What to Expect When Getting Started With Invisalign

The world of orthodontics was revolutionized with the advent of Invisalign® clear aligner trays. Without brackets or wires, Invisalign straightens your teeth and corrects your bite with custom-made trays that shift your teeth gently over time.

At Laguna Vista Dental in Elk Grove, California, our team recommends Invisalign to improve your smile, whether you’re an adult or a teen. With recent improvements, Invsalign can fix some of the most complex bite problems out there, as well as mild to moderate misalignments. 

Even if you’re ready for Invisalign, you probably have questions about what you should expect. By creating this post, we help you feel more prepared so that you fully understand the Invisalign process.

Start with a consultation

Before you decide to invest your time, money, and effort in Invisalign, please come to discuss your options with our team. When you come in for your first consultation about Invisalign, we perform a thorough exam to assess your concerns and needs. Invisalign can correct numerous issues, including:

• Crowded teeth
• Tooth gaps
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite

If, for any reasons, your issues are beyond the scope of Invisalign, we let you know and then make other recommendations. Your consultation is the perfect time for you to ask questions, and for us to offer suggestions about the best way to correct your specific alignment issues.

Then, we customize

After we’ve all agreed that Invisalign is the best choice for you or your child, you get a customized treatment plan to address your particular needs. One of the best things about Invisalign clear aligner trays is that they’re custom-made. We use cutting-edge technology to produce precise 3D images of your mouth that the lab uses to create your trays.

The aligner trays are so exactly sized to your mouth and gums that you can wear them comfortably. Invisalign uses a patented material called SmartTrack® for the trays. SmartTrack is soft, BPA-free. The groundbreaking material allows you to wear your trays without rubbing, chafing, or other discomfort.

Take it one tray at a time

 Every week or two, you switch to a new set of aligner trays. Each set s moves your teeth a little closer to their final position. In other words, your teeth are repositioned into a more ideal alignment gradually and discreetly. You may feel a slight bit of soreness as you adjust to each new tray, but it doesn’t last long. 

You must wear your aligners for 20-22 hours each day. Only remove them to eat and to clean your teeth. Invisalign is far more comfortable than traditional braces. Be sure to clean your teeth as normal by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once per day.

Also, you can’t forget to switch trays. If you or your teen is forgetful, we recommend Invisalign Teen®, which features blue indicator dots that let you know when it’s time to make the switch.

Come to our office every 4-6 weeks to check in and make sure your treatment plan is going as expected. For optimal results, most people wear the aligner trays for 12-18 months. The most important factor is wearing your trays for the recommended amount of time each day. 

Retain your success 

After you’ve reached your alignment goal, you must wear a Vivera® retainer to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original position. First, you wear the retainer for 22 hours a day. Then, when we give the OK, you switch to a nightly routine.

You have only one other task to perform once your teeth have reached their ideal alignment: Smile as much as possible!

If you’d like to find out if Invisalign’s fast, comfortable system will work for you or your teen’s orthodontic needs, schedule an appointment with us today by phone or easy online form.