The Step-by-Step Process of Invisalign

Do you want to have a straighter smile? Unfortunately, not all of us are born with the perfectly aligned smile that we have always dreamed of. Fortunately, you no longer need to experience a mouthful of metal for who knows how long in order to get the aligned teeth that you always wanted. Instead, you can choose Invisalign. This treatment uses a series of clear aligners in order to move your teeth into their rightful locations. A dentist in Freedom shares more so that you know what you can expect.

Consultation

Before you begin your Invisalign treatment, you will need to see your dentist for a consultation. Even though clear aligners can fix all sorts of different alignment issues, some are too complex to be corrected in this way. If your teeth are severely rotated or angled, your dentist may recommend that you choose another orthodontic treatment, like traditional braces, instead.

Preparation

Once your dentist has determined that you are a good candidate for the treatment, you will be ready to move on to the second step. During this time, your dentist will take some photographs and dental x-rays. A model of your smile will be created so that a customized plan can be made just for you.

Receiving Your New Aligners

After just a few weeks, you will receive your aligners and some minor adjustments may be made. For example, ‘buttons’ are small, tooth-colored bumps that are made from a composite resin that are sometimes placed on the front surface of the teeth. This helps to keep aligners from coming out of 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. Approximately every two weeks, you will switch out your aligners for a new set.

Follow-Ups

You will need to return to the dental office on a regular basis to make sure that the treatment is going well. Teeth don’t always move exactly how expected. Your dentist can make adjustments if they are needed.

Final Refinement

After you have completed your series of aligners, you may still require some refinement. A few tweaks may be made in order to give you the exact results that you are looking for. It is difficult to predict exactly how your teeth will move.

Retainers

After your teeth have made it to their final locations, you will be able to say goodbye to your aligners. Any buttons that were placed will be removed. Instead, you will be wearing a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original locations.

Traditional braces have a lot to offer, but they aren’t necessarily for everyone. By discussing your smile goals with your dentist, you can get on track towards a smile that makes you feel confident.

About the Author

At Dental Expressions in Freedom, WI, you have two friendly and experienced dentists ready to assist you. Both Dr. Robert Heil and Dr. Heather Heil earned their dental degrees from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in Minneapolis and have been practicing for over twenty years. To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (920) 788-6280.