Invisalign treatment begins with an initial consultation. During this appointment, the doctor will evaluate X-rays, digital images of your mouth, and perform an oral examination. Using this information, the doctor will create a treatment plan for you, outlining the steps of the entire process.
Invisalign uses a system of gentle pressure to push teeth into the proper position. In order to do this effectively, the trays must be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day. You will receive a series of alignment trays with instructions on when you should shift into the next set in the sequence. Although most treatment plans call for a tray change about every two weeks, some treatment plans call for a weekly shift.
The trays are constructed using SmartTrack® material. They are custom fit for every patient using complex digital intraoral scanning equipment (the iTero® scanner) and ClinCheck® software. This combination of technology allows the doctor to map out the entire course of treatment and even provides a finished smile portrait.
Every smile is unique, which means that every treatment plan is different. The factors involved in determining treatment duration include:
With minor alignment corrections, Invisalign treatment can be as short as three to six months. For most patients, the average treatment duration ranges from 12 to 18 months. In complex cases, treatment can take as long as 24 to 36 months.
When Invisalign was originally introduced, it was only capable of correcting minor alignment issues. Since then, Align Technology has continuously worked to improve the process. Now, 23 years after the introduction, there are very few issues that Invisalign cannot correct.
Invisalign has been very effective in correcting the following issues, whether minor or complex.
An overbite occurs when the upper teeth close over the bottom teeth. Although this is a common condition and many doctors will leave it untreated, when a severe overbite, known as a deep bite, is present, corrective action should be taken.
When the lower teeth close in front of the upper teeth the condition is called an underbite. This problem might be the result of incorrect jaw positioning. In very serious cases, orthognathic surgery may be required in addition to orthodontic correction measures.
With an underbite, chewing is difficult and speech may also be affected. The condition may cause quick erosion of teeth and additional orthodontic and dental problems. Invisalign can treat many cases of underbite, although more severe cases may also require other measures.
An uneven bite is called a crossbite when some of the teeth from the top sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
This condition can cause uneven tooth wear and chipping. If left untreated, a crossbite can cause the gums to recede, which may lead to bone loss and gum problems. Invisalign can correct crossbite effectively in most cases.
Crowded teeth occur when the space in the jaw is too small to accommodate adult teeth. This can cause teeth to be crooked, twist, and grow in odd directions.
Crowded teeth are difficult to keep clean because the uneven surfaces are more difficult to brush and floss effectively. Poor oral hygiene can lead to decay and gum disease. Invisalign is a great solution to align crowded teeth.
When you have extra spacing between teeth, the condition is called gap teeth.
Gap teeth may cause problems because food can easily get caught in open spaces. This can cause sore gums and potentially lead to gum disease. This common problem is easily corrected with Invisalign treatment.
An open bite occurs when the top and bottom teeth do not meet with the mouth closed.
Having an open bite makes it difficult to chew and bite into food that requires the incisor’s cutting action. Speech may also be affected in creating sounds that require a closed mouth. Invisalign can correct an open bite to restore chewing and speaking.
