INVISALIGN
Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear aligners involves a series of custom aligners that are changed weekly.
Advanced computer imaging software is used to formulate a treatment plan that fits your needs and addresses your chief concerns. A series of clear aligners are then made to fit your teeth. Tooth movement is built into each aligner to straighten the teeth incrementally as you progress from one aligner to the next.
What to Expect
When your Invisalign clear aligners arrive at our office, we’ll schedule your first appointment.
At this appointment, which is easy and relatively quick, you will be given instructions on how to properly insert and remove your aligners, how to keep them clean, and also told the frequency with which we would like you to change them.
If your customized treatment plan calls for it, we will also bond your attachments at this appointment. Attachment are tooth colored bumps of glue that are placed on some teeth that aligners would otherwise have difficulty moving. Attachments are a critical part of a successful treatment outcome. They are the “handles” on which the aligners grab and push in order to move teeth like we do with braces.
Finally, at the end of this first appointment, you will be given your Dental Monitoring scan box and guided through the process of taking your first scan!
Wearing Aligners
When it comes to removable clear aligners, you should be wearing them for 22+ hours per day- taking them out only when eating or brushing.
Not wearing your aligners for enough time each day will result in slower tooth movement and therefore a longer treatment.
Aligner Care
Aligners can be brushed a couple times a day using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Never use hot or boiling water as this can distort the shape of your aligners permanently.
When not being worn, keep your aligners in their case to prevent accidentally throwing them away or a pet getting ahold of them.
We usually change patients’ clear aligners every week.
Go or no-go?
Since we utilize Dental Monitoring scans as part of our clear aligner treatment plan, we are able to instruct a patient to remain in the same aligner for a little longer if we see that one or more teeth are not “tracking” along with the other teeth.
This is an invaluable tool as it helps keep our patients on track and therefore results in more efficient and faster treatment. At the end of your week in your current aligner, you will be prompted to take a scan using the Dental Monitoring app.
Shortly thereafter, you will be told whether it’s a “GO” to your next aligner, or a “NO GO”. Should you be instructed to remain in your current aligner, you will be prompted to re-scan a few days later to determine if you can move on to your next aligner.
Clear Aligners FAQ
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You may initially experience discomfort with each aligner but the more you wear them the more comfortable they become, and the more confidently you can smile.
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Every patient is different, and every smile is unique. The length of treatment varies based on your individual needs. Be confident that your treatment plan will be custom designed to achieve the happy, healthy smile you want.
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Aligners need to be worn 22 hours a day or as prescribed.
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You want to be sure to wear your aligners in sequential order according to numbering on the packaging—moving through treatment as directed.
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You will want to remove your aligners so that you can enjoy your favorite foods and drinks (except water), keeping them clear and clean.
