If you have crooked teeth and are considering an intervention to help straighten them, Invisalign might be high up on your list of solutions.
But like with any other doctor’s appointment, it’s essential to go for the appointment prepared. While there are plenty of braces that help align teeth, most of them are not flattering.
For the self-conscious, you might be looking for something more inconspicuous, but that will do a job as good as regular braces. Invisalign is the best option for people who want less visible braces that attract less attention.
In this post, we’ll share all you need to know about your Invisalign consultation and how to prepare.
Be Ready for a Comprehensive Evaluation
Before commencing your Invisalign treatment, the first thing you need is a thorough examination to determine if this is the best solution for you. Like any treatment, a doctor’s appointment and consultation precede every other intervention.
Generally, patients who need Invisalign to improve their teeth alignment have:
- Crowded mouth – sometimes, there is barely enough room in the jaw to fit all your teeth, which leads to a crowded mouthÂ
- Crossbite – misalignment of the upper and lower jaw
- Overbite – upper front teeth extend beyond lower front teeth
- Underbite – lower front teeth extend beyond upper front teeth
- Open bite – when the top and lower front teeth don’t meet
These are only some of the malocclusions that require treatment, such as Invisalign.
Typically, your dentist will request you fill out a dental history form. Once you’re done and the dentist evaluates answers to questions on the form, they’ll gear up to conduct the rest of the evaluation.
As part of your Invisalign consultation, the dentist will need to understand how much work they need to do to give you a smile you want. The best way to do this is with an impression of your mouth, as it tells them what issues they need to address with the treatment.
At this stage, some of the tests our Invisalign Surrey dentist will most likely conduct, or order includes:
X-ray
X-rays are the easiest and most efficient way for a doctor to tell the state of your jawbone. It also reveals the state of your teeth roots, giving dentists a clear understanding of the kind of treatment they need to administer.
Bite Registration
One of the common reasons patients need Invisalign and other braces is to correct their bite. As a result, a dentist must register your bite to learn the extent of your malocclusion. Typically the dentist will apply a paste to your teeth and then bite down on something.
Dental Imprints
This is arguably one of the most essential processes of fitting aligners. Dental imprints form the foundation or guideline that a periodontist or dentist uses to customize aligners that meet your needs.
A doctor usually puts dental putty in a tray, then they’ll request you to bite. This leaves a detailed impression of your teeth to help create tailor-made aligners for you.
Pictures
If your dentist determines you’re a good candidate for Invisalign aligners, they’ll need to take some pictures to send to the Invisalign lab. Typically, the lab needs about 8 photos of your face and teeth accompanied by your impression to customize your aligners.
What Next After the Consultation?
After your consultation and you and your doctor have agreed to proceed with Invisalign, your dentist will schedule another appointment for you. Your second appointment will often be once your custom aligners have been sent to the doctor’s office.
The doctor will place the aligners in your mouth during the second visit while showing you how to do it yourself. They’ll then talk you through the care and maintenance process as well as how long you need to wear the aligners in a day (typically not less than 22 hours).
Your dentist will also answer any other questions you may have at this point, so research before showing up. That way, you’ll go back home confident that your aligners will give you the results you desire.
Depending on how advanced your teeth misalignment is, you’ll need attachments to help align your teeth more effectively. The good news is that Invisalign attachments are made to blend in with your natural teeth and the aligner.
Once the doctor sets your aligners in place, you’ll be good to go and they’ll last you up to 8 weeks before you need a replacement.
What You Need to Know After Getting Your Aligners
You Need to Keep Them in as Much as Possible
The reason you’re getting Invisalign aligners is to get your teeth back in shape. The faster you can do that, the better. Leaving your aligners on for longer will fasten your recovery process.
We recommend leaving them in for the first 48 hours as long as possible. The only time you may need to take them out during this time is to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. After the first 48 hours, you’ll need to have them on for at least 22 hours a day, as mentioned before.
The upside of Invisalign is that they’re made to feel like they’re a part of you – you won’t feel like you have anything foreign and Invisalign aligners don’t cause any discomfort.
The Length of Your Treatment Will Vary
The average patient is on Invisalign treatments for approximately one year. However, this depends on the state of your teeth’s misalignment. If your teeth are severely misaligned, your treatment will take longer.
If your teeth are not as severely misaligned, your treatment will take a shorter period.
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Dentists keep repeating how important it is for you to brush your teeth and floss regularly. You’ll need to maintain a high level of oral hygiene to ensure your teeth don’t deteriorate from plaque buildup, which can cause other dental diseases.
Watch What You Eat
We don’t mean change your diet or start dieting. That has no bearing on how well your aligners work.
Watching what you eat means there are certain foods you’re advised to avoid when you have Invisalign aligners. If you’re eating certain foods, you can always slip off your aligners and slip them back on once you’re done eating.
Your dentist will advise you on which foods you shouldn’t eat with your aligners.