Invisalign treatment provides an orthodontic solution for crooked and misaligned teeth. It uses clear aligners that look like invisible mouthguards to move teeth into their ideal position. The aligners are fabricated from a clear thermoplastic, which gives them a transparent appearance and makes them hard to spot in the mouth. Their virtually invisible appearance has made them a popular choice among teens and adults. With Invisalign, the orthodontic treatment is divided into multiple stages. Each stage is 1-2 weeks long and requires a different set of aligners to be worn over teeth. Each set applies premeditated amounts of force on teeth to gradually shift them into their ideal position. This breakdown reduces the amount of force applied to teeth and saves them from damage.

Step-by-step Invisalign procedure:

Invisalign treatment can be explained in eight simple steps.

Step 1: Consultation with an orthodontist.

If you have crooked and misaligned teeth and are actively looking for an orthodontic solution, book an appointment with your orthodontist for a consultation. During the consultation, your orthodontist will determine your eligibility to undergo Invisalign treatment, which primarily depends on two factors:

  • Your ability and willingness to wear the Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours every day for the entire treatment period.
  • You should be suffering from mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Invisalign cannot treat severe orthodontic ailments.

Step 2: Digital impressions of teeth.

Digital impressions of teeth are obtained to record the degree of misalignment and crookedness. Digital impressions are better than manual impressions as every little detail is precisely recorded and they are also hassle-free. The digital impressions are then sent to a dental lab along with the details of how your orthodontist wants the teeth to move.

Step 3: Custom treatment plan.

At the dental lab, a lab technician uses software to generate a custom treatment plan based on the impressions and details provided by your orthodontist. The software enables the lab technician to produce a 3 D model of your teeth, which illustrates the way teeth will be pushed to their ideal position with Invisalign aligners. It also generates a visual

representation of how your future smile will look after the completion of the treatment. The treatment plan will then be sent to your orthodontist for approval.

Step 4: Approval from your orthodontist.

If your orthodontist and you are satisfied with the treatment plan and the end result, the dental lab will be instructed to fabricate the Invisalign aligners.

Step 5: Wait for your Invisalign aligners.

Invisalign aligners are fabricated over a time period of 15-30 days. You will have to wait for them to arrive at your orthodontist’s office.

Step 6: Receive your Invisalign aligners.

You will be called to visit your orthodontist as soon as the Invisalign aligners are delivered. You will receive 12 to 24 sets of aligner trays depending on the severity of your case. Each set is designed to apply calculated amounts of force and needs to be worn in a specific order. Also, each set needs to be worn for a period of 1-2 weeks and for at least 20-22 hours per day.

Invisalign aligners are removable in nature and can be removed while eating, brushing, and playing extreme sports.

Step 7: Smile refinement.

When you are towards the end of your treatment, you will visit your orthodontist for progress assessment. If there are any required changes, you will be provided with new aligners to refine and enhance the smile.

Step 8: Maintain the new smile.

The newly straightened teeth tend to move back to their original position. Therefore, for holding them in their new or ideal position, you will be asked to wear retainers. Retainers help the bones of your jaw to solidify around your new teeth placements.

What are the advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces?

Today, dentistry provides numerous options when it comes to choosing an orthodontic treatment that can successfully treat malocclusion and push crooked teeth to their ideal position. Invisalign are a popular choice among patients due to their aesthetic appeal but they also have various other advantages above traditional braces. The table below illustrates the difference between Invisalign clear aligners and traditional metal braces and highlights the benefits of Invisalign aligners. Based on your unique requirements, your dentist will provide you the best choice of treatment.

We at Inspire Smiles Dental employ the most advanced technology to treat dental ailments with great care and precision. Our entire team is immensely dedicated to looking after our patients’ needs with exceptional compassion and caution. Whether you are looking for dental restorations or cosmetic enhancements, Inspire Smiles Dental is a one-stop for all your dental issues and ailments. Book an appointment with us at (925) 833-9500 or visit our office in 7739 Amador Valley Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568.

S.No Parameter Invisalign Aligners Traditional Braces
1 Virtually invisible and not easily noticeable by naked eyes. √
2 Allow you to receive orthodontic treatment without jeopardizing the aesthetics of your smile. √
3 Impose food restrictions. √
4 Easy to clean and maintain. √
5 Promote better oral health and hygiene. √
6 Does not use metal brackets or wires. √
7 Easy to wear and comfortable inside the mouth. √
8 Make one susceptible to mouth injuries. √
9 A good choice for athletes involved in extreme sports. √
10 Require fewer dental visits. √
11 Require regular fitting √
12 Boost your self-esteem and confidence. √
13 Treat mild to moderate orthodontic issues. √ √
14 Treat mild to severe orthodontic √
15 Use digital scanning for obtaining impressions of your mouth, which provides more accurate impressions than dental putty. √
16 The treatment time is less. √