How to Get Invisalign

Initial Consultation

Getting Invisalign begins with a detailed consultation with a skilled orthodontist. In this first meeting, the orthodontist will assess your dental condition and discuss your treatment goals. They will also determine if Invisalign is the right treatment choice for you.

Digital Impressions & Treatment Planning

Once you decide to move forward with Invisalign, the next step is creating digital impressions of your teeth. Unlike traditional molds, digital impressions provide a more comfortable and accurate way to capture the details of your dental structure. These digital scans are the foundation for designing your custom aligners.

After the impressions, advanced technology maps out the gradual movement of your teeth. This planning phase allows you to preview the expected progress and get a sense of the final outcome before treatment even begins.

Aligner Creation

Once your treatment plan is in place, your Invisalign aligners are carefully crafted. Made from a smooth, transparent, and resilient material, these aligners are designed to be nearly invisible when worn. Each aligner is precisely manufactured to apply controlled pressure to specific teeth, gradually moving them into alignment.

Fitting Appointment

Your orthodontist will arrange a fitting appointment to confirm that your aligners fit comfortably and securely. During this visit, any necessary adjustments are made to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness. This appointment is when you’ll receive your first set of aligners and officially begin your journey toward a straighter smile.

Following the Treatment Schedule

Consistency is the major key to achieving great results with Invisalign. You’ll receive a series of aligners, each to be worn for a set period before moving to the next. Sticking to the recommended wear schedule ensures that your teeth shift gradually as planned. The more consistently you follow the schedule, the quicker and more effective your results will be.

Monitoring Progress

Throughout your Invisalign journey, you’ll have regular check-up appointments with your orthodontist to keep track of your progress. These visits allow for adjustments, address any concerns, and monitor your smile’s transformation. Your orthodontist will also guide you on when to switch to the next set of aligners, ensuring steady and effective progress.

Completion & Retention

Once you’ve completed the Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist may recommend retainers to maintain your new alignment. Retainers prevent teeth from shifting back, helping to preserve your beautifully aligned smile. Committing to this retention phase is the final step in safeguarding the results of your orthodontic journey.

Orthodontic Issues Invisalign Can Treat

Invisalign can address a variety of orthodontic concerns. Based on the severity, Invisalign is effective in treating:

• Crooked teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Gaps between teeth
• Open bite
• Crowded teeth

Limitations of Invisalign

While Invisalign offers many benefits, it has certain limitations. If Invisalign isn’t recommended for you, it’s likely due to orthodontic concerns that require alternative methods, such as traditional braces.

Some specific limitations of Invisalign include:

• Intrusions and Extrusions: Braces are often necessary for teeth that need to be raised or lowered to align with others, as they provide the required force for this movement.
• Severe Bite Issues: Although Invisalign can improve mild bite issues, severe cases often require traditional braces for effective correction.
• Large Gaps: Invisalign works well for minor gaps but may not be sufficient for large gaps between teeth.
• Rotated Teeth: Teeth rotated beyond 20 degrees may be too difficult for Invisalign to correct.
• Short Teeth: Short teeth may lack the grip needed for Invisalign aligners to work effectively.
• Extractions Required: If teeth extractions are needed as part of your treatment, Invisalign may not be the right choice.
• Midline Movements: Invisalign can sometimes align the front teeth with the center of your face, but significant midline adjustments often require braces.
• New Dental Work: Recent dental work, such as new crowns, can interfere with aligner fit and effectiveness.
• Previous Dental Work: Existing dental work like dental bridges, dental veneers, or dental crowns may prevent Invisalign from working effectively, as aligners cannot bond to these surfaces.