Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to traditional braces because it’s more discreet and comfortable. However, it’s important to be well-informed about a potential treatment before committing to it, especially if it takes 12 to 18+ months to complete from start to finish. For instance, you might have questions about Invisalign, like what’s involved in being fitted with the clear aligners. Continue reading to learn more about the step-by-step process so you can make an educated decision regarding straightening your smile!
Step #1: Initial Consultation
Many teens and adults prefer Invisalign to standard orthodontics because the transparent trays are more visually appealing and don’t irritate the tender tissues inside their mouths. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the best treatment for everyone’s unique circumstances. The first step is scheduling a consultation with your provider. They’ll update your medical history, discuss your goals and concerns with you, and examine your mouth to verify whether clear aligners can help meet them. They’ll also ensure no pre-existing oral issues, like cavities or gum disease, interfere with your treatment results.
Step #2: Impressions & Design
Once everything checks out, your dentist will make digital impressions of your teeth and gums that create a 3D replica of your mouth that is shared with special Invisalign software for special lab technicians to begin designing all your trays. Each set is intended to shift your teeth by 1/10mm, and you typically wear each pair for a week or two before switching to the next in your series to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth.
Step #3: Receiving Your Aligners
Once your provider receives your Invisalign, they’ll schedule you for your first placement appointment. They’ll take the time to ensure the clear plastic fits as intended and teach you how to remove and reinsert them, as well as provide all the care instructions you’ll need to keep them clean and in good shape. If you require attachments, your dentist will also use this appointment to place the small, tooth-colored bumps on your enamel to provide a firmer grip for the smooth material.
Step #4: Follow-Up Visits
You’ll be instructed to wear your orthodontics for 20 to 22 hours daily to keep your teeth from reverting to their previous places. You must also schedule consistent follow-ups every four to six weeks for them to monitor your progress and provide the next trays you’ll wear to stay on track with your treatment timeline.
About the Practice
At Michelsen Dental, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists with decades of combined experience helping people improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. They collaborate to provide a complete menu of services at one convenient location, including Invisalign. Then, they combine a kind and compassionate approach with advanced technology to increase your comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. If you want a straighter smile, you can request a consultation on the
website or by calling (714) 492-1169.
Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to traditional braces because it’s more discreet and comfortable. However, it’s important to be well-informed about a potential treatment before committing to it, especially if it takes 12 to 18+ months to complete from start to finish. For instance, you might have questions about Invisalign, like what’s involved in being fitted with the clear aligners. Continue reading to learn more about the step-by-step process so you can make an educated decision regarding straightening your smile! 
Request