Invisalign: What Does the Process Look Like?

Getting braces is something many people dread and avoid. Even though they want to achieve a straighter smile, they don’t want to commit to a year or more of wearing visible brackets and wires. Fortunately, metal braces aren’t your only option. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift the teeth into their new locations. The best part is – it is nearly invisible! Here’s what the typical Invisalign treatment looks like – start to finish.

Consultation

The first step of the Invisalign process is to attend a consultation. At this time, it is determined whether or not you are a good candidate for the treatment. Invisalign can address a wide range of misalignment issues, but there are some that are too complex and require metal braces to correct. During this consultation, you will be able to confirm that Invisalign is the right choice for you.

Preparation

Next, it’s time to move on to the preparation process. At this point, X-rays are taken of your teeth and a model of your smile is created. This is used so your orthodontist can craft a customized treatment plan to meet your needs.

Receiving Your Aligners

After just a few weeks, you will receive your aligners. Your orthodontist might make some small adjustments, like adding buttons to your teeth. These small, tooth-colored bumps are made from cosmetic resin and are placed on the front-facing surfaces of some of the teeth. Their purpose is to keep the aligners in place and allow for the right amount of pressure to be put on specific teeth.

Follow-Up Visits

You will have to return to your orthodontist on a regular basis to ensure that your teeth are moving as planned. Even with a detailed plan, your teeth can still do some unexpected things. It’s important to catch issues in their tracks so they can be corrected quickly and you can stay on track with your treatment.

Refinements

After completing your series of clear aligners, your orthodontist will examine your smile to see if any refinements are necessary. This is when you receive additional trays at the end of your treatment to make some finishing tweaks. This way, you and your orthodontist can ensure that you are happy with your final results.

Retainers

At this point, any buttons are removed, and your clear aligners will be switched out for a retainer. This will look just like the Invisalign trays that you are used to, but its purpose is to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original locations.

Metal braces are great at addressing misalignment, but Invisalign has the incredible benefit of providing you with a more comfortable, discreet orthodontic treatment. This way, you can work toward a straighter smile without metal brackets and wires.

About the Practice

At Chicago Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our team of orthodontists and pediatric dentists work together to help adults and children achieve happy, healthy smiles they are proud to show off. From traditional metal braces to Invisalign, we offer a variety of options to correct misalignment issues. To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule a consultation for you or your teen, visit our website or call (312) 766-0995.