Invisalign Process and Timeline

Your journey with Invisalign starts with a consultation. Your dentist will book you in to closely evaluate your smile and map out a digital treatment plan that highlights how the treatment will transform your smile. Your dentist will then create your unique set of aligners that you will wear for 20 to 22 hours each day. You will change to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by your dentist. Each set will gradually shift your teeth into their right place. Once you have your beautiful smile, your Invisalign treatment will be complete.

There are normally three stages involved with Invisalign. The first is planning the treatment, which involves your dentist taking digital x-ray images of your teeth. The results are shared with Invisalign software and allow your dentist to virtually plan the exact movement of your teeth throughout the entire treatment. Your case is then sent to a dental lab where a number of aligners are designed to move your teeth sequentially through treatment. Second, you will be instructed to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day for about two weeks (you can take them out for drinking, eating, brushing, and flossing), then you will move into a new set of aligners in the series. The length of treatment is different for everyone; however, results can be achieved within a year. Third, once you are committed to the treatment you can smile with confidence with your new retainer. Your dentist will remind you to wear your retainer at all times for straighter and healthier looking teeth.

For faster results to get that beautiful smile, your dentist will always advise you to follow the treatment plan. Changing out your aligners sooner may cause permanent damage, but there are a few things you can do in order to get faster results. You will need to see your dentist at least once a month for a quick 10-to-15 minute-appointment; canceling or delaying your appointment may cause your results to be delayed, hence interfering with your goal of speeding up the Invisalign treatment. Also, make sure you wear your aligners for at least 20 hours per day, because if you don’t then you will further delay your treatment. Your teeth need consistent pressure on them to move properly, so if the tray keeps coming off on a frequent basis for long periods of time, your teeth will shift back to their previous location. Too much back-and-forth will cause damage to the root and cause relapse. Additionally, your dentist will always recommend that you take care of your aligners in a protective case and to keep them clean. Always brush and floss your teeth before inserting your aligners. Dental work, like getting fillings, might slow down your Invisalign treatment. In all, follow the advice of your dentist for faster results and you will be pleased with your teeth once the treatment is completed.

Allure Dental Center in Mountain View, CA, offers Invisalign, so contact us today to learn about this treatment that will give you your smile back. We are located at 570 N. Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043. Call us to learn more about Invisalign and its benefits.