The Different Stages of Invisalign Treatment: What to Expect
As dental technology advances, many people choose Invisalign transparent aligners over traditional metal braces. Invisalign is a discreet and convenient orthodontic procedure that progressively uses a series of translucent plastic trays to shift teeth into the ideal positions.
But how does the treatment work?
Let’s break down the different stages of Invisalign treatment to help you better understand the process.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Before we go into the stages of Invisalign treatment, let’s talk about how it works. A dental specialist will examine your teeth at your initial visit to determine whether Invisalign is the best treatment. To create a customized treatment plan, your dentist will make 3D impressions of your teeth.
When your treatment plan is finished, an Invisalign provider will give you a set of transparent plastic trays to wear for about two weeks. Each tray will progressively rearrange your teeth into your chosen positions until you have obtained your ideal smile. The treatment period varies according to the severity of your disease, but most patients finish between 12 to 18 months.
The Different Stages of Invisalign Treatment
Initial Consultation
The first stage of Invisalign therapy is a consultation with a dental professional, which may include services like dental extraction in Raleigh if deemed necessary. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth during this session to determine whether Invisalign is appropriate. They will also walk you through the treatment plan and answer any questions. If you choose Invisalign, your dentist will take 3D images and imprints of your teeth to create your individualized treatment plan.
Creating the Treatment Plan
After your dentist has taken photos and impressions of your teeth, they will utilize this information to design a personalized treatment plan. Your treatment strategy will include wearing clear plastic trays for roughly two weeks. Each tray will progressively rearrange your teeth into your chosen positions until you have obtained your ideal smile.
Wearing the Invisalign Trays
Wearing clear plastic trays is the third stage of Invisalign therapy. You will use each tray for approximately two weeks before switching to the next one on the set. Wearing the trays for the correct period each day (typically around 22 hours) can help guarantee that your teeth shift as planned.
Follow-Up Appointments
You will have follow-up sessions with a specialist like this dentist to monitor your progress during your Invisalign treatment. At these appointments, your dentist will evaluate your teeth for alignment and make any required changes to your treatment plan. Attending your follow-up appointments is critical to ensuring your treatment stays on track.
Refinement
Your dentist may urge refining after you have completed your initial batch of trays. Refinement entails making extra trays to make final modifications to your teeth. This stage is critical to achieving your ideal smile and ensuring your teeth are precisely aligned.
Retainer
After completing your Invisalign treatment, you will be given a retainer to wear. Your teeth will remain straight and won’t move back to their original positions with the aid of the retainer. You must wear your retainer as directed by your dentist to ensure your treatment’s long-term success.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign is an excellent alternative for anyone wishing to enhance their teeth’ appearance and function, with advantages like a more discreet appearance, simpler cleaning, and reduced discomfort. Finding a competent dental expert to guide you through the stages of therapy and maintaining good oral hygiene is critical. Understanding the treatment stages lets you obtain the smile you’ve always desired.