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How Invisalign Straightens Your Teeth

The Big-Picture Invisalign Process

On average, Invisalign takes about one year to complete, but this timeline will vary by patient and will depend on the complexity of your case. What does not differ from patient to patient is the process. Here is how Invisalign works:

1. Analysis

2. Customization

3. Creation

4. Treatment

1

Analysis

Your Invisalign provider will take detailed 3D images and x-rays of your teeth, jaw, and bite so adjustments can be made digitally. Your dentist will observe the jaw from different angles and perform a diagnostic analysis to determine if there is a viable path to straight teeth.

2

Customization

If you are a good candidate for Invisalign, a customized treatment plan – from start to finish – will be created for moving your teeth.

3

Creation

When your treatment plan is ready and finalized, your photos and information will be sent to an Invisalign lab so the aligners can be created just for you.

4

Treatment

Treatment officially begins when your first sets of aligners are ready. You will receive a few groupings of trays at every dental checkup – every six to eight weeks – and be expected to change them out about every two weeks at home.

The Details of Invisalign Treatment

  • Only a few teeth move at a time.
  • Trays are switched about every two weeks to target the next several teeth.
  • Both tooth root and crown are shifted simultaneously.
  • Teeth are moved gently and slowly into alignment.
  • You may need attachments to help teeth move even more effectively.

Get the Most Out of Your Invisalign Treatment

  • Follow the rules. How well a patient adheres to their Invisalign plan makes all the difference in the success of their treatment. You must wear the trays 20 to 22 hours a day, clean trays carefully, change aligners as indicated, not eat or drink anything but water with the trays in, and follow all the rules for the plan to progress effectively.
  • Visit your dentist regularly. If you want to see Invisalign all the way through to the end, you cannot skip out on checkups with your Invisalign provider. She ensures that your treatment is progressing as it should and gives you the next sets of aligners so the work carries on as intended.
  • Wear your retainer after treatment. The last Invisalign tray is not the end of treatment – there is still work to be done to keep your newly shifted teeth in place, and that means wearing retainers. Retainers are the most essential step after Invisalign and keeps the teeth, bones, and muscles in their new positions.

Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Frequently Asked Questions

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome