The Invisalign Process: From Consultation to Treatment and Beyond

A well-aligned smile is one of the best aspects of human beauty. It communicates confidence and exudes warmth. However, only a lucky few are born with a perfectly aligned smile. Others must get treatment to have theirs straightened. For a long time, the only available option was braces. But in the mid-1990s, all of that changed with Invisalign.

 

Invisalign was the brainchild of a Stanford student who was undergoing orthodontic correction. Talk about necessity being the mother of invention. Zia Chishti created the first basic design of the Invisalign clear aligners while still going to school. With the help of her friend, she worked on the idea to finally deliver the famous smile correction.

Consultation

The orthodontist must first decide whether Invisalign is a good fit for you if you are interested in getting it. Although Invisalign is a flexible treatment option, not all orthodontic problems can be resolved with it. 

 

The orthodontist will review your treatment plan, including the anticipated completion time. They must consider a patient's willingness or ability to keep the trays in for nearly 24 hours a day in addition to clinical factors. Patients and their families naturally wish to confirm insurance coverage and weigh cost alternatives.

 

The Treatment Plan

Invisalign is a customized treatment unique to each patient's specific dental issues. After the consultation, the orthodontist will create a treatment plan that will work for you. They will digitally capture your teeth's impressions and transmit them to the treatment design software to achieve this. 

They will then chart out every step of your procedure and be aware of the precise location of the movement of your teeth with each set of trays. After completing your treatment planning, the orthodontist will send your treatment plan and impressions to the Invisalign labs to create the clear aligners.

Getting Your Aligners

The labs will create aligners for each stage of the treatment plan as designed by your orthodontist. Each set of clear aligner trays will shift your teeth to a new position as they work towards a completely straight smile. It may take between two weeks to a month before you receive the aligners.

Wearing Your Aligners

Once your aligners are ready, your orthodontist will let you know so you can pick them up. They will go over how to use the aligners to ensure the treatment is successful. You will have to have the aligners on for at least 22 hours daily. You can take them out to brush and eat. 

Progress

You will need a checkup every six months to ensure the treatment works correctly. Your smile should be almost perfect when you have your last trays on for about two weeks. At this time, you will go for a final checkup.

Maintenance

After your treatment, you will still need retainers for some time. The retainers help ensure your teeth stay in their new positions. Without these, your teeth will shift back. Your orthodontist will let you know how long you will need the retainers.

For more on the Invisalign process, call Rudell Gary S. Jacinto, DMD, at our office in Los Angeles, California. Call (323) 405-9428 to book an appointment today.