The Steps of an Invisalign Treatment

Achieving a beautiful smile and well-aligned teeth is becoming increasingly accessible thanks to the various orthodontic treatments available on the market. Although we’re all familiar with traditional metal braces, these can sometimes be uncomfortable or restrictive for the person wearing them. This is where the popular Invisalign treatment comes in.

It is a dental appliance that ensures a slow, gradual progression of teeth into their final position. A treatment plan is determined with your orthodontist, after which the aligners are replaced every week or two. The popularity of this alternative lies in its effectiveness, discretion and comfort.

In this article, we’ll take you through the various stages of the Invisalign treatment. With this information in mind, you can make an enlightened decision that will help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

What to Expect When You Start Invisalign

Made from clear plastic, Invisalign aligners are removable and offer many benefits for the patient. This carefully designed method progressively moves the teeth into their final position.

While Invisalign is a great alternative for everyone, it’s important to know that an initial meeting with our dentist is required. This assessment will determine whether this type of treatment is optimally suited to your condition. We’ll also discuss your goals and the results you expect.

How Does The Invisalign Process Work Step-By-Step?

Ready to Get Started? Step 1: The Diagnosis

During this consultation, our team will take a variety of photographs and X-rays. We’ll also take digital impressions using an iTero scanner. These elements will be necessary to establish a precise diagnosis as well as the expected tooth movement throughout the treatment.

Thanks to the technologies we use, we are able to give you a preview of the final result, via a 3D simulation of your smile. This will enable us to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and your orthodontic condition.

Step 2: Setting up the Treatment Plan

Following the initial consultation, we’ll take the time to analyze the overall situation and develop an effective treatment plan to meet your needs. This will include the estimated duration of treatment, the frequency of aligner replacement and the precision of expected movement.

When the plan is ready, we send precise instructions to Invisalign. They can then begin the process of making your aligners entirely to order.

Step 3: Aligner Fabrication and Delivery to the Clinic

Once the instructions have been sent out, a few weeks must be allowed for the lab to complete the fabrication of the aligners. After that, our team will contact you to schedule your next appointment.

During this visit, we’ll place your first aligners and ensure they fit your teeth perfectly. We’ll also take the time to walk you through the next steps, from how to care for your aligners to what to do if one is lost or broken. Finally, you’ll head home with a few sets of aligners, enough to last until your next appointment.

Step 4: Start of Treatment and Follow-up Visits

You’re back home and starting your Invisalign treatment! A new step has begun!

One of the advantages of this method is the number of follow-up visits needed with your dentist. These are less frequent than with traditional braces, since you change your aligners regularly. Depending on your dentist’s instructions, you’ll likely change them every one to two weeks.

To ensure that the treatment runs smoothly and is effective, it’s important to wear the aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day. You’ll need to remove them for eating, drinking and oral care only.

Regular visits will be scheduled, enabling us to monitor the progress and movement of your teeth. If necessary, we’ll be able to react quickly if adjustments are required. In all cases, your dental team is available to see you or answer your questions between appointments.

Step 5: Final Phase and Adjustments Before Treatment Completion

Are you in the final miles of your Invisalign treatment? Your dentist may wish to provide you with additional aligners to make minor adjustments. Although the movements are barely visible at this stage of the treatment, they will certainly provide you with a final result that lives up to your expectations.

Our goal is not to prolong your treatment at any cost, but to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of, with beautiful, straight teeth. The benefits to you as well as your satisfaction are priceless, which is why we do whatever it takes to get you there.

Step 6: Your Treatment Is Finally Complete!

To preserve your smile and keep your teeth in their new position, we’ll provide you with a retainer. There are a number of alternatives available to help you maintain the results you’ve achieved. These include the Vivera retainer to be worn at night, or the traditional retainer wire. Your dentist is the best person to guide you towards the solution most suited to your condition.

Our team will also take the opportunity to give you some practical advice on how to care for your new smile.