Getting Started with Invisalign: What to Expect
Have you been thinking of getting braces, but you’re dreading the discomfort and all the fuss that typically accompanies traditional metal braces? Then Invisalign might be the right choice for you to straighten any crooked teeth. There are many reasons people prefer Invisalign to conventional braces. For starters, they are discreet and removable.
Getting started with Invisalign is a breeze when you go with an experienced dentist, which you get here at LivWell Dentistry in San Francisco and San Ramon, California. Dr. Wenli Loo and Dr. Steve Deng are Invisalign specialists who can provide specialized care for anyone considering Invisalign.
This post answers your most pressing questions about getting Invisalign and what to expect.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a relatively modern and innovative technique for straightening crooked or misaligned teeth. It can help with an overbite, underbite, overcrowding, gaps in teeth, and tooth overlaps. With Invisalign, you are provided custom-fit molds for your teeth, known as trays. These trays are modified as your teeth straighten out.
What’s the process for getting Invisalign?
The process of getting Invisalign typically follows these simple steps:
Step 1
The first step to getting Invisalign is going in for an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will be in the best position to determine if it’s the best line of treatment for the problem you are seeking to address. Invisalign treatment isn’t the suitable choice for everyone.
Step 2
If your dentist determines that you are a good fit for Invisalign, the next step is to get a mold created. To create a mold, you’ll undergo a series of scans and X-rays of your teeth. These scans are sent to an Invisalign laboratory where your custom tray will be made.
Step 3
When your custom tray is ready, it’s back to the dentist to have it fitted. Once your tray has been fitted properly, you’re good to go! Afterward, you’ll be required to come in for a series of follow-up appointments to ensure your tray still fits.
As your teeth straighten out, you’ll continue to get custom fit for more Invisalign trays until you achieve your desired result. You can expect to wear each tray you get for about two weeks before needing to get fitted for a new tray or not needing Invisalign at all. It’s also essential to wear your aligner for up to 20-22 hours to get the best results.
What does it feel like?
The great thing about Invisalign is that it doesn’t hurt. Although it might feel uncomfortable to wear a new tray for some days after you’ve just gotten it, with time, that discomfort goes away.
How long you’ll need to use Invisalign depends on the severity of your misalignment, and your dentist will be in the best position to give you a time frame.
If you’ve been struggling with misalignment issues but don’t want metal braces, then you should give Invisalign a go. Some research even suggests that Invisalign may provide greater personal satisfaction than braces.
Here at LivWell dentistry, we can help you decide if Invisalign is right for you and get you started on your Invisalign journey. Call us at 415-477-3700, or schedule an appointment on our website.