The Invisalign treatment process is a clear alternative to traditional braces that uses a series of custom-made aligners to gradually move teeth into their desired position. In this post, we will go through the step-by-step process of Invisalign treatment in The Berkeley Clinic The Berkeley Clinic.
What is Invisalign Treatment Process?
Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic solution that has transformed the practice of dental correction. Where traditional braces use a system of metal brackets and wires to adjust tooth alignment, Invisalign employs a series of transparent, removable aligners meticulously designed to fit your teeth.
The name “Invisalign” combines ‘invisible’ and ‘align’, highlighting the treatment’s key advantage: a virtually invisible way to straighten teeth.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, providing an elevated level of convenience and flexibility.
This means they can be taken out for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing or flossing your teeth, enabling you to maintain good oral hygiene without any extra hassle.
Purpose of the Treatment Process
Invisalign treatment is designed to rectify a variety of orthodontic issues, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, gap teeth, open bite, crowded teeth, and generally misaligned teeth.
Whether your teeth alignment issues are minor or more complex, Invisalign offers a clear, comfortable, and convenient solution for adults and teenagers alike.
Initial Consultation
The Initial consultation goes through a three-step process: A comprehensive evaluation of your dental health, Discussion of treatment goals and determining your eligibility.
Evaluation of Dental Health
When you visit The Berkeley Clinic for your initial consultation, our skilled cosmetic dentists will carry out a comprehensive evaluation of your dental health.
This includes a detailed assessment of your teeth, gums, and jaw structure to ensure suitability for Invisalign treatment.
Discussion of Treatment Goals
Next, we will have an open discussion about your treatment goals. Are you looking to close gaps between your teeth? Straighten a crooked smile?
By understanding your objectives, we can tailor the Invisalign treatment process to meet your specific needs.
Determination of Eligibility
Not all dental issues can be solved by Invisalign. Thus, it’s crucial to determine if you are an eligible candidate.
This treatment is perfect for individuals with mild to moderate malocclusion or “bad bites”. For severe or complex cases,alternative orthodontic solutions may be required.
Treatment Planning
Treatment planning is the process of developing a customized treatment plan for a patient’s specific needs.
This process involves a thorough assessment of the patient’s dental and medical history, as well as a discussion of their treatment goals.
Creation of a Digital Treatment Plan
At Berkeley Clinic, we leverage advanced 3D technology to create a digital treatment plan customised to your needs. This plan maps out the precise, step-by-step transformation of your smile.
Preview of the Final Results
Invisalign treatment preview allows patients to see what their teeth will look like after treatment. This can help motivate patients to stick with treatment and achieve their desired smile.
Customized Aligners
One of the essential components of the Invisalign treatment process is the use of custom-made aligners.
Unlike traditional braces, which involve a standardized set of brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are designed specifically to fit your teeth and address your unique orthodontic needs.
- The Creation Process. Once the dentist has created a treatment plan, the technicians use advanced software and fabrication processes to create a series of clear, custom-made aligners made from medical-grade, BPA-free thermoplastic material and are designed to be nearly invisible when worn.
- The Sequence of Aligners. The Invisalign treatment doesn’t consist of a single aligner, but rather a series of them. Each aligner represents a different stage in your tooth alignment process and is designed to make slight adjustments to the positioning of your teeth.
Typically, an aligner is worn for one to two weeks before you progress to the next one in the series.
- Custom Fit. Your Invisalign aligners are made to fit snugly over your teeth. They’re designed based on the exact mould of your mouth taken during your consultation, which ensures that they align with your gum line and apply the right amount of pressure in the appropriate places.
- Adjustments and Refinements. Throughout treatment, dentists can monitor progress and order new aligners if needed.
In essence, the customization of Invisalign aligners is central to the treatment’s effectiveness. By perfectly fitting your oral structure and catering to your specific alignment needs, these aligners enable a smoother, more comfortable journey to a perfect smile.
Wearing Invisalign Aligners
Wearing Invisalign aligners is a simple process that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Instructions for Proper Wear
For optimal results, you must wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours a day and even when you sleep, removing them only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Regular wear ensures that your teeth move according to the treatment plan.
Length of Treatment
The length of the Invisalign process time varies based on individual cases. On average, treatment lasts around 12-18 months.
Your dentist at Berkeley Clinic will provide an estimated treatment duration during your initial consultation.
Initial result
Invisalign results can vary, but many patients see changes in their tooth alignment within 6-8 weeks. The most significant shifts occur during this time, and changes become less dramatic as treatment progresses.
The timeline for visible Invisalign results can vary based on the individual and the complexity of their case.
Switching to New Aligners
Every 1-2 weeks, you will switch to a new set of aligners. Each set of aligners will gradually move your teeth into their desired positions.
Regular follow-ups at The Berkeley Clinic will be scheduled to monitor your progress.
Handling Issues or Concerns
In the event of any issues or concerns, such as discomfort or a lost aligner, contact Berkeley Clinic immediately. We’re always available to assist and ensure your treatment proceeds smoothly.
Aftercare
Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical during the Invisalign treatment. The following are aftercare tips on taking care of your teeth and keeping your Invisalign aligners clean.
Brushing and Flossing
With Invisalign, you can continue your regular brushing and flossing routine without any hindrance.
This can help prevent issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Regular flossing is also essential to keep the areas between your teeth clean.
Cleaning the Aligners
In addition to your teeth, the Invisalign aligners also need to be cleaned regularly to maintain their transparency and effectiveness. Aligners should be rinsed with warm water and brushed gently with a soft toothbrush.
Invisalign also offers a cleaning system specifically designed to keep your aligners fresh and free from bacteria.
Regular Dental Checkups
Even though you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment, regular dental check up and cleanings remain essential.
These visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and the progress of your treatment, and clean areas of your teeth that are harder to reach at home.
Healthy Diet
While oral hygiene largely refers to the practices of cleaning your mouth and teeth, it’s also influenced by your lifestyle and a good example is your diet.
Eating a balanced diet that’s low in sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems.
Since Invisalign aligners are removed while eating, there are no dietary restrictions during the treatment.
From your initial consultation to your final aligner, the Invisalign treatment process at Berkeley Clinic is a journey tailored to your specific needs.
With our state-of-the-art technology and expert team, we’re committed to helping you achieve your dream smile.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers a host of benefits benefits over traditional braces and here are some of the benefits:
- Invisible: Invisalign aligners are clear and virtually invisible clear and virtually invisible so, you can wear them without anyone knowing you’re getting orthodontic treatment. This can be a major advantage for people who are self-conscious about their teeth or who work in a public-facing role.
- Comfortable: Invisalign aligners are made from a soft, flexible material that is comfortable to wear.
- Removable: Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can take them out for certain activities, such as eating, drinking, brushing your teeth, and flossing.
This can make them a more convenient option for people who have a busy lifestyle or who are active.
- Improved oral hygiene: Invisalign aligners can help to improve your oral hygiene by making it easier to brush and floss your teeth.
- More affordable: Invisalign treatment can be more affordable than traditional braces, depending on your individual needs.
- Invisalign can boost your confidence: Having a straighter smile can make you feel more confident and outgoing. This can have a positive impact on your social life, your career, and your overall well-being.
Invisalign is a good option to consider. It offers several benefits over traditional braces, including being virtually invisible, comfortable, removable, and making oral hygiene easier. Invisalign can also be a more convenient and affordable option for some people.
Schedule for Consultation
If you’re ready for a smile makeover with Invisalign, the first step is to schedule a consultation at Berkeley Clinic. Our expert team is ready and eager to guide you through the process and answer all your questions. Contact us today to start your journey to a perfect smile.