Invisalign Treatment Timeline
Crooked teeth and a misaligned bite compromise the appearance of the smile and make it more difficult to bite, chew, or care for the teeth. Unfortunately, many people choose to live with malocclusion problems to avoid the bulky wires and brackets that are part of braces treatment.
Rather than settle for a crooked smile, the patients at Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, which serves the Bloomington, IL, and Champaign, IL, areas, can consider Invisalign® treatment. Invisalign uses discreet and comfortable clear aligners to straighten the teeth and align the jaw. Here, we provide an overview of the Invisalign treatment timeline that patients can expect at our dental practice.
Invisalign Consultation
Before starting Invisalign treatment, individuals must consult with our dental team. It is essential that we examine the teeth to determine what type of malocclusion issues are present, as well as the degree of corrections that must be made. This allows us to ascertain if Invisalign is an appropriate teeth straightening option for the patient. Invisalign is able to correct many of the same problems as traditional braces, so most people are ideal candidates for this technique.
Invisalign Planning
For those of our patients who will respond well to Invisalign, we move on to the planning phase of treatment. We take x-rays, photographs, and impressions of the teeth to create a personalized treatment plan. This information is sent to an Invisalign laboratory, along with the goals for treatment. Based on these specifications, a series of Invisalign aligners are created for the patient.
Progressing Through Aligners
A patient’s first several sets of aligners should arrive at our practice within two to four weeks of the treatment plan being created. Once aligners arrive, patients come to our office to try on their first aligners and receive detailed instructions regarding how the aligners should be worn. Specific treatment plans may vary slightly for each patient, but generally a set of aligners is worn for two weeks. At that time, patients progress to a new set of aligners. Each set of aligners fits slightly differently, so that the teeth and jaw continually receive the pressure necessary to encourage movement to their intended position. Throughout treatment, patients return for checkups approximately every six weeks. If necessary, adjustments can be made to the treatment plan.
While individuals are progressing through their aligners, there are certain things to keep in mind. Invisalign aligners are removable. They should be taken out any time a patient eats or drinks. It is important that patients brush their teeth before putting aligners back in place. Finally, although aligners are removable, patients must be sure to wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. If aligners are not worn continually, treatment results will be compromised.
Invisalign Results
The amount of time it takes for patients to notice the results of Invisalign treatment is dependent on how severe malocclusion problems were to start. On average, patients notice a change in the appearance of their smile within around five months of starting treatment. It takes longer, about 12 to 18 months, for the full results of treatment.
Contact Our Dental Practice
Invisalign is a comfortable, discreet, and convenient alternative to traditional braces. If you would like to learn more about this teeth straightening treatment, and whether it may be right for you, schedule an appointment at Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. To get started, send us a message online or call us at (309) 663-6393.