Are you self-conscious about the way your teeth look? So are a lot of people. Fortunately, if your teeth are crooked, you don’t necessarily need to have a mouthful of metal brackets and wires in order to fix them. Instead, you can consider Invisalign in Crown Point. The Invisalign treatment process uses a series of custom, clear aligners in order to slowly move your teeth into their new locations. Continue reading to learn more about the process of getting Invisalign – consultation to retainer!
Consultation
Before you begin your Invisalign treatment, you need to see your dentist for a consultation. While clear aligners can fix all sorts of different alignment issues, some are too complex to be corrected in this way. If your teeth are severely rotated or angled, your dentist may recommend that you choose another orthodontic treatment instead.
Preparation
Once your dentist determines that you are a good candidate for the treatment, you will be ready to move on to the second step. During this time, your dentist will take some photographs and dental x-rays. A model of your smile will be created so that a customized plan can be made just for you.
Receiving Your New Aligners
After just a few weeks, you will receive your aligners and some minor adjustments may be made. For example, ‘buttons’ are small, tooth-colored bumps that are made from a composite resin that are sometimes placed on the front surface of the teeth. This helps to keep the aligners in place. Your dentist will show you the best way to put in and remove your aligners. They will also give you specific instructions on how to care for them. Approximately every two weeks, you will switch out your aligners for new ones.
Follow-Ups
You will need to return to the dental office on a regular basis just to make sure the treatment is going well. Teeth don’t always move exactly how they are expected to. This way, your dentist can make adjustments if they are needed.
Final Refinement
After you complete your series of aligners, you may still require some refinement. A few tweaks may be made in order to give you the exact results that you are looking for. It is difficult to predict exactly how your teeth will move.
Retainers
After your teeth have made it to their final locations, you will be able to say goodbye to your aligners. Any buttons that were placed will be removed. Instead, you will be wearing a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original locations.
Traditional braces are great, but they aren’t for everyone. Talk to your dentist to determine whether or not you would make a good candidate for Invisalign. You will be showing off your dream smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Danny Hayes is an experienced dentist who has been practicing for 14 years. He graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry and has attended continuing education courses in many advanced topics. Currently, he is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (219) 663-6878.