Invisalign® Treatment Timeline
Invisalign® aligners provide subtle pressure that encourages movement of the teeth so that patients can enjoy the attractive smile they have always desired. Invisalign® aligners are clear, comfortable, and just as effective as braces in treating most orthodontic issues.
With the many benefits that Invisalign® offers, it is no surprise that it has become such a popular teeth straightening option. Although the advantages of Invisalign® are obvious, it is common for patients to have questions about the treatment process and its length.
Here, Dr. Robert Zboril discusses the typical Invisalign® treatment timeline that patients can expect at our Victoria, TX dental practice.
Consultation
Prior to the start of treatment, patients must undergo a consultation so we can determine if they are ideal candidates for Invisalign®. During this appointment, Dr. Zboril will examine the teeth to see which malocclusion problems are present, and the degree of correction that is needed.
As long as orthodontic issues are not extremely severe or complex, Invisalign® is likely to be a suitable treatment option.
Treatment Plan
If a patient is an ideal Invisalign® candidate, the process will begin with the creation of a customized treatment plan. Dr. Zboril will take physical and digital impressions of the teeth to get an accurate representation of the patient’s bite.
Using a 3D model of the teeth and jaw, we will create an Invisalign® treatment plan that best addresses the patient’s specific orthodontic concerns. All of this information will be sent to the Invisalign® lab so that a series of custom aligners can be fabricated.
Use of Aligners
Within a couple of weeks, the patient’s Invisalign® aligners should be complete and treatment can begin. The patient will return to our office to pick up the aligners and get an overview of treatment instructions.
Starting with the first set of aligners, patients will begin wearing their aligner trays right away. The aligners should be worn at all times, except when eating and brushing the teeth. If the aligners are not worn at least 20 to 22 hours a day, the results of treatment will be compromised.
Once treatment begins, patients will switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks. Each aligner is shaped slightly differently to ensure that the desired movement is achieved.
Patients will return to our office for periodical exams to ensure that treatment is going as planned. If necessary, adjustments can be made.
Treatment will proceed this way until patients have worked their way through all of their aligners. While each treatment is unique, the average Invisalign® procedure involves the use of 25 to 30 sets of aligner trays.
Follow-up Care
After Invisalign® treatment is complete, the teeth should be straight and evenly-spaced. To ensure that these results are long-lasting, patients will need to undergo appropriate follow-up care.
The use of a retainer is essential to the maintenance of the smile. Typically, it is sufficient to wear the retainer at night.
Routine dental exams will give Dr. Zboril the opportunity to monitor the smile and ensure that regression does not occur.
Contact Us
If you have been considering Invisalign® to straighten your teeth and would like to learn more about the treatment process, contact us at your earliest convenience. Dr. Robert Zboril is happy to answer any questions you may have about the treatment timeline and whether you are an ideal candidate for this procedure. Call (361) 550-7186 to set up a personal consultation.
