Crooked, overlapped, or gapped teeth, can detract from a beautiful smile. Patients that wish to straighten their teeth without metal braces can benefit from Invisalign® at our Plano, TX dental practice. Here, Dr. Christine Hopkins discusses the Invisalign treatment timeline and explains what patients can expect during treatment.
Assessing Your Eligibility: Your Initial Consultation
Before beginning Invisalign treatment, we must first assess your candidacy. During an initial consultation at our practice, Dr. Hopkins will talk with you in detail about your dental concerns and overall goals.
She will then assess the health of your teeth and gums to ensure there are no signs of extensive decay or periodontal disease. She will also palpate your jaw joints and check other orofacial structures to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. To check the positions of the teeth roots and evaluate the health of the jawbone, scans and x-rays will be taken.
Once all necessary information has been gathered, Dr. Hopkins will be able to tell you whether Invisalign is an effective solution for your needs.
Designing a Personalized Treatment Plan
Treatment planning is the single most important step in the Invisalign process. To begin, Dr. Hopkins will take digital impressions of your teeth using a handheld wand. Once captured, these images will be sent directly to our Invisalign dental lab where your new aligner trays will be made.
Dr. Hopkins will work closely with the lab technician, consulting your scans and x-rays to build a treatment plan customized to your unique goals. Using the information provided, the lab technician will create a series of Invisalign trays, each slightly different than the last, to move your teeth into their desired positions.
This process typically takes a couple of weeks to complete. Once your aligners have been fabricated, we will schedule you for an appointment to try them on.
Wearing Your Invisalign Trays
Every treatment plan is unique, catered to the needs of each individual patient. However, in most cases, patients will need to wear their trays approximately two weeks before replacing them with the next set in the series.
To be fully effective, Invisalign trays must be worn for at least 22 hours every day. You should remove them only when brushing and flossing or eating and drinking.
Because the aligner trays are clear and virtually invisible, others will not be able to tell you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Length of Treatment
Overall, the length of Invisalign treatment is comparable to traditional metal braces. On average, patients can conclude treatment in about 18 to 24 months.
However, slight adjustments may be completed in as little as six months. During a visit at our practice, Dr. Hopkins can give you an idea of how long your treatment will take.
Contact Advanced Dental Center Today
Do you cover your mouth when you laugh? Do you smile with your lips closed for photos? Orthodontic misalignment can make you feel self-conscious. If you are ready to straighten your teeth, schedule an Invisalign consultation with Dr. Hopkins. Contact us online or give us a call at (972) 597-0471.