Beginning your Invisalign process is an exciting step for those seeking a better-looking, healthier smile. Though many are familiar with the concept of aligners, the step-by-step process is often unfamiliar, leaving patients wondering what to expect during treatment. By learning more about the various phases of Invisalign from our Brandon, FL Invisalign dentist, patients can be better prepared for their new smile and the journey it takes to get there.
We encourage our patients to feel comfortable, so at Williams Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we do our best to provide you with everything you need to know from start to finish. Whether in the first Invisalign consultation or through the completion of the final Invisalign aligners and the retention phase, we are here to support you throughout every stage of the process. For many of our Brandon, FL Invisalign patients, this treatment is a convenient and easy way to improve their smiles while they continue with their everyday activities.
Your Invisalign® Consultation
All journeys with Invisalign begin with a detailed initial visit at our practice. As your Invisalign provider, we will assess your smile for your candidacy for treatment at this time. We consider several factors before recommending Invisalign to you, including tooth alignment, crowding or spacing, and other orthodontic concerns that may affect bite function. Digital records may also be used during the consultation to get a better idea of what your smile could look like once treatment is complete.
You also have an opportunity to ask our practice any questions you have about your treatment during your first consultation.
Making Your Invisalign® Plan
If we determine Invisalign is right for you, our team then takes digital records to begin planning for the movement of your teeth. Once your records are in hand, we will determine the sequence and number of Invisalign aligners needed for your treatment. We also estimate how long it will take to complete your treatment, as well as the results you can look forward to at the end of it.
Because Invisalign treatment is customized for everyone, your treatment plan will be one-of-a-kind. We will map out a strategy to move your teeth the way you want to improve your smile and bite.
Picking Up Your Initial Aligners
After your treatment plan has been completed, you will return to our office to receive your Invisalign aligners. Your first set of aligners will be checked to make sure they fit before you take them home. You will be given detailed information about the care of your aligners, such as instructions for wearing, removing, and cleaning your aligners.
As your Brandon, FL Invisalign specialist, we will advise you to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours every day. You should only remove your aligners to eat and clean your teeth.
We will also answer any questions you may have, and provide you with additional resources to help you get through your first few days of Invisalign treatment. It can be a bit difficult in the first couple of days to get used to having clear aligners in your mouth.
Adjusting To Life With Invisalign®
It can be easy to wonder if adjusting to wearing Invisalign is as difficult as you are told it may be. Due to their smooth surface and custom fit, Invisalign is usually very comfortable to wear day-to-day. Patients sometimes feel a bit of pressure or tightness when changing to a new set, but this is a normal indication of the aligners performing their intended purpose. While you are used to your new treatment, you may notice:
- A heightened awareness of the aligners for the first few days.
- Some pressure associated with switching aligners.
- Some temporary speech changes, which are temporary.
- An increased awareness of your brushing and flossing habits.
These changes are typically temporary and will become less apparent over time.
Small Changes Lead To Significant Results
As you progress with your Invisalign treatment, you will replace your trays with fresh, new ones at regular intervals, based on your unique treatment schedule. Each new aligner will continue the incremental movement of your teeth into the desired positions. Check-ups provide the perfect opportunity for our team to review your progress and ensure that you are progressing well. We also use this time to address any of your questions and to make any adjustments to the treatment schedule if necessary. Patients usually start to see progress within the first couple of months, but everyone’s Invisalign experience is different.
Protecting Your Smile While Teeth Are Moving
One advantage of Invisalign is that you can remove your aligners while brushing and flossing, which helps maintain your oral hygiene. To maximize the chance for success:
- Always brush your teeth after every meal before putting them back in
- Floss daily to prevent the development of plaque between your teeth
- Brush your aligners every day according to our instructions
- Keep up with regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups at the dentist
This commitment to oral hygiene will help keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright!
The Importance Of Retention
Invisalign treatment is complete once your teeth have been moved into their new and more ideal positions, but that doesn’t mean your journey has ended. We want to make sure the work that has already been done is never wasted! You’ll be required to wear retainers after treatment to keep your teeth from drifting out of their newly aligned positions. Retainers play a huge role in the preservation of your smile! We’re here to recommend your best retainer and help you understand how to use it properly.
Begin Your Invisalign® Journey With Williams Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
At Williams Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we want you to know that we are here to make your Invisalign treatment as seamless and successful as possible. We utilize the best technology available to ensure a highly customized, comfortable treatment experience. We are proud to help Brandon, FL, patients improve their smiles with Invisalign, from addressing crowding and spacing issues to correcting bites and misalignments. If you would like to know more about Invisalign and whether it is right for you, give our friendly team a call today and schedule an appointment.