Are you considering Invisalign clear aligners? As an alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign is becoming increasingly popular with adults and teens.  Invisalign is a clear, custom-made aligner, used to move and align teeth for better health and a great smile. It is changed approximately every two weeks for about six to 18 months, depending upon the severity of misalignment. If you are considering Invisalign at Holbert Family Orthodontics, you probably want to know how the Invisalign process works.

Your initial consultation

The process starts with a consultation with Dr. Holbert. He will begin by examining your teeth, ask you questions about your lifestyle and your goals for your orthodontic treatment, and decide if Invisalign aligners are suitable for you. This is also your first opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the process, the clear aligner system, and the function of Invisalign. 

Your Invisalign aligners

Once Dr. Holbert submits your digital scan and it is approved, Invisalign then makes a series of trays, also known as aligners. It usually takes several weeks to complete the trays and ship them to our office so that treatment can begin. These aligners will be used to straighten your teeth. The number of aligners depends on your treatment plan but generally, you will have one aligner for every two weeks of treatment. As you progress from one aligner to the next, your teeth will gradually become straighter as they shift to match the aligner tray. Usually, your teeth move about 1/10mm per tray.

Check-ups

You will wear the aligners for a minimum of 20-22 hours a day for your teeth to move to their final position for that tray. You can, however, take the aligner out to eat, brush and floss. When brushing your teeth, you will also need to clean the aligner with a toothbrush.

Typically, you will receive 1-2 aligners at a time. There will be check-ups every six to eight weeks. These appointments are routine checks to be sure the teeth are moving as planned. Sometimes minor adjustments may be necessary to the aligners or the wear time. 

Refinements

As you near the end of your treatment period, extra changes may be necessary to achieve the best results. We may need to take another set of impressions and have extra aligners made. These are called refinement trays. Typically there is no additional charge for this part of the process.

Retainers

When your treatment is complete, in order to keep your new smile aligned, you will be given a retainer. Biting and chewing can, over time, cause your teeth to shift. You will receive a removable retainer that is similar to your aligners. These Vivera retainers are custom made using the same state-of-the-art technology as your aligners. They are strong but clear and nearly invisible. Dr. Holbert will provide you with guidelines to make sure you’re wearing your retainers for the proper amount of time to keep the great smile you’ve worked so hard to achieve!

The versatility of Invisalign for various orthodontic issues

Invisalign is an effective treatment option for a wide range of orthodontic issues beyond just mild alignment corrections. It can address complex concerns such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and even significant crowding or spacing problems. This versatility makes Invisalign a viable choice for many patients who may have initially thought they needed traditional braces. Dr. Holbert will assess your specific needs and create a customized treatment plan using Invisalign to help you achieve the best results.

Lifestyle advantages of Invisalign

Invisalign offers significant lifestyle advantages compared to traditional braces. The clear aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to maintain your natural smile and confidence in social and professional settings. Since the aligners are removable, you can continue to enjoy all your favorite foods without worry, as there are no dietary restrictions. This feature is especially beneficial for those who participate in sports or play musical instruments, as the aligners can be easily removed for comfort during activities. Invisalign allows you to continue your daily life without major disruptions while achieving a straighter smile.

If you’re ready to begin your Invisalign journey, contact Holbert Family Orthodontics today. We can’t wait to get started!