If you'd like to straighten your teeth but aren't excited about wearing traditional metal braces, Invisalign® clear aligners may be an option to consider. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth according to a personalized treatment plan.
Because the aligners are clear and removable, many patients appreciate the flexibility they offer during treatment. However, Invisalign does require commitment. Wearing your aligners consistently and following your dentist's instructions are important for keeping treatment on track.
At Kanellis Family Dentistry, we can evaluate your smile and help you determine whether Invisalign may be appropriate for your orthodontic needs.
What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a system of clear, removable aligners designed to gradually move your teeth. Instead of using brackets and wires, each aligner applies controlled pressure to specific teeth.
You'll receive a series of aligners and typically move through them in a particular sequence. Each set is designed to make incremental changes to your tooth position.
The aligners can be removed for eating, drinking beverages other than water, brushing, and flossing. This allows you to maintain your normal oral hygiene routine throughout treatment.
What Is the Invisalign® Treatment Process?
While every Invisalign treatment plan is different, the process generally follows several steps.
1. Schedule a Consultation
Your treatment begins with an examination and conversation about your smile goals. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health to determine whether clear aligner treatment may be appropriate.
Digital scans, photographs, X-rays, or other records may be taken as needed to help plan your treatment.
2. Create Your Treatment Plan
Your dental provider will use the information gathered during your examination to develop a customized treatment plan. Digital treatment-planning technology can help map out the anticipated movement of your teeth throughout treatment.
3. Receive Your Aligners
Once your aligners are ready, you'll receive instructions about how to wear and care for them. You'll also be told when to change from one set to the next.
4. Wear Your Aligners Consistently
Many Invisalign treatment plans recommend wearing aligners for approximately 20 to 22 hours per day, but you should always follow the specific instructions provided by your dental professional.
You can remove your aligners to eat and drink anything other than water and to brush and floss your teeth.
5. Attend Follow-Up Appointments
You'll have periodic appointments so your dental team can monitor your progress and make sure your treatment is moving forward as planned.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
There's no single Invisalign timeline that applies to every patient.
Treatment length depends on factors such as the complexity of your case, the amount of tooth movement required, and how consistently you wear your aligners. Some patients may complete treatment in a relatively short period, while others need a longer treatment plan.
Your dentist can provide a more personalized estimate after evaluating your smile.
It's also important to remember that the estimated timeline is based on your teeth progressing according to the treatment plan. Consistently following your provider's instructions can help avoid unnecessary delays.
How Can You Stay on Track With Invisalign?
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you have more responsibility for your treatment than you might with fixed braces.
A few habits can help you stay on schedule:
Wear Your Aligners as Directed
Try to make wearing your aligners part of your daily routine. Keep them in for the recommended amount of time and only remove them when necessary.
Keep Track of Your Aligner Changes
Your dentist will tell you when it's time to move to the next set. Following that schedule is important because each aligner is designed to correspond with a particular stage of treatment.
Store Your Aligners Safely
When you're eating or brushing, place your aligners in their case rather than wrapping them in a napkin or leaving them somewhere they can be damaged or lost.
Clean Your Aligners
Rinse and clean your aligners according to your dentist's instructions. Avoid exposing them to hot water, which can potentially distort the material.
Attend Your Appointments
Your follow-up visits allow your dentist to monitor your progress and address any concerns that arise during treatment.
What Results Can You Expect From Invisalign?
Invisalign can be used to address a variety of alignment concerns, including certain cases of crowded, spaced, or crooked teeth and some bite-related issues.
The results depend on your individual starting point and treatment plan. Your dentist will discuss what Invisalign may be able to accomplish for your smile during your consultation.
It's also important to understand that teeth can naturally shift after orthodontic treatment. Once you've completed your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will typically recommend a retainer to help maintain your new tooth positions.
Wearing your retainer as directed is an important part of protecting your investment in your new smile.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
Clear aligners can be an excellent option for some patients, but they aren't the right treatment for every orthodontic concern. Your dentist will consider your teeth, bite, oral health, and treatment goals before recommending Invisalign.
If you're a candidate, Invisalign can offer a discreet way to gradually straighten your teeth while allowing you to remove your aligners for meals and your daily oral hygiene routine.
Start Your Invisalign® Journey at Kanellis Family Dentistry
Straightening your teeth doesn't have to mean committing to traditional metal braces. Invisalign offers a clear, removable alternative for patients who are appropriate candidates for aligner treatment.
At Kanellis Family Dentistry, we can evaluate your smile, answer your questions, and explain what Invisalign treatment could look like for you—including your anticipated timeline and what you can do to stay on track.
Interested in learning more about Invisalign®? Contact Kanellis Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation.
