The Invisalign Journey: What to Expect from Start to Finish with Treatment  

Treatment with Invisalign offers patients the opportunity to straighten their teeth gradually over time by wearing clear, removable aligners. These popular orthodontic devices are an effective alternative to traditional metal braces and are often preferred by teens and adults who want a more beautiful smile without others knowing that they are undergoing treatment.

In a report published in The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences that compares clear aligners with conventional orthodontic appliances, results showed that clear aligner therapy (CAT) improved patients’ appearance without compromising their comfort or periodontal health. CAT was also considered a preferred treatment for cases of mild to moderate malocclusion.

Before getting Invisalign for your teeth, it’s important to understand what to expect from start to finish.

Initial Consultation

The Invisalign process begins with an initial consultation and a prequalification to ensure that you are a good candidate. During this first appointment, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and take X-rays to determine the extent of your misalignment.

If Invisalign is considered a suitable treatment for you, an impression of your mouth will be obtained to create a series of aligners. In addition, 3D imagery will be used to show you how your teeth will change throughout treatment.

During this consultation, you’ll have the chance to ask important questions, such as how long the treatment will take. On average, Invisalign treatment takes between six and 12 months, depending on the state of your smile.

First Fitting

Once your custom clear aligners have been made, you’ll be asked back to see your Melbourne FL dentist. During this appointment, your orthodontist will fit your first aligner over your teeth. Small dental attachments known as “buttons” may be used to hold the aligners in place and help guide the teeth into their correct position. These buttons are tooth-colored to blend in with your smile.

Follow-Up Appointments

Over the course of your Invisalign treatment, you may be asked to return to your dental office to monitor your progress and pick up new aligner trays. Not every new tray will require a full dental appointment.

Your Melbourne Florida dentist will provide you with a custom treatment plan that reflects the length of your treatment and how often you should swap your old aligner for the next one in the series.

While wearing your aligners, it’s important to follow some basic rules to reduce your risk of developing oral disease and prevent disruptions to your treatment plan. Aligners should be worn approximately 22 hours per day and only be taken out to eat meals, drink (with the exception of cool water), and brush your teeth.

Caring for Your New Smile

Once you have completed your last set of trays according to your custom treatment plan, your treatment will be completed. Patients may need to wear a removable retainer at night following treatment to maintain their smile and prevent their teeth from shifting back into their original position. It’s important to practice good oral health care before, during, and after Invisalign treatment to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral diseases.

Who Is Right for Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatment is best suited for individuals who require a slight to moderate amount of tooth movement. They are not as effective for patients who have more complex oral health conditions, such as severely rotated teeth.

Clear aligners can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, such as:

• Tooth gaps
• Overcrowding
• Mildly protruding teeth
• Mild overbites, underbites, and crossbites
• Open bite
• Crooked or mildly rotated teeth

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’re considering Invisalign treatment to straighten your teeth and improve your smile, we’re here to help. Dr. Maryam Brazdo offers Invisalign treatment for those looking for an effective and discrete way to straighten their teeth. To learn more about the Invisalign system or to schedule an appointment, contact Artistic Touch Dentistry today at 321.724.1400.