Custom-made clear aligners are used in the Invisalign system, based on impressions of your teeth. These aligners gradually move your teeth into position by applying light pressure and are made from pleasant BPA-free polymers. Every few weeks, patients are given a new set of aligners to wear. A lot depends on your particular bite concerns and cosmetic goals regarding the length of treatment.
The length of Invisalign treatment is one of the most frequently requested questions by potential patients. Many people ask how long it will take to see Invisalign results, how long they must wear their aligners each day, and other essential topics. With so much interest in the usual treatment in various settings, we thought it would be helpful to provide some examples of success stories of Invisalign patients.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a type of adult orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for those who want to avoid the appearance of metal braces.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign treatment involves a series of clear aligners that are custom-made for each patient. These aligners gradually shift teeth into their desired position over time.
Clear Aligners
Invisalign aligners are made of a clear, thermoplastic material that is custom-made to fit each patient’s teeth. They are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for those who want to avoid the appearance of metal braces.
Customized Treatment Plan
Before treatment begins, a customized treatment plan is created for each patient. This plan outlines the specific movements that each aligner will make to gradually shift teeth into their desired position.
Gradual Shifts
Invisalign treatment involves a series of clear aligners that are worn for a specific amount of time. Each aligner is designed to gradually shift teeth into their desired position. Patients typically switch to a new aligner every two weeks.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign treatment offers several benefits over traditional braces.
- Discreet Appearance
- Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for those who want to avoid the appearance of metal braces.
- Comfortable and Removable
- Invisalign aligners are made of a clear, thermoplastic material that is custom-made to fit each patient’s teeth. They are also removable, making them more comfortable to wear than traditional braces.
- Improved Oral Health
- Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment. This can help reduce the risk of issues like bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.
- Shorter Treatment Time
- Invisalign treatment typically takes less time than traditional braces. While treatment time varies depending on the individual case, most patients complete treatment within 12 to 18 months.
Before Invisalign Treatment
Before Invisalign treatment begins, there are several steps that patients must take.
Consultation and Evaluation
- Finding an Invisalign Provider
- The first step in the Invisalign process is to find an Invisalign provider. This can be done by searching online or asking for recommendations from friends or family members.
- Initial Consultation
- Once a provider has been chosen, patients will have an initial consultation. During this consultation, the provider will evaluate the patient’s teeth and determine if Invisalign treatment is a good option.
- Evaluation and Treatment Plan
- If Invisalign treatment is recommended, the provider will create a customized treatment plan for the patient. This plan will outline the specific movements that each aligner will make to gradually shift teeth into their desired position.
Preparing for Treatment
Before treatment can begin, patients must prepare their teeth.
- Dental Cleaning
- Patients must have a dental cleaning before treatment begins. This ensures that teeth are free of plaque and tartar, which can interfere with the movement of teeth during treatment.
- Xrays and Impressions
- Xrays and impressions are taken to create a 3D model of the patient’s teeth. This model is used to create the customized treatment plan and aligners.
- Fitting of Aligners
- Once the aligners have been created, patients will have a fitting appointment. During this appointment, the provider will ensure that the aligners fit properly and provide instructions on how to wear and care for them.
During Invisalign Treatment
During Invisalign treatment, patients must wear and maintain their aligners.
Wearing and Maintaining Aligners
- Wearing Schedule
- Invisalign aligners must be worn for a specific amount of time each day. Patients should follow the wearing schedule provided by their provider to ensure that treatment is effective.
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Invisalign aligners must be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque. Patients should follow the cleaning instructions provided by their provider.
- Switching to New Aligners
- Patients typically switch to a new aligner every two weeks. This ensures that teeth continue to shift into their desired position over time.
Monitoring Progress
During treatment, patients will have regular checkups to monitor progress.
- Regular CheckUps
- Patients will have regular checkups with their provider to ensure that treatment is progressing as planned.
- Adjustments to Treatment Plan
- If necessary, adjustments to the treatment plan may be made to ensure that teeth are shifting into their desired position.
- Tracking Progress
- Providers use advanced dental technology to track progress during treatment. This ensures that teeth are shifting into their desired position over time.
After Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign orthodontists and dentists recommend that you wear your aligners for the whole two weeks, but there are a few other things you may do to shorten the length of your treatment.
Wearing your aligners for as long as your orthodontist recommends you to every day is the first thing you can do to help your treatment progress. Most patients should wear Invisalign clear aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Your treatment plan may suffer if you don’t do this enough.
Keeping track of your Invisalign aligners is another way to ensure your treatment runs smoothly. You may end up delaying your treatment if you lose or throw away your aligners.
To move to the following set of aligners sooner if your orthodontist or dentist permits, you must wear the initial set of aligners for a sufficient amount of time. Your dentist or orthodontist may order a new pair of aligners for you if you’ve worn them out. The replacement Invisalign aligners will take several days to arrive, so plan accordingly.
Retainers and Maintenance
- Importance of Retainers
- Retainers are important for maintaining the new position of teeth after treatment is complete. Without retainers, teeth may shift back into their original position.
