The number of teenagers and adults seeking orthodontic help is growing higher and higher each year, and so is the curiosity about Invisalign – the clear alternative to metal braces. There are many out there hoping their teeth problems can be fixed by going this more discreet route, but still have a few questions about what the entire process entails. If this sounds like you, start by speaking to your orthodontist to determine whether you’re a good candidate to ditch the metal and wire hardware of traditional braces in favor of clear aligners. Once you’ve got the go ahead, this guide will help answer some questions you’re likely to have about what you can expect from your Redding Invisalign treatment.
Identifying a Treatment Plan
There is no one-size-fits-all orthodontic solution for every patient, so your orthodontist will carefully examine the issues you would like to have corrected to identify and customize a treatment plan that will achieve the best results. Utilizing the Invisalign technology, your orthodontist can give you a pretty good visual outline of how your teeth will move throughout the treatment and give you an estimate on how long you can anticipate wearing your aligners.
Getting Fitted For Aligners
Getting fitted for your aligners will involve having x-rays, pictures and mold impressions taken of your teeth. Those are used to create a 3-D image, from which your full treatment plan will be mapped out. A series of plastic aligners will be made for you to wear, with the intention of switching them out every two weeks for a new set that will be adjusted to fit your continually shifting teeth during each stage of treatment.
Daily Use
You will need to be prepared and committed to wearing your Invisalign aligners 20-22 hours every day, only taking them out to eat and brush. Unlike with metal braces, you won’t have many restrictions on what you can eat or drink since the aligners are easily removable at any time. Your orthodontist appointments will be scheduled about every six weeks for monitoring and review of your progress. Aside from cleaning the aligners each night, living with Invisalign doesn’t require patients to disrupt their normal daily routine in any way.
After Treatment
Once the aligners are off for good and your treatment has been completed, you can breathe easier and smile a little brighter. Depending on your orthodontist’s recommendation, you may need to wear a retainer to prevent teeth from moving or reverting back to their misaligned positioning.
Your entire Redding Invisalign treatment process should go so smoothly you’ll hardly even notice that you’re going through it.
