A Step-by-Step Guide to Straighter Teeth with Invisalign

Summary

Who does not want a perfectly straight smile that brightens a room upon their entrance? The answer is everyone does. But unfortunately,nine out of tenpeople have sightly misaligned or crooked teeth.    

Traditionally, metal braces were the only feasible option to address this issue. But thanks to the latest advancements in dental science, Invisalign has become an excellent, more comfortable, and aesthetically appealing alternative to traditional metal braces.    

Despite the amazing 96% success rate of Invisalign treatments, there is still a lot of confusion about it. This blog will address these confusions and more with a deeper insight into the following topics: 

  • Understanding Invisalign Clear Aligners 
  • Types of Dental Issues You Can Address Using Invisalign
  • Reasons To Choose Invisalign Over Other Treatment Options  
  • Step-by-Step Guide to Invisalign Treatments

Let’s dive into these topics’ details to understand better and make the most of Invisalign treatments.  

Understanding Invisalign Clear Aligners 

Invisalign is a brand name for clear aligners that people use to straighten their teeth and achieve a perfect smile. These aligners are an excellent alternative to conventional metal braces, which make life difficult with wires and brackets. 

Invisalign has many unique characteristics that make it the perfect choice for most people looking to straighten their teeth less conspicuously. These transparent and easily removable aligners are convenient for most people requiring teeth straightening treatments.    

Types of Dental Issues You Can Address Using Invisalign 

The Cherokee Family Dental Clinic offers Invisalign for a wide range of dental issues. Some of the best-known include overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, gap teeth, and crowded teeth.   

You can even leverage the potential of these clear aligners to align your arches. However, more research is still needed to determine if Invisalign is the right option for addressing severe bite-related issues.  

Reasons To Choose Invisalign Over Other Treatment Options  

Invisalign offers numerous advantages over traditional braces, making it a feasible choice to compare them both. Here are some of the key reasons to choose clear aligners over traditional braces:

1. Discreet: 

The clear aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth without compromising your appearance.

2. Comfortable: 

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is comfortable to wear and does not irritate your gums or cheeks.

3. Removable: 

The ability to remove your aligners for eating and brushing makes maintaining oral hygiene much more accessible.

4. Dietary Freedom: 

You will not have to worry about avoiding certain foods that can damage traditional braces.

5. Shorter Treatment Time: 

Invisalign treatment can sometimes be shorter than traditional braces, depending on the individual’s dental condition and compliance with the treatment plan. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Invisalign Treatments 

The overall process of getting Invisalign treatment is relatively simple. You only need to follow a couple of simple steps. So, let’s break down these steps to get a better understanding.

Step 1: The Initial Consultation   

Your journey for an Invisalign treatment starts with a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist certified in Invisalign treatment. You can search for Invisalign treatment near me and expect the following things during the initial consultation:

1. Discussion of Goals: 

Be prepared to discuss your desired outcome, concerns about your teeth, and lifestyle habits.

2. Oral Examination: 

The dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine if Invisalign is right for you. During the test, the dentist might even take some X-rays or scans.

3. Treatment Plan:

If Invisalign is a good fit, the dentist will create a personalized treatment plan using digital imaging software. This will show you a projected timeline and a 3D model of your teeth after treatment.

4. Cost and Insurance: 

Discuss the cost of treatment and any insurance coverage you might have. Invisalign treatment typically falls within the same price range as traditional braces.

Step 2: Creating Your Clear Aligners 

Once you have decided to move forward, the dentist will take digital impressions of your teeth using a specialized scanner. This innovative scanner provides a comfortable and highly accurate scan, eliminating the need for messy traditional impressions.

Invisalign experts will create a series of custom-made, clear aligners using this digital scan.  Each aligner is designed to shift your teeth into their desired positions subtly. You must typically receive a set of several aligners at a time, enough to last for a few weeks.

Step 3: Your Life With Invisalign

Now comes the exciting part: when you start wearing your aligners! So, here’s what you need to know about your life with clear aligners:

1. Wearing Time:

 For optimal results, you must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day, removing them only for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth.

2. Changing Aligners: 

As instructed by your dentist, you will need to switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks. This gradual process ensures the gentle and controlled movement of your teeth.

3. Discomfort: 

It is normal to experience mild discomfort, especially when switching to a new aligner set. This is because your teeth are adjusting to their new positions, and you can deal with this discomfort by using over-the-counter pain relievers.

4. Cleaning: 

Consider cleaning your aligners daily with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also use Invisalign cleaning crystals for a deeper clean.

Step 4: Monitoring The Progress

Regular check-ups with your dentist are crucial throughout your Invisalign treatment. These appointments will allow your dentist to:

1. Monitor Progress: 

The dentist will check the movement of your teeth and ensure the aligners are fitting correctly.

2. Adjustments: 

The dentist might make minor adjustments to your treatment plan or aligners.

3. Oral Health: 

The dentist will also monitor your overall oral health and address any concerns you may have.

Step 5: Getting The Perfect and Retaining It 

After diligently wearing your aligners as prescribed, you will finally reach the end of your treatment, getting a straighter and more confident smile. Following your treatment, you must wear retainers to maintain your new smile. Typically worn at night, these retainers prevent your teeth from returning to their original positions.

Takeaway

  • Nine out of ten people have sightly misaligned or crooked teeth.    
  • Invisalign is a brand name for clear aligners that people use to straighten their teeth and get a perfect smile.
  • Invisalign can address many dental issues, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, gap teeth, and crowded teeth. 
  • Invisalign offers numerous advantages over traditional braces, making it a feasible choice to compare them both. 
  • There are numerous reasons to choose Invisalign clear aligners over conventional metal braces. 
  • You can get Invisalign treatment and straighten your teeth for the perfect smile by following a simple five-step process.     
  • Let’s unlock the secrets to your straighter smile with our experts at Cherokee Dental Professionals.