How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign works by using a series of aligners that are designed to gradually shift the teeth to achieve a straighter smile. Patients wear each aligner for a few weeks and then move to the next. During your first appointment at our Flower Mound orthodontics office, we will need to take impressions of your smile using our iTero® digital scanning system to create precise 3D digital images of your teeth.
This eliminates the need for messy impressions, and you’ll get to preview your projected smile. Your digital impressions and 3D images are used to create your custom aligners.
From there, our team will build a personalized Invisalign treatment plan based on your needs. We will assess the condition of your smile and diagnose any orthodontic conditions before creating your treatment plan. The goal is to help our patients achieve a straighter smile as well as helping them improve the health and function of their natural teeth. Treatment time with Invisalign is very short in comparison to other orthodontic treatments, in most cases lasting anywhere from 12-18 months total.
Flower Mound Orthodontics provides Invisalign treatment for teens AND adults.
Once you receive your aligners, Dr. Sankey will go over all the specifics of your care, including the length of treatment, special care instructions, how to care for your teeth and aligners, and when to visit the orthodontist.
What To Expect During The Invisalign Process
The Invisalign process does not restrict patients’ diets, and aligners are very discrete. Patients transition between aligners throughout treatment. Invisalign aligners make aligning teeth simple and do not require metal brackets and wires that poke and make treatment painful.
Step 1
Our team will take any necessary impressions, x-rays, and images, which will then be used to create a high-resolution 3-D image. After examining these images, we can begin to plan your personalized treatment plan. We will be able to map out the movement of your teeth and estimate the length of your treatment. During this stage, patients can also view a projected image of their smile using our advanced in-office technology.
Step 2
With the information acquired at your consultation, we will create custom-designed, clear aligners that are made specifically for you. Your aligners are created using Invisalign’s SmartTrack® material, making them virtually invisible. Dr. Sankey also takes a more personalized approach to each individual Invisalign case.
He uses his advanced training and skill to customize your treatment plan on a “tooth-by-tooth” basis for a result that is more predictable and stable.
These aligners are designed to fit comfortably over the teeth, allowing your teeth to shift into their proper position. Unlike traditional braces, these clear aligners won’t irritate your gums. Be sure to wear your aligners throughout the day and only remove them to eat, brush, and floss.
Step 3
Weekly you will need to switch to a new set of aligners. Each aligner is custom-made to shift your teeth into their final position. It is normal to feel slight pressure or discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners. To track your progress, our team will schedule periodic dental check-ups every few weeks.
On average, we recommend that patients wear their aligners for 20-22 hours a day to get the most out of their Invisalign treatment.
Step 4
You have reached the end of your treatment. In many cases, patients who complete their Invisalign treatment will need to wear a retainer. A retainer can help prevent the teeth from shifting, as well as help you protect your investment.
The Invisalign Process FAQs
Do you have more questions about the Invisalign aligners process? Continue reading to learn more about Invisalign and find answers to frequently asked questions.
How often will I get new aligners?
In many cases, aligners are worn for one week at a time. Each set of aligners is designed to make small adjustments to the tooth position. Throughout your treatment, we will schedule periodic appointments to check your progress and make any adjustments to your treatment.
How long will I wear Invisalign?
Only a highly trained orthodontist will be able to predict how long your Invisalign treatment will last. Your cosmetic goals, the severity of malocclusions, age, and your diligence throughout your treatment will factor into the length of your treatment.
In most cases, Invisalign treatment is completed at a faster rate than traditional orthodontic treatment. In younger patients, they may be able to complete Invisalign treatment in a year, while adults may require a longer treatment time. On average, Invisalign treatment lasts anywhere from 12-18 months.
How many hours a day do you really need to wear Invisalign?
To make the most out of your Invisalign treatment, we recommend wearing your Invisalign aligns for at least 22 hours a day. By following your treatment guidelines and instructions, you can positively impact your treatment time.
The only time that you need to remove your aligners is if you are eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing your teeth, or cleaning your aligners. As soon as you finish these activities, put them back in after a quick mouth rinse so that treatment is not interrupted.
How quickly do teeth move with Invisalign?
Teeth take time to move because when your teeth shift it is a physical shift of bone. Most patients begin to see their teeth start to move after about 2 to 3 months of wearing aligners.
Does it harm an Invisalign if you bite or chew it?
Many patients with Invisalign find themselves biting down on their appliances and grinding them together. When you do this you are harming the appliance. You are applying unneeded pressure to an already fragile appliance and probably causing wear to the surface of each aligner.
Does Invisalign make teeth yellow?
Invisalign is not known to make a patient’s teeth yellow, however, it can make a patient’s teeth appear to be yellow. Over time the clear aligners may begin to stain and become slightly yellow. While wearing stained aligners one’s teeth may appear to be more yellow than they actually are. Aligners can be cleaned to combat this.
Achieve A Straighter Smile in Flower Mound, TX
Do you want to achieve a straighter smile? You may want to consider Invisalign treatment in Flower Mound, TX. As a Platinum Invisalign provider, Dr. Sankey has undergone the training and caseload needed to help you improve your smile with Invisalign. Dr. Sankey also offers other orthodontic services to his patients in Flower Mound, TX. To schedule your Invisalign consultation, call 972.833.8212, or request an appointment online.