Factors Affecting Invisalign® Appointment Frequency
Invisalign® is a popular orthodontic treatment that discreetly and comfortably straightens the teeth. Additionally, Invisalign can also correct bite misalignment problems and associated oral health problems.
Patients considering Invisalign often ask us how long treatment will take and Invisalign appointment frequency. The team at Silvers Family Dental Care in Harrisburg, PA answers these questions to help you better understand the Invisalign treatment process.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign works by using a series of clear plastic retainers to gradually move your teeth. Each dental tray is customized for you and fabricated based on your impressions and a computer-generated model.
You will wear a new aligner about every two weeks. Treatment times vary depending on the extent of your tooth or bite misalignment. Most patients need a year to 18 months to complete their therapy.
Variable Appointment Frequency
Minimally, you will need three appointments for Invisalign treatment. The first appointment is a consultation. At this time, impressions are taken of your teeth. This information is transferred to the computer modeling software that makes your aligners. This first visit is usually the longest and lasts about an hour.
The second appointment is when you receive your retainers, in some cases all of them, or only some of them.
During the final appointment, the dentist can review your progress and ensure that treatment is complete. At this appointment, your dentist will speak with you about the steps you can take to maintain your straight teeth.
While three appointments are the theoretical minimum, most patients will need additional checkups to ensure their teeth are moving as they should. Your dentist can tell you during your consultation how many in-office appointments you may need for a successful therapy.
Generally speaking, complex and severe cases will require longer treatment times and more appointments. Conversely, if you have a straightforward case of minor tooth misalignment, you may only need a half a year of treatments with three or four appointments to achieve an aligned smile.
When You Many Need More Appointments
The Invisalign system only works if patients wear their retainers for at least 22 hours a day. This means that aligners should only be removed for eating and hygiene purposes. When patients do not wear their retainers for as long as they should two things happen:
1) Treatment times take longer, and treatment may not work at all
2) More appointments will be required to assess the progress of your teeth movement
In other words, the best way to ensure that you do not extend your treatment time and need more appointments is by keeping your retainers in for at least 22 hours a day.
Learn More about Invisalign Today
Invisalign offers patients unique benefits compared to traditional orthodontics, including comfort, fewer appointments, and discretion.
Learn more about this system, including how many appointments you may need and the length of your appointment time by making a consultation today. You can leave us a message online or speak directly to a staff member by calling (717) 564-1681.
