This time, we’re looking at the process of Invisalign. Today, Invisalign has helped over 10 million people worldwide by offering a convenient, discreet orthodontic alternative to braces.
But, how does Invisalign work, you may be wondering? So, let’s take a closer look.
The Process of Invisalign: Step #1 – Consult an Orthodontist
Today, Invisalign can help in all kinds of cases and treats people of all ages. However, it’s not for everyone, and in some cases, treatment like modern braces may be preferable. How do you find out if you’re an Invisalign candidate?
Please, check out our recent blog on Invisalign vs. Braces: Which is Best for Me?
First, consult with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Anthony Farrow. He’s helped thousands of people in the Philadelphia area achieve their dream smiles over 30 years. Also, he’s a certified Invisalign provider who creates custom treatment plans that get incredible results.
After closely evaluating your unique smile, he can let you know if you’re an Invisalign candidate.
Today, it’s never been so easy to get started without leaving the house. Take a free virtual consultation, and you can learn if Invisalign is for you. To begin, click the purple button that reads, “Click here to start your virtual appointment” at the screen’s bottom.
Otherwise, schedule your first complimentary in-person consultation. We look forward to helping you learn about Invisalign and orthodontic care in our friendly, high-tech offices.
Step #2: 3-D Digital Scan of Your Smile
Next in the process of Invisalign, Dr. Farrow will utilize the latest high-tech 3-D digital scanning equipment to scan your smile. Today, you don’t have to worry about goopy, messy impressions with an easy, comfortable process.
Then, the 3-D imaging will allow Dr. Farrow to design a custom treatment. Due to the exacting precision of the imaging process, aligners are an exact fit and thus more comfortable. Also, the aligners efficiently guide teeth to their ideal positions.
Once Dr. Farrow approves a treatment plan, Invisalign uses advanced computer technology to translate these instructions into a sequence of finely calibrated aligners.
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Step #3: Begin Wearing Your First Aligner Set
Over the course of treatment, you will wear a series of aligner sets. Depending on the case, you may wear as few as 12 or as many as 48 sets. Each set is designed to very gradually move your teeth, and by the last set, your teeth will be in their ideal positions. In many cases, another set to further refine the result is completed.
When you come in for your first set of aligners, we will check that they fit perfectly and go over everything you need to know. For example, how to easily place and remove the aligners and how to care for them.
Always, you’ll need to wear your aligners at all times unless you are eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. Thus, you’ll wear them while you’re sleeping, allowing them to work while you dream.
In some cases, the orthodontist may place SmartForce attachments, discreet tooth-colored bumps that facilitate comfortable movement.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
How long will your Invisalign treatment take? It varies widely by individual. Sometimes, a minor adjustment may be complete in six months. However, most people will wear aligners for between one to three years in some cases. Before any treatment begins, we’ll go over the plan of how long your treatment will likely require.
Note: By sticking to wearing your aligners and following good oral health practices, you can help your treatment go faster.
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Step #4: Wear a Retainer Following Treatment
Following Invisalign treatment, it’s time to celebrate achieving your dream smile! Our patients love showing off their new smiles with a boost to confidence and self-esteem.
With braces or Invisalign, it’s necessary to wear a retainer following treatment. Otherwise, teeth can begin moving out of their ideal positions. However, it’s a small price to pay to be able to enjoy a perfect smile for a lifetime.
Generally, you may need to wear a retainer for about a year, but it varies. Thus, Dr. Farrow will evaluate your unique smile. Then, he will prescribe a plan for how long a retainer will be beneficial.
Eat What You Want with Fewer Appointments
Perhaps the biggest advantage of Invisalign, besides being so discreet, is you can take aligners out to eat. Thus, you can enjoy your favorite foods without damaging wires, as with braces. However, there are still some guidelines to keep in mind with both Invisalign and braces.
Also, since there is no wire, there may be fewer appointments required, including emergency visits.
We hope this information on the process of Invisalign is helpful. If you have any questions, please give us a call.
Call us anytime at (215)247-9060 for our Mt. Airy Office.
Or, call us at (215) 569-9060 for our Center City Office.
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Dr. Farrow and our team at Farrow Orthodontics are experts in braces and Invisalign. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have in Philadelphia, PA, Center City, PA, Logan Square, PA, and Rittenhouse Square, PA.
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