Since Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments (and has been over the last decade), there’s a good chance you already know quite a bit about it. But do you know what the teeth-straightening process actually looks like from start to finish? If not, don’t worry – you can find a step-by-step guide below.
Step One: The Consultation
The very first step is one of the most important ones: visiting a skilled, experienced, and caring dentist. That way, they can conduct a comprehensive oral exam, review your dental history, and learn all about your smile goals. With all of this information, they can determine if clear aligners are right for you and, if they are, begin creating your custom treatment plan.
Step Two: Getting Your Aligners
The next major step in the teeth-straightening process is your first official Invisalign appointment, which is when you will get your aligners. At this visit, your dental team will show you how to put them on, review when to take them off, and discuss some other important information, including how to keep them stain and odor-free.
Step Three: Attending Follow-Up Appointments
Something that’s unique about Invisalign is that there aren’t monthly adjustment appointments. Instead, you’ll be given several sets of aligners at once and instructed on exactly when to transition to the next set in the series. Then, every 6-8 weeks, you’ll come in for a progress visit, which is when your dentist will see if your teeth are moving as anticipated.
Step Four: Wearing Refinement Trays
Sometimes, patients make it to the end of their series of aligners and absolutely love the results. Other times, there are a few teeth that are still slightly misaligned. That’s where refinement trays come in. In short, they are additional trays that are crafted to make the final changes needed to give you your absolute best smile.
Step Five: Making a Retainer
Imagine absolutely loving your results, and then your teeth move back into their previously misaligned positions a few months later. That would be incredibly frustrating! To prevent that from happening, your dentist will provide you with a retainer, which is custom-made for you and designed to keep your teeth in place.
About the Practice
Our team at Burton Family Dental is proud to offer routine checkups, emergency dentistry, Invisalign, and just about everything in between at our conveniently located office in Jerome. That way, we can help patients with all of their dental needs and smile goals! If you are interested in straightening your teeth without the metal, then don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us via our website or by phone at (614) 215-9180.