Bulky metal braces were once the only orthodontic treatment option for straightening teeth. Metal brackets and wires caused patients years of discomfort, as well as the inconvenience of not being able to eat certain foods and the hassle of having to brush and floss between wires. Fortunately for us, metal braces are no longer the only way to achieve your dream smile! Invisalign offers a solution that’s comfortable, convenient, and discreet. Here’s what you need to know.
Your First Appointment
During your initial consultation, we'll assess your teeth and bite to see if you're a good candidate for Invisalign. The majority of patients are candidates for Invisalign treatment; nevertheless, people with complex orthodontic cases may require traditional braces.
If you decide to go forward with aligner therapy, we will take digital impressions of your teeth and bite. These digital scans just take a few minutes to complete and offer us a more precise model of your mouth than the traditional method of using messy, uncomfortable impression material and trays.
Your digital impressions are used to create a three-dimensional model of your mouth that we can view on our office computers. This 3D model can be used to show you a preview of how your smile will look after Invisalign, but it's also the model we'll use to plan your orthodontic treatment.
Wearing Your Invisalign Aligners
Your treatment plan is sent to Invisalign, where your aligners will be fabricated to your dentist’s specifications. Once you receive your aligners, treatment begins! You'll switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks, or as recommended by your dentist. Invisalign aligners reposition your teeth by slowly shifting them into their proper positions in a gentle and predictable manner.
Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours every day, taking them out only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, or floss. Because Invisalign aligners only work when they're being worn, it's critical to wear them for the required length of time each day to keep your treatment on schedule.
You'll visit our office every four to six weeks for a check-up to ensure that your teeth are moving as intended.
Your Invisalign Results
The average patient has to wear Invisalign for 12 to 18 months, but the length of your treatment is determined by the complexity of your orthodontic case and your commitment to wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours every day.
When your treatment is over, you'll receive a set of Vivera retainers, which are composed of high-quality clear plastic and look quite similar to your aligners. You'll have to wear your Vivera retainers all day for the first few weeks after you get them, but after that, you'll only have to wear them at night. This aids in the long-term maintenance of your Invisalign results, allowing you to enjoy your stunning new smile for years to come!
Learn More About Invisalign
Are you interested in learning more about Invisalign? To schedule a consultation, contact us today at 212-888-4140.