Invisalign treatment provides a new approach to straighten your teeth without the use of metal braces found in conventional orthodontics. Instead, Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are worn for the course of your individual treatment to gradually move your teeth into the right position. The aligners are custom-made for your specific situation based on scans, X-rays, photographs, and an assessment of your bite. Each set of aligners is worn for a period of two weeks to move certain teeth, before advancing to the next one in the series. The number of aligners and duration of treatment depends on your individualized Invisalign treatment plan. 

Here’s what to expect during your Invisalign appointments:

Consultation 

If you have an orthodontic issue, such as crooked or crowded teeth, misaligned bite, or over/under-bite, your dentist will evaluate your teeth to determine whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Next, the dentist will take a detailed scan of your teeth, photographs, and a full-mouth X-ray that will be used to design your Invisalign treatment plan and custom aligners. 

Fitting and Instructions 

When your custom aligners are fabricated, the first set will be inserted on your next appointment, and any interproximal reduction (IPR) or slenderizing (slimming) done to provide a good fit and alignment. Since they’re removable, the Invisalign specialist will also instruct you on how to insert and remove them, as well as how to care for your aligners. Each set of aligners is worn for two weeks, so you will be given the next 3-4 sets of aligners in your treatment plan to change at home. 

Monitoring Visits 

Invisalign monitoring visits are scheduled every 6-8 weeks to assess the progress of your treatment and receive the next set of aligners. You should go with your current aligner set in the mouth. If there’s any slenderizing needed, it will be performed before placing your new aligners. The number of scheduled visits depend on the number of aligner sets prescribed in your individual treatment plan. After your final set, the last appointment will be used to determine if further refining (minor bite adjustments) should be done or to order custom retainers to help maintain the new position of your teeth. These are worn continuously for 6 weeks, after which they only need to be worn at night forever or every two nights to keep your teeth straight. 

To find out more about Invisalign treatment and how it can help to address your orthodontic issues, please visit your Invisalign dentist in Oxnard CA today.