What Is The Invisalign Process Step By Step | Invisalign Procedure

Thinking about Invisalign to straighten your teeth? You're thinking in the right direction. Not only is Invisalign an easy and affordable process but the end result gives you that stellar smile and even a boost of confidence.

Yes, that's right, research shows that having a nice, attractive, straight set of teeth has a huge positive impact on self-esteem. It shows that you're healthy and bumps up your attractiveness to others in all types of relationships -- both personal and professional.

So, what do I need to know about when I say yes to Invisalign, you ask?

To help, we've put together the basics of what to expect when getting Invisalign. Keep reading to learn about the process and benefits, then, make an appointment to get started with your own Invisalign process and get ready for a fabulous set of straight teeth !

Invisalign works to move your teeth into desired positions using clear aligners. The aligners are snug and gently put pressure in just the right places to slowly get the desired result.

You wear each aligner almost all day and night -- except while eating or drinking anything other than water -- and just long enough in weeks to move teeth a designated amount.

Once the teeth have moved, then you get a new aligner that's designed to put a bit more pressure on the right teeth to move them the next step in the right direction.

Typically, each aligner is worn for two weeks before being replaced with the new aligner. The new aligner is the equivalent of going in and getting your braces tightened to put more pressure on your teeth in the right direction.

You keep getting new aligners until your teeth have moved just where you want them. Typically, this takes about a year, which is usually the same or less than traditional braces.

A great perk of Invisalign braces over traditional braces is that your teeth move a bit more slowly than with braces so the discomfort is a bit less when you pop in a new aligner than when you get your braces tightened.

The first step in the Invisalign process is an initial consultation with the dentist. Your teeth, jaw, mouth and orthodontic and dental needs will be assessed and you will explain your end goals.

The dentist will make a plan of what can be done with Invisalign. You'll get the cost, the treatment plan, the timeline, a schedule of appointments, and instructions on how to wear and take care of your Invisalign aligners.

Making the Aligners and Attachments

The dentist uses 3D technology imaging rather than putty impressions to monitor your teeth at the start of treatment and throughout your treatment process.

The 3D images and tech create each aligner to the exact specifications needed to move your teeth just the right amount.

Some dentists also use tooth-colored enamel attachments glued to your teeth to assist your aligner in moving your teeth as needed. These are similar to braces that are glued to the front of teeth.

Dental Office Visits

At each visit, you will receive multiple aligners to last you until your next visit. Your dentist will tell you how long to wear each aligner -- usually one to two weeks -- before throwing it out and putting in the next aligner in the series.

Typically, you'll come in for an office visit every six to eight weeks to have your teeth and mouth 3D-assessed and to get your next set of aligners.

Overall, you're likely to have fewer visits to the dentist that you would to the orthodontist if you had braces. This is because you can go home with a bunch of aligners and just swap them out every few weeks rather than coming in each time to get your braces tightened.

Whenever you put in a new aligner, expect it to feel snug and fit tightly over your teeth. It's like this as it's built to put pressure on your teeth to make them move.

It should snap into place over your teeth. You may need to use some force and wedge your fingernails just under the edges near your gums to pop your aligner back off when needed.

You are expected to wear your aligner about 22 hours a day for the best and fastest results. The two hours a day you have without your aligner are meant for eating, drinking and brushing your teeth.

Eating and Drinking

Do not eat at all or drink anything other than cold water while wearing your aligners. Bubbly water -- like carbonated or mineral water -- is okay too as long as it's cold. Hot water could cause the aligner to warp.

Food and drink will stain your aligner, even a light-colored tea. And obviously, you don't want discoloration at all because you want your aligner to look invisible over your teeth so no one knows you're wearing it. Hence the name -- Invisalign -- and the Invisalign meaning!

Simply pop out your aligner before you eat or drink. Then, brush your teeth well before snapping it back in.

Taking Care of Your Aligners and Teeth

As mentioned, be sure to brush your teeth each time you pop out your Invisalign retainer to eat or drink. While you're doing this, you can rinse your Invisalign aligner with luke-warm water, give it a light brush with your toothbrush and toothpaste and then rinse it again before popping it back in.

When you brush your teeth, be extra sure to get any of bits of food from between teeth. Otherwise, it'll be trapped in there under your aligner until the next cleaning.

The average cost of Invisalign tends to be in the same range as braces. It's approximately $3,000 to $7,000. It really depends on the extent of work you need, however -- the more extensive alignment needed, the higher the cost.

Also, your dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost.

Now that you know the ins and outs and benefits of Invisalign, you're ready to make an appointment and start on your path to straight teeth.

To begin, get in touch with a dental professional experienced with Invisalign and with a great track record -- like us. Contact us to set up an appointment for a consultation. We're here to ask questions, get you started with Invisalign, and help you get the healthy, straight teeth you want.