Overview
In the blog post “How to Prepare for Your Invisalign Consultation” by Dream Orthodontics, readers are guided through the process of preparing for and what to expect during an Invisalign consultation. The article underlines the importance of readiness for a detailed evaluation of dental issues such as crowding, crossbite, overbite, underbite, and open bite, which could necessitate Invisalign treatment. The post outlines potential tests and procedures, including X-rays, bite registration, dental imprints, and more. Moreover, it provides insight into life after receiving aligners, emphasizing the need for constant wear, varying treatment durations, maintaining oral hygiene, and dietary considerations. The post serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone contemplating Invisalign treatment.
If you have crooked teeth and are considering orthodontic treatment to help straighten them, Invisalign might be high up on your list of solutions.
For those who might be looking for a treatment option that’s more inconspicuous, but that will do a job as good as regular braces, Invisalign is a great option.
Be Ready for a Comprehensive Evaluation
Before commencing your Invisalign treatment, the first thing you need is an initial consultation to determine if this is the best solution for you.
Generally, patients who need Invisalign to improve their teeth alignment have:
- Crowded mouth – your teeth don’t have enough space!
- 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 some of the most common malocclusions that require orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign.
Typically, your orthodontist will request you fill out a dental history form. Once you’re done and the orthodontist evaluates answers to questions on the form, they’ll gear up to conduct the rest of the consultation.
As part of your Invisalign consultation, your orthodontist will need to understand how much treatment might be necessary to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
At this stage, some of the checks our Invisalign Surrey orthodontist will most likely conduct are:
X-ray
X-rays are the easiest and most efficient way for an orthodontist to tell the state of your jawbone. These images also reveal the state of your teeth roots, giving orthodontists 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 orthodontist must register your bite to learn the extent of your malocclusion. Typically your orthodontist will apply a paste to your teeth and then bite down on something. With modern technology, digital scans are now often an option.
Pictures
We’ll take photos and X-rays to create a 3-D image of your mouth. We make your first set of custom-fitted aligners from these images, and then you begin the process of straightening your teeth.
What Next After the Consultation?
After your consultation and you and your orthodontist have agreed to proceed with Invisalign, your orthodontist will schedule another appointment for you. Your second appointment will often be once your custom aligners are ready to be used!
Your orthodontist 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 orthodontist 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 might 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 your orthodontist sets your aligners in place, you’ll be good to go.
You will probably wear Invisalign aligners for 9–15 months, and will typically use 18–30 sets during the treatment.
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
Our orthodontists will often mention 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 orthodontist in South Surrey will advise you on which foods you shouldn’t eat with your aligners.