Are you ready to leave crooked or spaced-out teeth in the past? If so, you – like many other patients – may be interested in doing so without noticeable brackets and uncomfortable wires. The good news is that Invisalign can deliver the same beautiful results but with clear, comfortable aligners. If you are curious what the teeth-straightening process looks like, here’s a brief breakdown of five important steps.
Step 1: Determining If You’re a Candidate
Of course, the very first step of the entire treatment process is scheduling a consultation with an experienced orthodontist. In addition to reviewing your dental history, they will conduct an oral exam and assess the severity of your case to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. If the answer is “yes,” then they will begin the process of making your aligners. If the answer is “no,” then they will discuss your treatment options, like traditional braces.
Step 2: Getting the Aligners
It usually takes a few weeks for the lab artisans to craft your aligners. Once we’ve received them, we will schedule your first official appointment. At this visit, we will give you the first several sets, show you how to take off and put on your aligners, and share what to do (and what not to do) to keep them clean and clear. Then, we will answer any questions you have and schedule your next progress visit.
Step 3: Attending the Follow-Up Visits
The follow-up visits are usually every 6-8 weeks. During these visits, we take updated scans of your teeth to track their movement and ensure you’re on-track with your treatment plan. If you aren’t, don’t stress – we can pinpoint why that is and make the necessary adjustments to help prevent significant treatment plan delays. Usually, patients are in and out of the treatment chair in less than 30 minutes!
Step 4: Making Refinement Aligners (If Needed)
Once you’ve worked through your series of aligners, we will take a look at all of your progress. If you’re happy with your results, then your time with Invisalign will come to a close. If, on the other hand, there are a few minor gaps or some mild overcrowding, then we can have refinement trays made to address that effortlessly.
Step 5: Creating Your Retainer
Once we’ve moved your teeth and bite into proper alignment, and you’re happy with your results, we will take the final impressions of your teeth and use them to create your custom retainer. This small dental device plays a big role in preventing orthodontic relapse, which is when teeth move back into their previously misaligned positions. So, make sure to wear yours consistently!
About the Practice
Our team at Drabik Orthodontics is led by a talented, experienced, and compassionate orthodontist. Not only that, but he has been a Certified Invisalign Elite Provider Since 2010! So, if you are interested in straightening your teeth the metal-free way, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call our Webster or Rochester office to schedule a consultation.