The purpose of this blog is to provide you with an overview of each of the steps involved in the Invisalign Treatment process from start to finish. Clear Aligners (Invisalign) are a popular option for straightening teeth without anyone knowing you are wearing them, as they are almost completely invisible. Before you begin the Invisalign Treatment process, it is important to have a clear understanding of how it works.
To begin your services with Invisalign, you will need to schedule an Evaluation and a Treatment Plan.
Where Does I Get My Initial Assessment?
Prior to beginning the Invisalign Treatment process, your Dentist or Orthodontist will perform a complete evaluation and develop a Treatment Plan specific to your needs. During this visit: You may get to try on a few aligners to see if you like the way they look and feel and to determine if this product is a good fit for your lifestyle. In some cases, your Doctor will take pictures of your teeth and use them along with the evaluation to help you understand how the Invisalign aligners will work for you.
Digital Scanning: During your initial visit, the Dentist or Orthodontist will take 3D Digital Scans of your teeth and gums using either an iTero (or comparable) Scanner. This 3D digital scanning process will replace your old working impressions and work with your current dental health.
Treatment Planning (ClinCheck) - After completing your digital scanning, the Doctor will use the ClinCheck Software to Create a digital outline of the movements of your teeth and present to you the final position they will reach.
Production: After you receive your ClinCheck plan from your Doctor, Manufacturing of your custom-made clear aligners will begin. It typically takes between three and six weeks to complete the manufacturing process. Your Doctor will notify you as to when your aligners will be ready to wear.
The number of aligners varies significantly depending on the complexity of your case, ranging from 10 to over 50 sets.
What is meant by "attachments" during orthodontic treatment?
Attachments during orthodontic treatment are small tooth-colored blocks made from composite material, which a dentist bonds to teeth with dental adhesive. The purpose of bonding attachments to specific teeth is to allow for a better grip of the aligners on the teeth and to provide an accurate method of applying the appropriate amount of force to the teeth in order to perform more complex tooth movements.
When will attachments be bonded to your teeth?
Attachments will be bonded to the teeth at the first appointment to receive your aligners, once you have received the aligners.
Why are attachments necessary for orthodontic treatment?
Attachments serve as handles or anchors for the aligners to provide the necessary pressure to rotate the teeth into position, to correct severe crowding, or bring them into alignment.
How visible are attachments during orthodontic treatment?
Attachments are small and tooth-colored, but nonetheless they do have a level of visibility when viewed closely. Once you have completed treatment, the attachments can be easily removed and do not leave any stains or marks.
What is the active phase of treatment with Invisalign aligners?
The active phase of treatment is the main stage when you should wear the aligners as directed by your orthodontist. During this phase, your aligners will move your teeth according to the orders given by your dentist.
How often should you wear the aligners during the active phase of treatment?
90+% of the time must remain on your aligners (between 20 to 22 hours per day). The main reason for this requirement is that compliance is the most important part of your treatment being successful. The only times that you should take the aligners out are to eat, drink anything except for water, and to brush/floss your teeth.
Switching Aligners: You should replace your set of aligners every few weeks based on what your dentist tells you to do. Each set of aligners progressively moves your teeth toward their final positions.
Periodic Dental Visits: Your dentist will monitor your progress at regular appointments, every six to eight weeks. During these appointments, your dentist checks to see that your aligners correctly fit, check the movement of your teeth and make adjustments as needed.
What is Interproximal Reduction and When is it needed?
Interproximal Reduction (IPR) is a simple, controlled procedure that involves removing a small amount of outer enamel on the teeth by creating space between them.
Reason for IPR: The reason for IPR is to develop enough space to correct for minor crowding of teeth or to prevent flaring while aligning the teeth. The amount of enamel removed is thinner than the thickness of an average person's fingernail.
Safety of IPR: IPR is safe and the procedure should not be painful nor should it create tooth sensitivity for you in the long run.
In order to provide the most favorable outcome of your treatment situation, there are two final steps involved in your Invisalign process. After you finish wearing your desired number of aligners, you will work to achieve the best possible outcome and keep your newly aligned smile for your entire life.
Step 1: Refinement Stage- Following completion of your first set of aligners, if needed, a new 3D scan will be taken after which new aligners will be manufactured and given to you for fine-tuning your remaining teeth's movement. The difference between the first and second sets of aligners is that the second set will be substantially smaller and, therefore, more comfortable than the first set you wore.
Step 2: Retention Stage- Retainers are the single most important component of your final phase of treatment. As long as you wear a retainer throughout the transition period, your teeth will not return to their original position and you will be able to keep your smile looking as great as it did on the day you completed your full course of treatment with Invisalign.
HAPPY ENDINGS WITH WORLD OF DENTISTRY
Long-Term Commitment- Throughout the long term, you should plan to wear your retainers every night indefinitely in order to ensure that your smile will remain stable. You can expect to benefit in many ways from your Invisalign experience, and each member of the team at World of Dentistry, the Best Dental Clinic in Gurgaon would be happy to meet with you to discuss your personal experiences with Invisalign and help you determine if it is right for you.