How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses nearly invisible trays to discreetly straighten teeth. This innovative orthodontic alternative seems too good to be true, but it really does do the hard work of braces without the visibility. Every patient who chooses this form of cosmetic dentistry from Dr. Charmaine Johnson, Fort Lauderdale Invisalign provider at Premier Smile Center, will have their treatment customized to their unique oral health, but the way the technology works remains the same no matter who you are. Dr. Johnson will explain to each patient and will answer the question – how does Invisalign work?

The Big-Picture Invisalign Process

On average, Invisalign takes about one year to complete, but this timeline will vary by patient and will depend on the complexity of your case. What does not differ from patient to patient is the process. Here is how Invisalign works:

• Analysis: Your Invisalign provider will take detailed 3D images and x-rays of your teeth, jaw, and bite so adjustments can be made digitally. Your dentist will observe the jaw from different angles and perform a diagnostic analysis to determine if there is a viable path to straight teeth.
• Customization: If you are a good candidate for Invisalign, a customized treatment plan – from start to finish – will be created for moving your teeth.
• Creation: When your treatment plan is ready and finalized, your photos and information will be sent to an Invisalign lab so the aligners can be created just for you.
• Treatment: Treatment officially begins when your first sets of aligners are ready. You will receive a few groupings of trays at every dental checkup – every six to eight weeks – and be expected to change them out about every two weeks at home.

The Details of Invisalign Treatment

Once you understand the big picture of how Invisalign works, it’s time to get familiar with the details of the trays and how does Invisalign work.

• Only a few teeth move at a time.
• Trays are switched about every two weeks to target the next several teeth.
• Both tooth root and crown are shifted simultaneously.
• Teeth are moved gently and slowly into alignment.
• You may need attachments to help teeth move even more effectively.

Get the Most Out of Your Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign works best when the wearer follows the rules from start to finish. This treatment is designed to work gently and consistently, with each set of trays moving a few teeth at a time until your entire smile is in alignment.

How you behave during and after treatment, will make all the difference in the success of this orthodontic alternative.

• Follow the rules. How well a patient adheres to their Invisalign plan makes all the difference in the success of their treatment. You must wear the trays 20 to 22 hours a day, clean trays carefully, change aligners as indicated, not eat or drink anything but water with the trays in, and follow all the rules for the plan to progress effectively.
• Visit your dentist regularly. If you want to see Invisalign all the way through to the end, you cannot skip out on checkups with your Invisalign provider. She ensures that your treatment is progressing as it should and gives you the next sets of aligners so the work carries on as intended.
• Wear your retainer after treatment. The last Invisalign tray is not the end of treatment – there is still work to be done to keep your newly shifted teeth in place, and that means wearing retainers. Retainers are the most essential step after Invisalign and keeps the teeth, bones, and muscles in their new positions.

Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign trays are not difficult to wear – but they do require an adjustment period. Understanding how Invisalign works and what’s expected of you as a patient will make it easier to absorb the rules into your daily routine.

If you want to straighten your smile, correct crooked or crowded or gapped teeth, and find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, contact Premier Smile Center in Fort Lauderdale to schedule a consultation as well as learn about the associated cost of this cosmetic dentistry treatment including any special offers that we may be running.