Invisalign Treatment Process - Clear Path to Straight Teeth

The Clear Path: Your Invisalign® Treatment Steps in Detail

The Invisalign® system is designed to be as streamlined and patient-friendly as possible. Your entire treatment is custom-made for you and guided by our dental expertise.

Step 1: Your Initial Consultation and 3D Digital Scan

Your journey begins with a consultation to discuss your smile goals and determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign®. From there, we create a highly accurate 3D model of your teeth. We use a state-of-the-art iTero® digital scanner, a small wand that comfortably captures thousands of images of your mouth in minutes. This means no messy, goopy putty impressions are needed.

Step 2: Designing Your Custom Treatment Plan (ClinCheck®)

The 3D scan of your teeth is uploaded into Invisalign’s powerful ClinCheck® software. This technology allows us to map out a precise, step-by-step treatment plan that shows the exact movement of your teeth from their current position to their final, desired alignment. The best part? We can show you a 3D simulation of this journey, revealing what your new smile will look like before you even start treatment.

Step 3: Receiving and Wearing Your Custom Aligners

Once your digital plan is finalized, your unique series of custom aligners is fabricated. You will receive several sets at a time.

• Wear Schedule: You will wear each set of aligners for 20-22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

• Changing Aligners: Approximately every 1-2 weeks, you will switch to the next set of aligners in the series, with each new set bringing you closer to your goal.

• Attachments: To help the aligners move your teeth effectively, we may bond small, tooth-colored "attachments" to certain teeth. These act like tiny handles that give the aligners a better grip, and they are removed after treatment.

Step 4: Regular Progress Checks

Every 6-8 weeks, you will have a quick and easy visit with us. During these appointments, we will monitor your progress to ensure your teeth are moving according to the plan and give you your next set of aligners. These check-ups are typically much faster and less frequent than the adjustment appointments required for traditional braces.

Step 5: Revealing Your New Smile and Protecting It with a Retainer

Once you have completed your final set of aligners, it's time to celebrate your new, beautifully straight smile! To protect this investment, the final step is crucial. You will receive a custom-made retainer (often a clear Vivera® retainer) that you will need to wear as prescribed, typically at night, to prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back to their original positions.