Invisalign is one of the most popular alternatives to traditional braces. It doesn’t come with any brackets or wires, and it can even be removed while eating. People of all ages increasingly choose Invisalign to improve their smiles with much greater comfort and discretion.
But if you’ve never had Invisalign before, you likely have a few important questions. First and foremost, how does Invisalign work? How long is the process of correcting your smile (from start to finish) with Invisalign? Finally, where can you access quality Invisalign dentists in Chico, California?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!
How Does Invisalign Work? The Basics
The process of getting Invisalign braces is pretty straightforward. First, you’ll need to find a dentist or orthodontist who specializes in Invisalign. Once you have someone in mind, you’ll get to see first-hand exactly how Invisalign braces work. Here’s a general breakdown so you know what to expect:
Consultation
First, you’ll meet with a dentist so that they can evaluate your teeth and discuss your goals. If they determine that Invisalign could work for you, they will proceed to the next step. Otherwise, you may need to seek out a second opinion or consider alternative ways to improve your smile (like traditional braces).
If you and your dentist agree on Invisalign braces, then you’ll have multiple X-rays and standard photographs taken of your mouth. 3D imaging is often implemented to ensure that the dentist has a comprehensive view of your bite and any changes that need to be made.
Invisalign Fitting
Your first Invisalign fitting will often take place after the dentist has had sufficient time to review the images and prepare Invisalign aligners to apply to your teeth. These clear aligners are designed specifically for your teeth. Your dentist may have you try on more than one aligner until they are happy with the fit.
Changes & Realignment
In most cases, you’ll be instructed to wear your Invisalign braces around the clock. The one exception is that you should remove them while you eat. After you start wearing Invisalign, you’ll feel pressure on your teeth as they begin to move and align into a healthier bite and a straighter smile. You may feel a little discomfort, but this is completely normal. Your teeth might feel more sensitive than usual, too.
Changing Aligners
The aligners are designed to make incremental changes to your teeth. This means that you’ll need to get your aligners changed once every few weeks. With each new aligner, the Invisalign will be molded into a slightly different shape to adjust to the changes in your smile. Eventually, the Invisalign treatment will be complete, and you’ll only need to wear retainers going forward (typically just when you sleep).
How Long Does It Take For Invisalign To Work?
The length of Invisalign treatment varies from person to person, but it generally takes somewhere between 6 and 24 months to complete. During this time, you’ll need to wear your Invisalign braces most of the time (except during meals). Once you and your dentist are happy with your smile, you’ll switch over to retainers that should be worn indefinitely. Over time, you can generally reduce how often you wear the retainers per the recommendations of your dentist or orthodontist.
Get Invisalign With Kremer Dental
Do you want Invisalign braces to improve your smile? Do you want to learn more about how Invisalign will work for your specific circumstances? Finally, are you looking for cosmetic dentistry experts in or near Chico, California? If so, Kremer Dental is the answer. Reach out to us today to learn more or schedule an appointment!
