From Start to Finish: What to Expect From the Invisalign Process

Over 1.4 million adults see a dentist each year to straighten their smiles.

Adult orthodontic treatment used to be uncommon, but now more and more people are realizing how easy it is to straighten crooked teeth or misaligned teeth at any age. Invisalign is clear and easy, and that is why it continues to grow in popularity.

If you're thinking about getting straighter teeth as an adult, Invisalign could be the solution. This article answers common questions about the process, to help you decide whether it could be right treatment plan for you.

Invisalign clear aligners is an innovative teeth-straightening technique. Metal braces are cosmetically undesirable, and take a lot of maintenance. These clear aligners overcome these snags: clear removable trays help straighten teeth without obvious metal brackets with sharp edges in your mouth.

You step through a series of trays during your treatment to bring your teeth back into alignment. The trays are molded to your unique mouth shape, so they're comfortable to wear all day, every day.

Knowing what to expect when you choose to have Invisalign will help you to decide if it's the right route for you. In just five steps, and some time, you'll have a beautiful smile in no time!

1. Your Initial Appointment

At your first appointment, your dentist will study your mouth and talk to you about your cosmetic dentistry desires. Your dentist will tell you if Invisalign is a treatment you should consider. Some people may not be suitable for this type of teeth alignment process. If that's the case with you, your dentist will talk through your other options. If you are a candidate for Invisalign, you will discuss treatment protocol and estimated treatment length.

2. Molding Process

The next step is the digital molding process. This may happen at the first appointment with your dentist, or a separate one, depending on your schedule.

Digital scan, photographs, and x-rays create an accurate model of your mouth and teeth. These are sent to the Invisalign laboratory for your custom aligner trays to be created.

3. Fitting the First Tray

When your Invisalign trays are ready, it's time to return for your pick-up. Your dentist may fit small attachments on your teeth to help the trays stay in place. These buttons are clear, almost invisible, painless to install, and temporary. After, Your dentist will check if your aligners fit, and With your trays fitted, and your aftercare program clearly explained, you're ready to go!

4. Your Follow-Up Appointments

A few weeks after your first tray is fitted, it's time to return to the dentist. Your dentist will check your tooth movements, and tray fit.

A series of Invisalign trays make up the entire process. Unlike metal braces, you won't need to return for regular appointments with Invisalign. Instead, you can return periodically to check your progress. You won't need to see the dentist each time you change to a new aligner. If your treatment is not progressing as planned, you may need a new digital scan to order a additional set of aligners.

5. Straighter Teeth!

After a period of time, your teeth will have straightened out. The final results always depend on the severity of misalignment to start with, but if worn as prescribed, you are guaranteed to have straighter teeth over time.

Now you know what to expect during the process of straightening your teeth with Invisalign, you probably have a few more questions. Here are the most common questions asked about Invisalign to help you make the best decision for your own needs.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Invisalign doesn't hurt during any of the molding, fitting, or wearing stages. It may feel uncomfortable when you first wear the trays, but this goes away after about a day.

Attachments on your teeth don't hurt, either. You won't need an injection to have them fitted, and they're easily removed when your teeth are finally straight.

How Do I Clean My Teeth with Invisalign?

The great thing about Invisalign is that you can remove the trays whenever you need to. It's advised you keep them on all day, every day for at least 22 hours but it's completely fine (and expected!) to take them out to brush your teeth.

Simply pop the trays out and brush your teeth as normal. Clean your trays with cold water, and put them back in when you're done.

How Long Does an Average Invisalign Case Take to Work?

Every person has an individual experience with Invisalign, and the treatment times will vary.

It all depends on how severe your teeth misalignment is to start with. It also depends on your compliance -the longer you wear the trays the faster it works. Adolescents may see faster results than adults due to their continuing growth.

We always recommend that a longer-term retainer to be worn at night to stop teeth from becoming crooked again.

Can You See Invisalign Braces?

You can see the aligners and the tooth colored Invisalign attachments when you're up close to someone wearing them, but it's still hard to spot. You won't have metal 'train tracks' or obvious attachments on your teeth, like traditional braces.

If you want to make sure nobody can see your Invisalign for a special event, you can take them out. This isn't recommended, though, as it could slow your progress.

What About Kissing?

They won't get in the way of kissing! The trays sit so close to your teeth, in a custom fit, that you won't notice them.

It might feel a bit strange the first time you kiss when you're wearing your trays, but that'll soon go away.

Can I Play Sport Wearing Invisalign?

Invisalign is designed to straighten your teeth, not protect them in sports scenarios. If you're playing a sport that usually requires a mouth guard , take out your Invisalign trays, and wear a proper guard for the duration of the game.

Taking your aligners out for a few hours at a time won't affect your overall progress. Just remember to put them back in after your activity is done to continue your progress.

Now that you know what to expect from the Invisalign process, it should seem like a less daunting procedure. You're bound to have a lot more questions about it, though. Everyone does! Your dentist will be able to answer any questions about your suitability for Invisalign and your own personal circumstances.