The first step is meeting with your doctor during a one on one consultation. They will examine your smile, discuss your orthodontic goals, and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you. We will take impressions or digital scans of your mouth and give you a sneak peek of your new smile with a digital mockup.
When your first set of aligners arrives at our office, you’ll come in to pick them up and try them on. Your doctor will instruct you on how to wear your aligners to get the best results. Most patients are instructed to wear them for at least 20 hours a day. You’ll also switch out the aligners for the next set every two weeks.
We will be checking in every 6 weeks to make sure your progress is on track. During these periodic check-ins, you’ll also receive your next few sets of aligners. So long as you are diligent about wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time per day, your smile will keep shifting into the right position.
After completing treatment, you’ll get a set of retainers to maintain your beautiful new smile. These durable retainers will look similar to your original Invisalign aligners, but are better suited for long-term use as they can handle more pressure without breaking down. You’ll likely need to wear these every night to help keep your teeth straight for years to come.
Invisalign is designed from molds of your teeth and are built in layers with photo-sensitive liquid resin. When exposed to a laser, the resin cures into a hard yet flexible thermoplastic called SmartTrack®, which was created exclusively for Invisalign treatment, it's FDA approved too!
The simplest way to keep your aligners clean is to brush them with a toothbrush each time you brush your teeth. If you need to clean them when you’re out and about and don’t have access to your toothbrush, you can also simply rinse the aligners in lukewarm water. Never use hot water or abrasive cleaners; these may warp the plastic of the aligner! You can also purchase an Invisalign Cleaning System for a more thorough cleaning.
Most people will not be able to see your aligners when you are wearing them. This is because the clear plastic makes them practically invisible and there are no bulky metal brackets or wires that will draw attention to your teeth. Plus, Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit snuggly to your teeth and will be trimmed down so that they won’t show over your gum line. The result is a seamless smile without the hassle of unsightly brackets or wires!
Usually, Invisalign treatment is fairly similar to the cost of braces, but pricing will fluctuate depending on your unique needs. To get an accurate cost estimate, schedule a consultation with your doctor today! Keep in mind that your insurance may also cover some orthodontic treatment, so be sure to call your insurance provider to understand your benefits.