Invisalign® Treatment Timeline: What Patients Can Expect
Crooked teeth can have a negative impact on the appearance and health of your smile. Thankfully, Invisalign® can make a major difference with regard to smile aesthetics. This alternative to traditional braces is virtually invisible and easy to remove and clean. That means no interruptions to your daily routine.
The team at our Harrisburg, PA practice would like to consider the treatment timeline for Invisalign®. This will let you know what to expect if you are considering this excellent treatment option.
How Invisalign® Works
Invisalign® is an alternative to tradition braces. Rather than using brackets and wires, Invisalign® uses clear plastic aligner trays. These trays apply careful tension and force on the teeth, helping them shift into a more real position. New aligners are worn in a sequence to promote proper dental alignment.
The Initial Invisalign® Consultation
The first step in the Invisalign® treatment process is the initial consultation. This will allow dentists to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign® treatment. Patients can expect X-rays and a look over your dental history, as well as a discussion of current dental alignment issues.
Wearing Your Invisalign® Aligners
Once you get your Invisalign® aligners, be sure to wear them in the right order. Patients should wear their Invisalign® aligners at all times, except for when they are eating, drinking, or cleaning their teeth.
Overall, this means that an Invisalign® aligner is worn for around 22 hours a day. This allows these aligner trays to fundamentally improve the shape of the dental arch and the position of your teeth.
A New Invisalign® Every Two Weeks
One Invisalign® aligner will not be enough. After two weeks, a patient will discard their current aligner and move on to the next Invisalign® tray in the sequence. This process continues during the months-long Invisalign® treatment plan, with teeth gradually and incrementally shifted over time.
Additional Treatment After Invisalign®
For some patients, the Invisalign® process is capped by a cosmetic procedure or restorative procedure. This could mean veneers or crowns, or even something as rudimentary as teeth whitening. This last procedure helps address any other cosmetic or general wellness issues that Invisalign® alone could not address.
The amount of time it takes to complete these additional procedures can vary from patient to patient.
How Long Does Invisalign® Take?
Overall, Invisalign® treatment can take about 10-20 months to complete. This timeframe allows even the most complicated cases of dental misalignment to be properly addressed.
How Does This Compare to Braces?
When compared to braces, this overall treatment time is actually quite comparable. Most people who undergo Invisalign® will wear their trays for the same amount of time that they would traditional braces. The difference is that the patient experiences all of the benefits and conveniences of Invisalign® during that time.
Is Invisalign® Right for Me?
If you would like to find out if Invisalign® is an ideal treatment for you, be sure to visit our practice for a consultation. We will be more than happy to answer your questions and address your concerns, and offer an honest assessment about your treatment options.
Learn More About Invisalign®
For more information about Invisalign® and how it can help you, be sure to contact the team at Silvers Family Dental Care. We look forward to your visit and discussing all of your treatment options in much greater detail.
