How Does Invisalign Work? (It’s Easy + Patients Love It)
A question we get often is:
“How does Invisalign work?”
It’s no secret – Invisalign has been giving traditional braces a run for its money.
With its revolutionary design made to be nearly invisible to the naked eye, many patients opt for these clear aligners to straighten their teeth.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how NorthStar Dentistry for Adults uses state-of-the-art technology to modernize our patients’ experiences with Invisalign.
What to expect with Invisalign?
Step 1: Initial Consultation
At your initial consultation, we’ll make sure you’re a candidate for Invisalign (don’t worry – more to come on that subject).
This is also our patients’ favorite part!
Using the innovative iTero Element scanner… This text opens a new tab to the Invisalign website…, we’ll take a quick and precise 3D digital scan of your smile and create a personalized treatment just for you.
That’s right, gone are the days of goopy impressions that make you gag!
With the iTero digital scanner, we’re able to scan your teeth and simulate your new smile – in a matter of minutes.
It’s also used to:
- Get an interactive image of your teeth (it takes 6,000 pictures per second)
- Map out your treatment plan
- Monitor your progress at every appointment
Step 2: Start Treatment
You’ll start transforming your smile as soon as you first pick up your custom-made aligners.
Invisalign’s patented SmartTrack material allow your aligners to fit comfortably over your teeth without irritating your gums.
After that, you’ll only need to come in for a check-up every 6 to 8 weeks. We’ll develop a schedule that works best for you.
Step 3: Wear Aligners
Wear your aligners every day for the required amount of time to make your treatment as effective as possible.
Depending on the complexity of your case, you may finish Invisalign treatment anywhere from 6 to 12 months!
Does Invisalign work for everyone?
There are a few factors that make you a good candidate for Invisalign.
- Age: It’s best for older teenagers and adults who have all of their permanent teeth already.
- Health: Your teeth and gums have to be healthy.
- Compliance: Wearing your aligners as instructed is a huge part of its effectiveness.
- Case complexity: Invisalign may not be the solution for those with severe cases.
But:
The best way to see if you qualify for Invisalign treatment is to schedule a consultation today!
How long does it take for Invisalign to work?
You can see a difference in your smile in a matter of weeks.
Keep in mind:
Invisalign treatment tends to be faster, but it works just like traditional braces – without the metal brackets and wires, of course.
The most important thing to do with your clear aligners is to wear them for the required amount of time, which is at least 20 hours a day.
This isn’t bad considering:
Traditional braces are on your teeth for 24 hours a day for about two years.
How do I take care of my aligners?
Taking care of your Invisalign aligners is simple.
After eating or drinking, brush your teeth before putting your aligners on again. At night, rinse out your aligners and lightly clean them with your toothbrush.
That’s it!
This cleaning routine will help eliminate bacteria and ensure your aligners are fresh before switching to your next set.
Is Invisalign expensive?
Invisalign treatment costs vary for each patient, depending on individualized needs.
For example, factors that affect cost includes:
- Length of treatment
- Number of aligners needed
- Check-ups needed
It’s comparable to the price of braces, and dental insurance with orthodontic benefits usually covers Invisalign.
Our dental office truly believes everyone deserves to show off their best smile. That’s why we also offer affordable financing options through CareCredit… This text opens a new tab to the Care Credit website… and LendingPoint… This text opens a new tab to the Lending Point website…
Learn more about our patient resources to find the plan that works best for you.
Does it change your face shape?
It could – in a positive way.
When you have crooked teeth, it can influence the shape of your face. For example, an overbite could force your upper lip to protrude.
With Invisalign, your teeth will be repositioned and realigned to be straight and eliminate gaps.
Not only does Invisalign improve your physical appearance, but it can improve your overall health too.
Straight teeth are easier to clean and help prevent future oral health issues!
What can I eat with Invisalign?
A great feature of Invisalign is its removability.
You can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss – with no dietary restrictions whatsoever!
For a more comprehensive guide, check out our blog to learn about some things to keep in mind when eating and drinking with Invisalign!
What happens after you finish Invisalign treatment?
After you finish your Invisalign treatment, we’re going to make sure your new smile lasts beyond treatment.
Retainers hold your teeth in the desired position, and you start by wearing them full-time for a short period. Then, you can transition to only wearing retainers at night when you sleep!
Interested in Invisalign and near the Huntersville area?
Still have questions? We’re here to help!
Hesitant about the change? Our smile design lets you visualize your enhanced smile in advance.
Book a consultation with our skilled Invisalign dentists, Dr. David Bunn and Dr. John Merrill, today.
We prioritize our team and our patients’ health and safety, especially during COVID-19. That’s why we also have video consultations!
Or reach us by:
- Calling us at: 803-525-0827
- Emailing us at: [email protected]
Areas served include Cornelius, Charlotte, Davidson, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Gastonia, and Concord, NC.
