The 5-Step Treatment Process for Invisalign & What to Expect

Instead of needing metal brackets and archwires to correct your teeth like in the past, you can straighten your smile with Invisalign. By using clear aligners, you’ll be able to improve your bite discreetly, quickly, and without any food restrictions. Before committing to any dental work, however, you may be wondering what you should expect from the procedure. Read on to get a step-by-step rundown of the Invisalign treatment process!

Step #1: The Initial Consultation

Similar to most other cosmetic dental works, you’ll first require an initial consultation with your dentist. During your appointment, they’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss your smile goals, and determine how they’ll help you achieve your desired results. Once it’s decided that you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, they’ll walk you through a detailed treatment plan, the overall costs, and your financing options to make your procedure affordable. This will be the time to ask as many questions as possible, and your dentist will be happy to answer them.

Step #2: Gathering Diagnostic Records

Invisalign will be completely customized to address your specific dental situation. For this reason, getting your diagnostic records will be important, as this will help your dentist develop the proper trays for your smile. Your dental team will take X-rays and photographs/digital imaging so that they can create the most precise measurements for your clear aligners. They’ll then send the diagnostics to a dental lab for fabrication.

Step #3: Receiving Your Clear Aligners

After your clear aligners have arrived from the lab artisans, you’ll be called back into your dentist’s office to receive them. They’ll be sure to make any adjustments if necessary to guarantee that your Invisalign trays fit you properly. Once they’ve confirmed that the clear aligners are satisfactory, you’ll be instructed on how to take care of them and when to switch to your next set of trays.

Step #4: Follow-Up Appointments

Throughout your treatment, you’ll visit your dentist occasionally for follow-up visits. These appointments are an essential portion of your Invisalign process, as your dental team will monitor your progress as well as provide you with your next aligners. You also have the opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns along the way, that way you and your dentist are always on the same page.

Step #5: Getting Your Retainers

Once you’ve finished your Invisalign treatment, you’ll be able to show off your beautifully straightened smile! Of course, you’ll be given retainers to ensure your pearly whites remain in their new positions. You’ll generally be instructed to wear them for about 20 hours a day for the initial six months to a year. This will help your teeth settle in place, preserving your results. After your dentist gives you the green light, you might be able to wear them overnight instead.

If you’re interested in undergoing Invisalign treatment, feel free to contact your dental team today. They’ll be more than happy to discuss the procedure in more detail and get you started with your teeth straightening process!

About the Author

Dr. Chris Johnson graduated with his dental degree from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. He also regularly seeks continuing education to refine his skills and techniques. He provides a wide variety of advanced and comprehensive treatments, including Invisalign. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call him at 713-229-8100.