only recommend additional scanning if the treatment isn’t progressing accordingly.
Invisalign is a painless and nearly invisible process that can help give you straighter and healthier teeth. While they’re not recommended for more severe cases, they can be a great option for teens and adults looking for an easy way to improve their smiles without the need for obvious braces. If you’re interested in learning if Invisalign is right for you, speak with an Invisalign Orthodontist near you to set up a consultation.