A confident smile can make all the difference. And modern orthodontics has made it easier than ever to achieve straight teeth. Invisalign is a revolutionary treatment which straightens teeth without the use of the typical metal braces. But just how does Invisalign work, and what can you expect in its process? Are you searching for an orthodontist near you? Just check out this guide about the Invisalign treatment stages and see how they can change your smile.
Step-by-Step Process of Invisalign Treatment
1. First Consultation and Examination
The first step in the Invisalign journey is scheduling a consultation with a certified orthodontist. The orthodontist will evaluate your teeth, discuss your concerns, and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you. Digital scans or impressions of your teeth are taken to create a precise treatment plan tailored to your needs.
2. Customized Treatment Plan and 3D Imaging
Your orthodontist will be able to view a treatment map after taking x-rays of your teeth with an advanced 3D imaging technique. It explains the position at which your teeth will move throughout the period as well as outlines your time-line in an Invisalign program. It’s also going to give you a glimpse of the smile that’s going to occur once your program is done.
From the digital impressions, a set of custom aligners will be made. Each aligner is made from smooth, clear plastic that will fit snugly over your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are nearly invisible and will be used to straighten your teeth discreetly.
4. Wearing the Aligners
To achieve maximum success, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. They can only be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Every set of aligners is worn for one to two weeks before advancing to the next set in the series.
5. Follow-Up Visits and Progress Checks
Appropriate follow-ups with your orthodontist will be necessary to monitor your progress and ensure the process is going on as planned. These follow-up visits and checks on your progress usually occur every six to eight weeks. In these visits, your orthodontist may want to make some slight adjustments to your treatment plan if need be.
6. Refinement Phase (If Applicable)
Some patients might need a few more aligners called refinement trays just to make sure they get their final result perfectly; minor adjustments are made with refinement after the actual treatment plan is completed.
7. Completion and Retention
Once your treatment is done, your orthodontist will fit you with retainers to help you maintain straight teeth. The retainers work by keeping the teeth from returning to their pre-treatment state, and that’s an integral part of holding the results for you.
Advantages of Invisalign Treatment
- Practically Invisible: The clear aligners are nearly invisible and blend well with your natural teeth.
- Comfortable: Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners have no metal brackets or wires, reducing discomfort and irritation.
- Removable: The aligners can be removed during meals, which makes it easier to eat and maintain oral hygiene.
- Effective for various cases: Invisalign corrects mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as overcrowding, gaps, and bite misalignments.
Choosing the Right Orthodontist for Invisalign
Finding the right orthodontist is an essential step when deciding on Invisalign in NE Calgary for getting the best outcome. Totally Orthodontics focuses on unique and personalized treatments through Invisalign to fulfill all your smile aspirations. With experience and professional help, you’ll be guided at every stage-from the consultation up to the retention phase.
Schedule a consultation with Totally Orthodontics today and take your first step on the road toward a straighter, healthier smile with Invisalign!