How Does Invisalign® Treatment Work?

Invisalign® treatment is becoming increasingly common. Over five million Americans have received Invisalign treatment, and two decades of studies have gone into improving these little fragments of clear plastic.

 

If you are familiar with the bulky, unattractive, traditional metallic braces, you may question the success of a clear plastic tray. There is good news. Dentists have discovered that teeth move back into place faster when you apply a gentler force. Invisalign has come up with clear aligners that provide the most comfortable and most practical way to realign teeth. Moving teeth does not have to be a painful affair, thanks to Invisalign.

 

So, how does Invisalign treatment move teeth back into proper position? Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the Invisalign treatment works.

 

Your First Consultation

First, you have to consult your dentist to determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign. While the treatment can straighten your teeth and improve your smile, it is not recommended for people who have serious dental issues.

 

Invisalign may not work for you if:

 

• Your overbite is severe
   

• You have tooth implants or dental bridges
   

• You have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
   

• Your teeth are pegged or too short
   

• Your teeth are extremely rotated
   

• You have big gaps between teeth that may need braces
  
   

During the consultation, you will also learn how the treatment works, what to expect from the procedure, and how long the Invisalign process might take.

 

Custom-Making Your Aligners

This step involves your dentist taking digital pictures and X-rays of your teeth and jaw. These pictures go to the Invisalign lab with full instructions on how your teeth should be moved. That way, you will receive aligners that fit your teeth perfectly.

 

For some patients, this first set of aligners may be the only one they need. As you move along, you will receive new aligners, but your dentist will not have to take new digital pictures for every new set of aligners you get. That said, follow-up digital pictures may be necessary if your aligners are not working the way your dentist initially thought they would.

 

Follow-up Checkups and Aligners

After you get your first set of aligners, your dentist will ask you to wear them throughout and only take them out when eating or cleaning your teeth. The rest of the steps will vary depending on your plan of treatment and how long your treatment will last. As well, the steps can differ depending on how fast your teeth start to move.

 

Over the next few weeks and months, you will visit your dentist to check your progress and receive new aligners. Your dentist will tell you when to go for your checkups and when to get new aligners.

 

Is Invisalign Right for You?

The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. If there is something about your smile that you wish to improve, you could try doing it with Invisalign.


 

For more on how Invisalign treatment works or to schedule an Invisalign consultation, call Align Dental at our office in Boston, Massachusetts at (617) 340-5300 today.