Invisalign: What to Expect When You Begin Treatment

Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign takes the hassle out of teeth straightening. Whereas traditional metal braces are known for being uncomfortable and unattractive, Invisalign, also known as clear aligners, are virtually invisible and significantly more comfortable. Our team at Dorking Smiles are experts in Invisalign and can give you that perfectly aligned smile you’ve been looking for. If this has piqued your interest, please don’t hesitate to give us a call today, and we can discuss whether Invisalign could work for you.

How Does the Invisalign Process Start?

Before your dentist can begin the Invisalign process, you must first attend a consultation appointment so that you and your dentist can ascertain whether or not this would be a suitable treatment option for you. Your dentist will take into consideration factors such as your age, oral health and medical history. It’s also vital that you are fully willing to commit to the treatment, else you risk sacrificing its effectiveness. If you cannot wear your Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours per day, we don’t recommend pursuing this treatment. During this consultation, you can also discuss the cost of the treatment and decide whether or not you would like to set up a payment plan to split up the payment over an extended period.

Then What?

If you are certain you would like to proceed, your dentist will take photographs, x-rays and impressions of your teeth to send to an Invisalign technician. They will use this information to create a 3D model of your teeth’s intended progression to their final position. From this, they will create your bespoke Invisalign aligners.

What Happens Once I Get my Aligners?

Your dentist will supply you with a series of aligners that must be worn in a specific order. Over the course of your treatment, these trays will gradually shift your teeth into the correct position. Each set should be worn for two weeks at a time.
When it comes to Invisalign, it’s crucial that you understand the importance of consistency. If you neglect to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day, your teeth will not move as quickly as they should, and your next set of aligners will likely not fit. The only instances in which your trays should be removed is when you are eating or brushing your teeth. We also recommend brushing the trays each night with a soft brush to stave off bacteria buildup. This will lower your chances of exposure to gum disease.

What Happens After I Finish My Treatment Plan?

After you complete your treatment, there’s a chance that a few stray teeth may still be misaligned. In this case, you may require refinement trays to tweak the final teeth into place. Once all your teeth are in the desired position, you must wear retainers at night to make sure they don’t become crooked again. We suggest wearing them every night for the first few months, but you may decide to reduce this wear time to a few nights per week after this period. It’s a common misconception that retainers should only be worn for a short period after you finish your teeth straightening treatment; after all, teeth can move at any point in your life.

Visit Dorking Smiles for Invisalign

Invisalign is an innovative method of teeth straightening that has taken the world of dentistry by storm over the past few years. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that they are more convenient, more attractive, removable and involve no uncomfortable brackets or wires. The treatment period is also typically much shorter than that of traditional braces. If you’re interested in pursuing this option, please get in touch with Dorking Smiles today, and our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Recommended Posts