Invisalign is a simpler alternative to braces, but its providers don’t always outline what it involves. Just what should a patient expect from the actual aligner process? Your Copperas Cove orthodontist takes this question seriously, so we’re here to provide some solid answers. Just keep reading to learn the basic steps of Invisalign treatment and how they work. Once you’ve grasped them, you’ll be well-prepared for your trays and the straight smile they’ll bring!
Attend an Initial Visit
An Invisalign treatment starts the way any dental work does, with an initial visit. This session with the orthodontist confirms whether clear aligners suit you.
The initial visit – a “consultation” – covers what you want from Invisalign. Clear aligners can’t fix every misaligned smile, so the orthodontist will assess your mouth to see whether the trays would help. They’ll approve you for treatment if you’re a good candidate; they’ll suggest a different procedure if you’re not.
Share Your Diagnostic Records
Should the orthodontist approve treatment, they’ll next need some details from you. That means you’ll need to share your “diagnostic records.”
These diagnostic records are fairly easy to obtain. For the most part, the orthodontist will just take photos and digital X-rays of your teeth with a scanner. They’ll then use insights from these images to design and create your aligner trays.
Get Your Aligners
The orthodontist will move to the third phase of treatment once your trays are ready. In particular, they’ll provide your aligners and have you try them on.
When the trays first arrive, you’ll attend a placement visit. The orthodontist will have you wear the trays at this session and see if they fit correctly. As needed, they may make last-minute adjustments so the aligners work as they should.
Make Follow-Up Visits
After the placement visit, you’ll need to see the orthodontist for periodic follow-up sessions. These “follow-up visits” keep your treatment on track.
These follow-up visits are easy, all things considered. They only last 10-15 minutes and let your treatment provider confirm your aligners are working. If everything looks good, you’ll head home afterward to wear your next set of trays.
Step 5: Use Your Retainer
You’ll shift to the last phase of treatment when you’re done with your trays. For that step, you’ll consistently wear a retainer to preserve your straight smile.
This retainer shouldn’t trouble you much. You’ll need to wear it constantly at first, but you’ll eventually transition to just wearing it at night. The device will keep your teeth from shifting back to their crooked positions, so the effort is worthwhile.
Now that you know the basic steps of Invisalign treatment, you can better adjust to your trays. Still, don’t hesitate to ask your treatment provider for more details if necessary.
About the Practice
Benchmark Dental & Orthodontics is based in Copperas Cove, TX. Led by Drs. Celebi, Ahmed, Rahman, and Mansuri, our practice strives to make every smile the best it can be. We thus offer comprehensive dentistry and orthodontic work, all while personalizing treatment to your needs. Whether you see us for dental checkups, dental crowns, braces, or more, our team is here for you! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (254)-547-4866.