What to Expect with Invisalign® Treatment
Over the last three decades, the number of Americans wearing braces has doubled. More kids and teenagers are seeking orthodontic help, but so are more adults - about one third more. Luckily, technology has also evolved along with this rise in demand; metal- and wire-based treatment is not the only option. For patients hoping to fix misaligned teeth without such obvious hardware, Reston cosmetic dentist Wayne Myles offers Invisalign® treatment.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
Like conventional braces, Invisalign® works by gradually shifting your teeth into proper alignment over a given period of time. Instead of having anything attached to your teeth, however, this process utilizes a clear (“invisible”) aligner that fits over your teeth. Because it’s molded to fit your teeth and can be removed, the aligner is similar to a retainer. But instead of simply holding your teeth in place, Invisalign® also does the work of straightening them, all while staying out of the spotlight.
Problems addressed by Invisalign® include overbites, underbites, crossbites, teeth that are spaced too far apart, and teeth crowded too closely together. The common alignment issues once solved almost exclusively by braces may be treated in a much more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable way.
Treatment Timeline
The timetable for Invisalign® is comparable to that of regular braces. Since each patient requires slightly different alignment, an initial consultation will be necessary to determine how long treatment will take. If a patient were normally estimated to wear braces for one year, that estimate would be consistent with the Invisalign®process. To further understand the specific steps involved, please refer to the below timeline.
- Step 1: Talk to us!: There is no better way to see how Invisalign® can help you than to speak with Dr. Myles personally. A preliminary discussion and exam will allow him to lay out your own personal timetable and illustrate what you can expect to gain from treatment. More importantly, you can learn if you are a good candidate for Invisalign®. Teenagers and adults will likely benefit from treatment, for instance, whereas children who still have baby teeth are not yet suitable candidates.
- Step 2: Get your teeth examined: Our examination is quick and painless. If you are ready to begin treatment, we will begin measuring the dimensions of your teeth through pictures, x-rays documents, and physical impressions. With these, a 3-D image of your teeth is created, allowing Invisalign®to create a series of aligners that are customized precisely for your treatment plan. You will even be able to see a simulation image of how your teeth will be aligned at each phase of the process.
- Step 3: Wear the aligner: Every two weeks, you will wear a new aligner to continue the treatment and help your teeth progress in their alignment. You will not need a new checkup each time, as these have been formulated from the original examination. They can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, but will otherwise go unnoticed as they discreetly move your teeth into place.
- Step 4: Enjoy straight, beautiful teeth: By the end of your Invisalign® treatment timeline, your friends may not know that you were wearing anything at all - only that your smile seems even nicer than before. The physical process and results are equivalent to braces, but without drawing visible attention.
Want to Know if You’re a Candidate for Invisalign®?
If you’re considering an alignment treatment and would like to know your options, please contact us for more information and to schedule an appointment. Dr. Myles aims to create a comfortable atmosphere while producing outstanding results for you and your smile.