InvisalignReston, VA

The Three Steps to Invisalign

The first step to getting Invisalign is scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist. The dentist will evaluate the patient's overall oral health and take an impression of the teeth. That impression will be sent to Invisalign to make aligners unique to the patient's mouth for a custom fit.

After making the clear aligners, we will evaluate them for fit before reviewing the treatment plan. Patients will be expected to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day to get results. Regular checkups will make sure treatment stays on track. New aligners are introduced approximately every two weeks. The length of treatment is different for every person.

Determining if Invisalign Is Right for You

First and foremost, the orthodontist will be able to tell based on the patient's orthodontic needs whether Invisalign is right for them. If they have severe problems with your jaw or bite alignment, a more advanced procedure will be needed. Otherwise, Invisalign can treat crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, and gaps between the teeth.

Patients will want to discuss the Invisalign process with the orthodontist thoroughly. Since the aligner trays are removable, there is a higher probability of them getting lost or broken.

Additionally, it is essential to talk about overall treatment time with the orthodontist, how Invisalign impacts oral health, and how often they will need to come in for appointments. Age can also play a factor.

Taking Care of Invisalign Aligners

It is important to use and care for Invisalign aligners appropriately to see optimal results. The individual trays must be worn for 20-22 hours a day and are typically swapped out every one to two weeks. Patients should make sure they follow the intervals specified by the orthodontist. While forgetting to start a new tray will not derail one's entire treatment plan, it will slow it down.

Cleaning Your Aligners

Patients should rinse their aligners every time they take them out of their mouth to help wash away bacteria and plaque. They should clean the aligners with a clear and unscented antibacterial soap or with non-whitening toothpaste. Store the aligners in a case when they are not being used to keep them from being exposed to germs.

Maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is essential at any time. But it is a bit easier when using Invisalign versus traditional braces. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, it is simple to brush, floss, and replace the aligners when finished. Patients should brush and floss after meals before putting the aligners back in to help keep food particles from getting stuck in the trays. Failing to do this can lead to a buildup of bacteria and plaque on the teeth, which leads to tooth decay.

Duration of Treatment Time

The severity of the condition, how well the patient adheres to the treatment plan, and age are all factors that may influence how long it may take to complete Invisalign therapy. On average, it takes less than two years to see results. The treatment time for teens is typically a little shorter than adults. If the aligners are not worn for the recommended time, the teeth may start to shift back to their original positions.