The Invisalign® Process: From Consultation to Completion
If you’ve been considering straightening your teeth but dislike the idea of traditional braces, Invisalign at The Dentist of Siouxland can be a comfortable and discreet option. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually guide your teeth into a healthier, more confident smile. Here’s what the Invisalign treatment process typically looks like, from your first visit to your final results.
1. Your Invisalign Consultation
It all starts with a friendly conversation and an exam. During your consultation, our team will evaluate your teeth and bite, discuss your goals, and determine whether Invisalign is a suitable option for your needs. This is also the perfect time to ask questions about timing, cost, and what daily life with aligners is like.
2. Digital Scans and a Custom Treatment Plan
If you’re a candidate, the next step is creating a personalized plan. Most offices use advanced digital scanning (instead of messy impressions) to capture a precise 3D image of your teeth. Using those scans, your dentist maps out a step-by-step plan for how your teeth will move over time. In many cases, you’ll even get to preview a simulation of your expected results, so you can see where you’re headed before you begin.
3. Receiving and Wearing Your Aligners
Once your aligners are ready, you’ll come in to pick them up and review instructions. Invisalign aligners are typically worn 20 to 22 hours per day, removed only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing/flossing. You’ll switch to a new set of aligners on a schedule provided by your dentist (often every one to two weeks), as each set moves your teeth a little closer to their final position.
4. Progress Checks and Small Adjustments
You’ll have periodic check-ins to make sure everything is tracking correctly. Some patients also require small, tooth-colored “attachments” to be placed on specific teeth, which help the aligners grip and guide movement more effectively. If needed, we may recommend minor adjustments or refinements to keep your treatment on course.
5. Completion and Retainers
When you reach the final aligner, it’s time to celebrate—your smile has reached its new alignment! To help maintain your results, you’ll receive retainers to wear as directed. Retainers are an essential final step because teeth can shift over time without support.
With Invisalign, the key to success is consistency and good oral hygiene. If you’re ready to explore your options, schedule a consultation. We’d love to help you take the next step toward the smile you’ve been imagining!
