If you don’t wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment, your teeth can move back.
Using digital x-rays, we will take scans of your teeth and physical impressions and send them to the Invisalign dental lab, where they will create custom aligners that fit your teeth.
A 3D computer-generated model of your teeth will be created based on scans of your teeth. This allows the Invisalign technicians to plan your tooth movements digitally. We can provide feedback on our end and you will be able to view the model of your teeth as well as what your final alignment will look like.
Once your treatment plan is approved and aligners are fabricated, you’ll pick them up from our office once they’re ready and can begin your treatment.
Periodic appointments will be scheduled throughout your treatment to check on your progress and provide you with more aligners.
Because your aligners aren’t bonded to your teeth, you can take them out whenever you want to eat or drink. This means you won’t have any restrictions on your diet as long as you remove your aligners first. You can also thoroughly clean your teeth because there won’t be any metal bonded to your teeth, blocking many of the tooth surfaces.
Invisalign uses patented Smart Track thermoplastic technology to create aligners that are ultra-comfortable and cushion your teeth. Your teeth are shifted through force but it is exerted gently compared to braces.
Invisalign is transparent and attachments are tooth-colored so no one will notice your aligners unless you point them out. This can reduce embarrassment and insecurity in older teenagers and adults.
Invisalign corrects misaligned teeth faster on average compared to braces and you spend less time in routine appointments because you don’t need to get braces tightened.
This depends on the severity of your alignment and how often you wear your aligners. The more minor your orthodontic problems are, the less time it will take to correct them. Comparatively, the more severe your orthodontic alignment is, the longer it will take to correct.
On average, most patients take 12-18 months to complete treatment. Then, you will move on to the retention stage and receive a retainer. As long as you wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, then you won’t prolong your treatment.
Yes, this is why you should never eat or drink with your aligners in. You can drink water as long as it isn’t hot but flavored beverages and food can only be consumed after taking your aligners out. You should also brush and floss your teeth before putting them back in because bacteria and surface stains can linger on the teeth and be transferred to your aligners.
No, this will negatively affect your aligners by staining them, trapping bacteria in the aligners which can increase your risk for tooth decay and gum disease, and consuming hot foods and drinks with your aligners can morph the shape of your aligners. You can eat a restriction-free diet so long as your aligners are removed first.
Correcting your tooth alignment with Invisalign can improve your digestive health and the clarity of your speech.