Are you wanting a straighter smile? Many of us aren’t born with the exact smile that we’ve always dreamed of, but that’s okay. With modern dental technology, you can straighten your smile without the use of metal brackets and wires for who knows how long. Invisalign involves the use of a series of clear aligners in order to slowly shift the teeth into their new rightful locations. Continue reading to learn about the steps of the Invisalign treatment process so you know what you can expect.
Consultation
Before you can begin your Invisalign treatment, you will have to see your dentist for a consultation. During this time, they will determine whether or not you’d make a good candidate. Even though Invisalign is a great way to correct many misalignment issues, some are simply too complicated and require traditional orthodontic work.
Preparation
After your dentist has determined that you make an excellent candidate for the treatment, it will be time for you to move onto the second step. At this time, your dentist will take photos and dental x-rays. A model of your smile will them be created so a customized plan can be made for you.
Receiving your Aligners
After a few weeks, you will receive your aligners and your dentist may make some minor adjustments, like the addition of ‘buttons.’ There are small, tooth-colored bumps that are made from a composite resin. Sometimes, they are placed on the front surface of the teeth in order to keep the aligners in place. Your dentist will show you the best way to put in and remove your aligners. They will also give you specific instructions on how to care for them. About every two weeks, you will switch out your aligners for a new set.
Follow-Ups
You will still need to return to the dental office on a regular basis just to make sure everything is going as planned. Even with a detailed plan, teeth don’t always move exactly how expected. Your dentist may need to make adjustments if they deem it necessary.
Final Refinement
After completing your series of aligners, you may require some refinement still. A few tweaks may be made in order to give you those perfect results that you are looking for.
Retainers
You will be able to say goodbye to your aligners and any buttons will be removed from your teeth. At this point, you will need to wear a retainer in order to keep your teeth from moving back to their original locations.
As great as traditional braces are, Invisalign offers benefits that you can’t get anywhere else, and you still end up with beautiful results. You will have the smile of your dreams in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Andrew M. Nawrocki earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and later returned to school to pursue his Special Certificate in Prosthodontics as well as a Master’s degree in Dental Science. Currently, he is a Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantology and a member of the American College of Prosthodontists, American Dental Association, and Florida Dental Association. For more information on Invisalign or to schedule an appointment at his office in Ormond Beach, visit his website or call (386) 677-1046.