If you’re currently in the process of researching Invisalign, there’s a good chance you already know quite a bit about it, including that the aligners can deliver results in just 12 to 18 months. But what happens in that time? What can you expect during the teeth-straightening process? If you’d like to learn the answer, keep reading for a quick breakdown – from your initial consultation to your final visit.
Step #1: The Consultation
Of course, the very first step of the treatment process is the consultation, which is when you sit down one-on-one with your dentist. In addition to learning about your smile goals and reviewing your dental history, they will complete a comprehensive oral exam to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. From there, they can determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign and, if the answer is “yes,” begin working on your custom treatment plan.
Step #2: The First Official Appointment
Once your series of aligners are ready, you’ll return to your dentist’s office. At this visit, they will show you how to put them on, how to take them off, and how to clean them. They will also give you specific instructions on when to progress to each new set in the series, what to do to prevent your aligners from breaking, and what to do if you accidentally misplace them.
Step #3: The Progress Visits
Every 6-8 weeks, you’ll come in for a progress visit so your dentist can see how well your teeth are tracking. If everything looks good, they will give you your next several sets of aligners, answer any questions you have, and schedule your next visit. If something is wrong, like one of your teeth aren’t moving as anticipated, they will determine why that is and how to get you back on-track with your treatment plan.
Step #4: The Retention Phase
After you’ve progressed through your series of aligners and achieved the results you desire, it will be time to move on to the retention phase. This is crucial because upwards of 50% of patients experience orthodontic relapse, which is when the teeth move out of their perfectly aligned positions. To help prevent that from happening, your dentist will have a custom retainer made.
About the Practice
Our team at Dudley Family Dental shares a passion for creating smiles that are as healthy as they are beautiful. If you are interested in enhancing yours with the help of Invisalign, you’ll be happy to hear that we welcome several financing solutions and offer convenient appointment times, including evenings. As a result, the teeth-straightening process is easier than ever before! If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a consultation with us via our website or by phone at (508) 943-7001.