by Malavi Sivakanesan • 15 November 2024 • 5 min read
Curious about how Invisalign works and wondering if it’s the right choice for you? The journey to a stunning smile doesn’t have to involve metal brackets and wires. Invisalign, the modern alternative to traditional braces, offers a clear and merely invisible solution to teeth straightening.
Hence, understanding the Invisalign timeline is crucial for those contemplating this treatment. Keep reading this blog post to clear your doubts, such as how Invisalign works and what each step will be about.
The Invisalign Timeline: Breakdown from Start to Finish
With several types of Invisalign, from Invisalign Express to Invisalign Full, treatment lengths can vary. It can take three to eighteen months. But don’t worry. We have crafted the full-fledged procedure for the treatment with all the necessary steps.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown from start to finish:
Initial Consultation
This initial phase involves a thorough consultation with your certified dentist for Invisalign. The dentist will analyse and assess your oral health during the visit to determine your smile goals and decide if Invisalign is the right option.
Scans and Impressions
Once the treatment of choice is decided, impressions of your teeth are taken to create special moulds. These include scans/photographs of your teeth. The information collected helps plan your new smile.
Customised Treatment Plan
Based on the 3D scans, the dentist will work with Invisalign to create a custom treatment plan. This plan shows:
- The predicted movement of your teeth over time.
- The number of aligners needed for your Invisalign treatment.
- After treatment, a virtual preview of what your teeth will look like lets you visualise the outcome.
Aligner Production
Custom aligners will be made specifically for your teeth once the treatment plan is finalised. These are made from patented SmartTrack material. This material is perfect and provides a better fit.
First Fitting of Aligners
The orthodontist will do the following during your initial fitting phrase:
- Ensure the perfect fit for aligners
- Provide instructions on how to wear them
- Guide you on how to maintain and care for your aligners
They will also give you a few sets of extra aligners to take home, with instructions to change them every two weeks. During this time, Invisalign aligners are also trimmed based on your gum line requirements for added comfort and appearance.
Wearing the Aligners
You will be required to wear your aligners consistently for fast and better results. Hence, aim to wear each Invisalign aligner for at least 22 hours a day. Remove them while:
- Eating
- Drinking hot water
- Drinking sparkling water
Do not leave them out of your mouth for more than 2 hours.
Regular Checkups
Periodic check-ups with the orthodontist are necessary. These can take place, usually every six to eight weeks, for the following:
- Monitoring progress
- Receiving a new set of aligners
- Making necessary adjustments
Mid-Treatment Adjustments (If Necessary)
In some cases, mid-treatment refinements and adjustments may be necessary. If your teeth aren’t moving as expected, your dentist may take fresh scans or impressions to create additional aligners to get you back on track.
Finishing the Treatment
Once you have completed the prescribed number of aligners and your teeth have relocated to their final positions, it’s time for the final evaluation. The dentist will examine to ensure the desired results have been achieved. In case of any minor adjustments, additional aligners or refinement trays may be created to perfect your smile.
Post-Treatment Retention
You’ll need to wear a retainer after completing the Invisalign treatment. These are required because the teeth naturally tend to shift back to their original positions, and retainers help prevent this. Retainers may be worn full-time initially, then gradually reduced to night-time wear.
Enjoy Your New Smile
Now that you have a brand new smile, you can enjoy the benefits of straighter teeth, improved aesthetics, and better oral health. Regular dental checkups will help ensure long-term success.
Understanding the Invisalign Process and Timeline
Wondering How long does Invisalign take to work? The average Invisalign treatment takes around 12-18 months. However, the timelines vary with each case. Treatment can take as little as six months or can stretch upto more than a year in some cases. During your initial consultation, the dentist will advise you to take the best braces or aligners based on your type and how long the treatment should take.
But, slight imperfections may resolve as quickly as three months. Invisalign may work slightly faster than braces because it targets specific teeth instead of broad corrections across the entire arch.
Conclusion
Now that you know how Invisalign works and what to expect from the Invisalign timeline, it’s clear why so many choose this method over traditional braces. With proper usage and professional guidance, Invisalign can effectively align your teeth, offering a faster, more comfortable path to the smile you’ve always wanted.
For more information on the Invisalign process and timeline, contact us now.
Malavi Sivakanesan
Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.