Do you want a straighter smile but aren’t comfortable with metal? Invisalign could be the clear aligner system you are looking for. The Invisalign system seems to be a popular option for correcting crooked teeth while avoiding wires and brackets. Many people are opting for Invisalign because it is convenient to wear, comfortable, and almost invisible!
It’s a good idea to know the process before you begin. This blog will explain everything you need to know about being fitted with Invisalign, beginning with the initial consultation and going all the way until you get to show off your smile. This is perfect if you are looking for a dentist in Grande Prairie.
Step 1: Your First Invisalign Consultation
Everything starts with a visit to your dentist. During your first appointment, the dentist will check your teeth to see if Invisalign is right for you. They may take X-rays, photos, and a digital scan of your mouth. This helps the dentist create a clear plan for your treatment.
Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign, so your dentist will explain if this option will work for your smile needs.
Step 2: Tailored Digital Planning
Once your dentist decides that this is the right orthodontic treatment for you, they will use special dental software to create a digital image of your teeth. With this model that your dentist has, they can plot out how your teeth will move over time and what your final smile will look like.
You get an exciting opportunity to see what your smile will look like!
Step 3: How Are Invisalign Aligners Made?
When the dentist has your treatment plan prepared, they send your digital scan off to the Invisalign lab, and that’s where your clear aligners are made for your mouth and produced individually. These aligners are made of a special type of smooth plastic, so they are strong but comfortable to use.
If you are wondering how Invisalign aligners are made, there you have it—using 3D printing mould technologies, customised for your mouth.
Step 4: Wearing Your First Set of Aligners
You will go back to your dentist to try on your first set of aligners once they are ready. They will ensure that the aligners are comfortable and fit your mouth properly. To improve the aligners’ ability to grip and move your teeth, you may also have tiny tooth-coloured attachments put on specific teeth.
Wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day is required; you will only need to take them out to brush your teeth, eat, and drink anything other than water.
Step 5: Switching to New Aligners
You’ll change to a new set of aligners every 1–2 weeks, depending on your treatment plan. Your teeth gradually move a bit more with each new aligner. When you begin a new set, it’s common to feel a little pressure, but this indicates that the aligners are functioning properly.
To stay on track, you must wear your aligners as directed and visit your Invisalign dentist every 6 to 8 weeks for a check-up.
Step 6: Taking Care of Your Aligners
Cleaning your aligners is very important. You need to rinse them after each time you remove them and scrub them with a soft brush every day. You also should not eat or drink anything other than water while wearing your aligners to help avoid stains or damage to the plastic.
Caring for your aligners can help you have a better experience and a fresher smile!
Step 7: What to Expect Throughout Your Treatment
Your smile will slowly start to change week after week. You may notice teeth close gaps or shift, or you may even notice small changes in your speech at first. Some patients say that they experience tiny amounts of pressure or soreness for the first few days of a new aligner; this is completely normal.
Be patient and adhere to your dentist’s recommendations. Each new tray is one step closer to your perfect smile.
Step 8: Almost There! The final stages
At the end of your treatment, you will begin your last set of aligners. Your dentist will take a look to ensure that everything looks good. Sometimes, if your teeth did not move exactly as we planned, your dentist may order a few additional aligners in order to get the best results.
You’ll be amazed at how far your smile has come!
Step 9: Retainers After Invisalign
Once you have finished your Invisalign treatment process, the next step will be retainers! Retainers will be essential to keep your teeth in their new places and also prevent them from shifting back. The majority of people will wear retainers every night, particularly during the initial months.
Your dentist will provide you with information on how often to wear your retainers and how to care for your retainers.
Step 10: Enjoy Your New Smile!
Once everything is done, you can enjoy your new, straight smile! With Invisalign Grande Prairie, you’ve improved not just the look of your teeth but also your oral health. In addition to being simpler to maintain, straight teeth lower the risk of gum disease and cavities.
Your confidence will grow, and your smile will show it.
Let Dental Care Centre Help You Get Started
At the Dental Care Centre, located in Grande Prairie, we are proud to provide individualised attention for your Invisalign Care for teens and adults. We can assist you every step of the way from your first visit and consultation to the final result. If you are merely curious about what Invisalign is all about, you can also ask us any questions so that you can begin yours with confidence that the Dental Care Centre team will be supportive and knowledgeable the whole way.
Book your Invisalign consultation today with our caring team at Dental Care Centre and begin your journey to the smile that you’ve always wanted!
How long will my Invisalign treatment last?
Most treatments are between six and eighteen months in length. Dentists can give a more accurate time after looking at how much your teeth need to move.
Will my Invisalign treatment be painful?
Invisalign is not usually painful, but you may feel some pressure or soreness at the beginning of each aligner—this is normal. This will go away in a few days.
Will I be able to eat with my aligners in?
No, you must remove your aligners when you are eating or drinking anything apart from water; this will help protect your aligners from staining or damage.
How often do I need to visit my dentist while I am completing my Invisalign treatment?
You will typically visit your dentist every 6 – 8 weeks so that your dentist can assess your progress and give you your next set of aligners.