The decision to improve your smile with Invisalign can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Unlike traditional braces with metal brackets and wires, Invisalign offers a more discreet way to achieve the straight teeth you’ve always wanted. However, you may be wondering what exactly you can expect as you embark on this journey toward a more confident smile. Understanding the process from start to finish can help you prepare mentally and physically for the changes ahead.
At White Pine Family Dental, we’ve guided countless patients through their Invisalign treatment. Witnessing their excitement as their bite and smile are transformed. They smile bigger, chew better and are more confident. We’ve created this comprehensive guide to walk you through each step of the Invisalign process, from your initial consultation to that wonderful moment when you complete your treatment and reveal your new smile to the world.
The Initial Consultation: Creating Your Invisalign Treatment Plan
Your Invisalign journey begins with a thorough consultation at our office. During this visit, we’ll do the following to ensure Invisalign is the correct option to straighten your smile:
- Examine your teeth and discuss your smile goals
- Take digital impressions using advanced scanning technology
- Create a custom treatment plan using 3D computer imaging
- Discuss treatment timeline and financial considerations
This consultation helps us determine if Invisalign is the right choice for your specific dental needs. Most alignment issues can be addressed with Invisalign, but some complex cases may require traditional orthodontics. We will ensure that we are able to decipher the right path to getting you the smile of your dreams!
Getting Your First Set of Invisalign Clear Aligners
Once your custom aligners are created, which typically occurs within a few weeks of your consultation, you’ll return to our office to receive your first set. During this appointment, we will do the following to ensure you can begin your journey to a straighter smile:
- Ensure your aligners fit properly.
- Place small, tooth-colored attachments on specific teeth to help the aligners grip and move teeth more effectively.
- Provide detailed instructions on wearing and caring for your aligners.
- Provide you with tooth whitening to brighten your teeth while you straighten them
- Answer any questions you might have about the process.
Some patients experience some discomfort during the first few days with a new set of aligners. This pressure is actually a good sign as it means your teeth are moving! The discomfort typically subsides after a few days as your mouth adjusts. However, if it persists, be sure to contact our office to schedule another appointment to address your concerns.
What You Can Expect Living with Invisalign
For successful treatment, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for the following activities:
- Eating and drinking, except water
- Brushing and flossing your teeth
- Cleaning your aligners
This schedule allows for maximum effectiveness while still providing the flexibility to enjoy meals without restrictions. Remember to brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners to prevent staining and decay.
Caring for your aligners is straightforward. You can do so easily by following these steps:
- Rinse them when you remove them
- Clean them gently with a soft toothbrush
- Store them in their case when not in use
- Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic
Our team will go over this process with you and ensure you have a clear understanding of how to care for your Invisalign before you leave your first appointment.
How Often Will You Need Appointments to Monitor Your Invisalign Journey?
Throughout your treatment, you’ll visit our office approximately every 3 months. This is so we can ensure your journey is going well and to do the following:
- Check that your teeth are moving as planned
- Provide you with your next set of aligners
- Make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, we call this refinements
- Refinements are part of any Clear Aligner treatment and you should expect to have at least one to accomplish the desired goals
These appointments are typically quick and straightforward, but are essential for ensuring your treatment stays on track.
Completion and Retention: Maintaining Your Invisalign Results
When you’ve finished with your last aligner, it’s time to celebrate your new smile! To maintain your results, you’ll need to wear a retainer. The amount of time you will wear the retainer is broken down as follows:
- Nighttime wear only
- Long-term retention prevents teeth from shifting back to their original positions
- And protects the teeth from grinding
Most patients use either clear retainers similar to their Invisalign aligners or have a permanent retainer bonded to the back of certain teeth. We will determine which option is best for your unique smile during one of your final Invisalign check-in appointments.
Your Partner Through the Invisalign Journey
At White Pine Family Dental, we’re committed to making your Invisalign experience as smooth and successful as possible. Our team is always available to answer questions and address concerns throughout your treatment.
Additional Perks of Invisalign at White Pine Family Dental
- Platinum Provider of Invisalign
- Low Payment options
- Tooth Whitening included
- Aligner Cleaner included
- First Retainer included
The journey to a straighter smile requires patience and commitment, but the end result, a beautiful, confident smile, is well worth the effort. If you’re considering Invisalign or are about to begin treatment, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Ready to transform your smile with Invisalign? Contact our office at (775) 825-6655 or through our contact form to schedule your consultation.