Invisalign has expanded today’s orthodontic treatment making things look so much more aesthetically pleasing! This is mainly because Invisalign aligners are clear and hardly even noticeable when patients wear them in their mouth.
How does Invisalign work?
Typically, your first visit will start with a consultation regarding Invisalign treatment with the Invisalign provider (the dentist). At this point, he or she will inform you of how the process works, if you are a candidate for Invisalign and perhaps how long the treatment time may be. Additionally, you may receive a preliminary scan that gives a visual of what some of your treatment stages may look like.
If you decide to proceed with treatment after you and the dentist have discussed any questions, you will receive a digital 3-D scan that will digitally map out the completely customized treatment plan. From this, Invisalign will design your clear aligners. When the aligners are made, it can take a week or two for them to be shipped to the office.
At your placement appointment, you will try in your first set of aligners and be given instructions from the dentist on how long you should wear your aligners. For example, some patients wear their aligners all night and day for two weeks. On the other hand, others may only wear a set of aligners all day and night for one week before moving onto the next set. The Invisalign provider will be sure to let you know what your specific instructions will be.
Is Invisalign only for teens?
No way! Patients of all ages are candidates for Invisalign as long as the teeth movements are compatible with treatment. Invisalign is so popular because you can hardly tell that they are there, which makes it great for teens and adults.
What payment options are there?
If you decide to pay in full, River Run Dental offers a discount! We are happy to announce that we also participate with Care Credit, and we also offer very flexible interest-free monthly payments for Invisalign treatment! Please inquire with us today, if you think you may be interested in Invisalign treatment.
Can I eat with the aligners?
Eating with your aligners is not recommended whatsoever. In fact, you should take out your aligners before each meal or when drinking unless you are consuming water. This is because bacteria, food particles and stains can stick to the trays causing even larger problems than you would like to deal with. It is recommended that you brush your teeth after each meal for this reason.
How should I take care of aligners?
You should clean them as often as possible and daily. Use gentle soap and warm water with a soft bristled brush to remove any excess food particles, bacteria or stain. Avoid piping hot water as this can warp the plastic that your aligners are made of. Additionally, Invisalign crystals are also available to help clean your aligners.
What if an aligner gets lost?
If you lose an aligner, do not panic! Please just give us a call at River Run Dental and we will have a new set of aligners ordered for you. While you are waiting, put in your set of aligners from the previous week so that this can prevent the teeth from shifting back too much.
Are mail-order trays the same as Invisalign?
Smile Direct and those other brands you may have heard of do not even compare to the provision and success of Invisalign. With Invisalign treatment, you have engineered software that is designed for the smallest of tooth movements alongside the knowledge of an accredited Invisalign provider. The at-home kits just cannot offer these things!
Does Invisalign make retainers?
Invisalign does make retainers! They are just like the Invisalign clear aligners but are a little more firm and stronger. They look and feel just as good as your daily Invisalign aligners. Once your Invisalign aligners have done their job and shifted the teeth in their desired position, this is when your Invisalign style retainers will come into play. The Invisalign provider will once again instruct you on when and how often to wear your retainers. This will help the teeth to stay in their desired location so that they do not shift back to their original position.
How do I start Invisalign?
This visit usually takes only about an hour or so and we will start with the 3-D scan of your full mouth so that Invisalign can propose a full treatment plan. The scan will show a before and after so that you can visualize how the teeth will shift and exactly what they will look like once your treatment process is complete!
If you are in the Midlothian, VA area, our board certified Invisalign providers in our office would love to start your Invisalign journey with you! At River Run Dental Spa, our dentists are awarded specific credentials after they have successfully completed Invisalign’s extensive training, giving them the knowledge to treat their patients accordingly with Invisalign aligners. Please contact us to schedule your consultation visit with us today!