We get a lot of patients asking us about Invisalign treatment. One of the top questions we receive is “How does Invisalign work?” If you’re interested in straightening your smile in this alternative treatment to traditional braces, keep reading to find out what to expect during your treatment and to learn how Invisalign clear braces works.
Prepping for Invisalign
Before we can start your Invisalign treatment, we must first make sure you’re a good candidate for the treatment. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign isn’t the perfect solution for every patient. If your case is too severe or you don’t think you will be able to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day because you’re not responsible enough, that’s okay. We would rather rule out Invisalign upfront than have you waste your time and money starting a treatment that won’t deliver the results you want. We also offer traditional braces at our dental office if Invisalign isn’t right for you.
After we verify that you’re a good candidate for Invisalign in Spokane Valley, we will take impressions of your teeth and x-rays to plan your treatment. The Invisalign lab needs these to create your clear plastic aligners.
Invisalign in Spokane Valley: Step by Step Treatment Guide
Once your aligners return from the lab, you can begin your treatment! Every new pair of aligners has a slight change. The slight change applies light pressure to your teeth to help them gradually move into their ideal position. Patients should wear each set of aligners for at least 22 hours per day and two weeks at a time. Once you reach the two-week mark, you will dispose of your aligners and put in the next aligners in the sequence. As long as you stay consistent with wear, your treatment should go well and be over in our recommended amount of time.
If you need to eat or brush and floss your teeth, you should remove your aligners first. We recommend brushing your teeth and rinsing out your aligners before putting them back in your mouth between meals or flavored drinks. Otherwise, your aligners will become stained and begin to smell. Keeping your aligners clean is essential for maintaining good oral health for the duration of your treatment.
Most patients only need as little as six months to two years to complete their Invisalign treatment. If Invisalign sounds like the right orthodontic treatment option for you, contact our Spokane Valley Invisalign dentists for a consultation by calling (509) 927-2273 today.
