If you’re considering straightening your teeth, you’ve likely heard about Invisalign aligners for teeth. But what does Invisalign do, and how does Invisalign work? Let’s walk through what you can expect when starting your journey.
Your Invisalign process begins with a visit to your orthodontist or dentist. To make your treatment as convenient as possible, our dentists have advanced training to provide multiple dental straightening options, including Invisalign, in the same Toronto dental office you already know and love.
Receiving Your Aligners
What Are Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign aligners are custom-made based on the 3D model of your teeth. These aligners are designed to fit snugly over your teeth and gradually move them into the desired position.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Like traditional braces, Invisalign aligners apply gentle, constant pressure at strategic angles to slowly move the teeth into more ideal positions.
First Fitting
When your first set of aligners is ready, you’ll return to our office for a fitting. During this appointment, Dr. Weiss will make sure the aligners fit properly and give you instructions on how to wear and care for them. This is an exciting step in the Invisalign process as you’re officially starting your journey towards a straighter smile!
Wearing the Aligners
Daily Wear
For Invisalign to be effective, it’s recommended that you wear your aligners for 20-22 hours each day. This means you should only take them out when eating, drinking (anything other than water), or brushing your teeth. Consistency is key; if you don’t wear them enough, it could delay your progress.
Comfort and Adjustments
Wearing Invisalign aligners might feel a bit strange at first, but most people get used to them quickly. You may experience some slight discomfort when you start wearing a new set of aligners, as your teeth are adjusting to the new position. This is a normal part of the Invisalign procedure and a sign that your treatment is working.
Changing Aligners
Every 1-2 weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners. Each new set is designed to continue moving your teeth gradually until they are perfectly aligned. Your dentist will give you a schedule to follow, so you know exactly when to change your aligners.
Follow-Up Appointments
Regular Check-Ins
Throughout your Invisalign process, you’ll have regular check-ins with our team. These appointments are usually quick and straightforward. They allow us to monitor your progress and ensure everything is going according to plan.
Tracking Progress
During these check-ins, the Dentist will check to make sure your teeth are moving as expected. We may take new images or impressions to track your progress and make sure you’re on track to achieve the desired results.
Making Adjustments
If your teeth aren’t moving as planned, we may make adjustments to your treatment plan. This could involve wearing the current set of aligners a bit longer or even making new aligners to help you reach your goal.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Your smile is one of a kind, so your Invisalign treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs and vary in duration based on the complexity of your case.
In general, teeth straightening with Invisalign is faster than with traditional braces.
Living with Invisalign
One of the great things about Invisalign aligners for teeth is that you can remove them when you eat or drink. This means you can continue to enjoy all your favourite foods without worrying about damaging your aligners. Just remember to take them out before you eat and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important during your Invisalign treatment. You’ll need to brush and floss after every meal to keep your teeth and aligners clean. This helps prevent any food particles from getting trapped in the aligners and causing problems like cavities.
Completing the Treatment
After wearing your final set of aligners, your Invisalign process will be complete. At this point, you’ll have a beautifully straight smile that you can be proud to share with the world.
Whether you straighten your teeth with traditional braces or clear aligners, it takes about twelve months for your teeth to settle into their new positions. It’s important to wear your retainers as recommended during this time to prevent your teeth from relapsing.
Invisalign at The Art of Dentistry
At The Art of Dentistry, we understand that a straight smile can boost your confidence and improve your oral health. The Invisalign procedure offers a comfortable and convenient way to straighten your teeth without the need for traditional braces. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care throughout your Invisalign journey, ensuring that you achieve the best possible results.
Whether you’re just learning about what Invisalign does or are ready to start your treatment, The Art of Dentistry is here to help you every step of the way.
