If your teeth are crowded, have gaps, or are simply not as straight as you would like, your dentist can help. At a consultation, they will discuss treatment options to give you a more aligned and confident smile. For many teens and adults, the recommended choice is Invisalign clear aligner therapy.
Invisalign treatment uses a series of custom made, clear plastic trays that you wear over your teeth. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, for at least 22 hours each day. They work by applying gentle, steady pressure to gradually shift your teeth into their new positions.
But have you ever wondered how these nearly invisible aligners are created? The process is a great example of modern dental technology working to design a smile that’s uniquely yours.
The Step-by-Step Journey to Your Custom Aligners
Step 1: Capturing a Perfect Picture of Your Smile
The first step is all about precision. If you and your dentist decide Invisalign is right for you, they need an exact model of your entire mouth. This is done in one of two ways:
- A Digital Scan: This is the most common method today. Your dentist will use a small, handheld scanner to take a 3D digital image of your teeth and gums. It’s quick, comfortable, and very accurate.
- A Physical Impression: Sometimes, a dentist will use a soft putty material to create a mold of your teeth. You bite into the putty for a minute until it sets, creating a detailed impression.
This detailed model, whether digital or physical, is the essential blueprint. It shows your dentist exactly where every tooth is now, so they can plan where each tooth needs to go.
This initial visit is also when your dentist will make sure Invisalign is your best option. While it’s great for many common issues, it may not be ideal for more complex bite problems or for patients with certain types of dental work. Your dentist will be honest with you and discuss all alternatives, like traditional braces, if needed.
Step 2: Designing Your Personal Treatment Plan
Your dentist doesn’t just look at your current teeth. Using special computer software, they design the entire journey of your smile transformation. They will map out the step by step movement of each tooth from its starting point to its final, straight position.
This is where your goals are key. You and your dentist will discuss the look and function you want to achieve. The software allows your dentist to show you a preview, or a “clincheck,” of what your new smile is projected to look like at the end of treatment. The number of aligner sets you will need and the total length of your treatment depends entirely on your specific plan.
Step 3: Creating Your Custom Aligners
Once the treatment plan is finalized, the high tech data is sent to an Invisalign lab. There, advanced technology uses your personal digital model to create your aligners.
Each aligner is fabricated from a special, strong yet flexible medical grade plastic. It’s crafted to be smooth and comfortable against your cheeks and gums. Each tray in the series is slightly different from the last, designed to move your teeth a tiny fraction of a millimeter at a time.
Because they’re made from the precise 3D model of your mouth, your aligners fit snugly. You won’t have to worry about them slipping or clicking when you talk. A major benefit patients love is that the aligners are removable. You simply take them out to eat, drink anything besides water, brush, and floss. This means no food restrictions and much easier cleaning than with traditional braces.
What to Expect During Treatment
When you start, you will get several sets of your aligners at once. You will wear each set for about two weeks before moving to the next one in the series. You will have check in appointments with your dentist every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure your treatment is progressing perfectly.
It’s normal to feel some pressure or tightness for the first day or two with a new set of aligners. This is simply a sign that they are working to move your teeth. Any minor discomfort is usually much less than with traditional braces and goes away quickly.
Caring for your aligners is simple. You brush them gently with a toothbrush and rinse them with cool water. The most important rule is to wear them as directed. Consistent wear is the key to staying on track and finishing your treatment on time.
Is Invisalign the Right Choice for You?
The only way to know for sure is to have a conversation with a qualified dentist. They can examine your teeth, discuss your lifestyle, and show you what Invisalign could do for your smile.
If you are in the Columbia, MD area and are interested in a straighter smile without the look of metal braces, Dr. Sahil Goyal and the team at Columbia Family Dentist are here to help. Dr. Goyal is experienced in providing Invisalign treatment along with a full range of general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care for patients of all ages.
Take the first step toward the smile you have always wanted. To schedule your personal Invisalign consultation, you can contact our friendly office by phone at (410) 670-8211 or visit our reach our office online.