The Step-By-Step Invisalign Process

Do you have gaps in your smile, alignment issues, or bite problems that make it hard to truly love your smile? Invisalign can help. These aligner trays are nearly invisible and move the teeth into a more ideal position over several months or years. If you’re preparing to undergo this orthodontic treatment, keep reading to learn about how the Invisalign treatment process goes.

Step #1: Your Initial Consultation

You will begin the Invisalign treatment process by setting up a consultation with your orthodontist. During this visit, you will tell them about what goals you hope to achieve with your smile. They will take X-rays as well as perform a thorough examination to determine if Invisalign is the right fit for you.

Additionally, they will look for any oral health issues that require treatment. Things like cavities and gum disease and cavities will need to be addressed before moving forward with your orthodontic treatment.

Step #2: Planning Your Invisalign Treatment

If your orthodontist determines that you are a good candidate for Invisalign, they will work with you to create a custom treatment plan. Additionally, will take impressions of your pearly whites, which will be used to make a series of clear aligner trays.

Each set of aligners will represent a step in the treatment process. You will need to wear each aligner set for a specified amount of time before moving on to the next set. In addition, your dentist will determine how long you can expect treatment to take.

Step #3: Getting Your Aligners

Once your orthodontist has received your aligners, they will have you come back into their office to try on your first set. This will allow them to ensure that your aligners fit properly as well as show you how to best clean and handle your trays. The will make adjustments if necessary to ensure that your aligners fit comfortably. They will then answer any questions you have before starting treatment.

Step #4: Wearing Your Aligners

You will need to wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours per day to ensure that your treatment stays on track. This will allow for plenty of time to remove them to eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth, play sports, and attend the occasional special event.

Step #5: Periodic Checkups

You will need to come into your orthodontist’s office periodically for checkups. This will give them a chance to examine your progress as well as answer questions. These appointments will take place every six weeks or so and are generally pretty short. This is also when you’ll get your next few aligner sets.

Step #6: Finishing Treatment & Your Retainer

Once you have made your way through all of your aligners, your orthodontist will give you a custom-made retainer. This will keep your teeth from shifting back to their original position. They will tell you how often your aligners will need to be worn to be effective.

About the Practice

Dr. Hiren Shah and his team at Signature Smiles are eager to help patients living in the Edison area maintain lovely beams. They offer orthodontics to straighten crooked smiles and can explain the step-by-step Invisalign treatment process so you understand how it helps your smile improve over time. If you want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shah or to learn more about getting Invisalign at Signature, you can visit their website or call their office at (908) 829-0986 to get started.