- Types of Retainers
- There are several types of retainers available, including clear retainers and traditional wire retainers. Patients should discuss their options with their provider to determine which type of retainer is best for them.
- Maintenance and Care
- Retainers must be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque. Patients should follow the cleaning instructions provided by their provider.
More Invisalign Results
Invisalign Results
If you are looking for a straight, healthy smile that is easy to maintain with minimal effort on your part, then Invisalign may be the perfect solution. Not only does it move teeth into the desired position quickly and easily, but it can also correct various orthodontic issues in one comprehensive treatment plan. Whether you have crooked teeth or overlapping teeth, this innovative system has been designed to help fix all of these problems without invasive measures like braces or surgery.
Like Bryan, many others are going on about their Invisalign experience with Kumra Orthodontics. We truly appreciate the opportunity to be involved in your journey towards a beautiful smile.
Interested to see some more stories? Here are some more Invisalign results that our patients shared with us.
Rachel Leggett from Google Map
Dr. Mina did an incredible job designing and adjusting aligners for me over the past year. I wore regular braces in high school and lost my retainer in college, so of course, my teeth had shifted a good bit. As a result, my smile always bothered me. Dr. Mina took steps to create space for my teeth so they could fully straighten and align. I can floss comfortably and easily for the first time in my life! The process was as painless as possible. Dr. Mina always attentively listened to my concerns and adjusted my treatment as necessary. I would highly recommend her and Dr. Bob, especially if you are looking for unique and customized treatment along with a delightful experience the entire way!
Samith Chowdhury from Google Map
My experience with them have been nothing but the best. I originally found this place when I was researching Invisalign treatment through my insurance company and through Invisalign directly. My insurance website recommended this office as the best match and Invisalign showed this office as one of the highest ranking with VIP status since they’ve done thousands successful treatments.
So, I scheduled a free consultation and was sold then and there and signed that day to start treatment. I was comparing Invisalign with Byte and SmileDirectClub as alternatives but this was surprisingly a better deal with the discount they put on, and from what I’ve read online, it’s better since you’re going to an orthodontist who can periodically check to make sure you’re on track and most importantly keep it that way after the treatments over (not included with the others).
This included little hooks they put on your teeth to speed up treatment and filing to make room for your teeth to shift, which you can’t get from an online ortho. I’m almost completely through with my treatment and It’s been great coming in. They always remember you by name, you never really have to wait in the waiting room (big big plus), and they’re always trying to work with you. I lost one of my aligners when I was at college, living hours away, and couldn’t get back to Stafford anytime soon, I called them and they rush made it, and overnighted it to me with extra chewies and other goodies in the box.
recently finished my two-year Invisalign treatment (February 2021) and was impressed with Dr. Kumra and his team. Any orthodontic treatment is a long-term relationship and it was a beautiful one.
From the start, Dr. Kumra demonstrated his knowledge of his craft and was very informative. This treatment is not cheap, so information is very important to me. His team provided ample information about the pricing, timeline, and payment options. They even gave me a few more months in my term to make the monthly payments more manageable.
This is not to say there weren’t bumps in the road. Like any successful relationship, it’s important that issues are handled appropriately. There was an occasion where there was a miscommunication about an appointment and I was informed that I had to pay a $50 fee for missing the appointment. After disclosing my displeasure, Dr. Kumra waived the fee, which I greatly appreciated.
Also, Dr. Kumra’s team was very quick to order additional Invisalign trays when my teeth were being stubborn (adult teeth do not move as easily because our jaws are fully developed). Even though this was frustrating, I was happy to see that they were able to identify the problem and find a solution.
So if you’re looking for an orthodontist with strong customer service, great conflict resolution, very proficient with their craft, and all-around great person, then this office will serve you well.
What to Expect
Invisalign orthodontists and dentists recommend that you wear your aligners for the whole two weeks, but there are a few other things you may do to shorten the length of your treatment.
Wearing your aligners for as long as your orthodontist recommends you to every day is the first thing you can do to help your treatment progress. Most patients should wear Invisalign clear aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Your treatment plan may suffer if you don’t do this enough.
Keeping track of your Invisalign aligners is another way to ensure your treatment runs smoothly. You may end up delaying your treatment if you lose or throw away your aligners.
To move to the following set of aligners sooner if your orthodontist or dentist permits, you must wear the initial set of aligners for a sufficient amount of time. Your dentist or orthodontist may order a new pair of aligners for you if you’ve worn them out. The replacement Invisalign aligners will take several days to arrive, so plan accordingly.
Achieve the Perfect Smile with Invisalign from Kumra Orthodontics
At Kumra Orthodontics, as an Invisalign Platinum+ Provider, we proudly specialize in Invisalign treatment, offering our patients a seamless and effective path to a perfect smile. Our team of expert orthodontists is committed to delivering the highest standard of care, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. We’re dedicated to guiding you towards your dream smile with precision and care.
