Invisalign has become a popular orthodontic treatment within the last few years, and rightfully so. Many people choose Invisalign because it is clear, removable, and easy to maintain. There is no need for large lifestyle or diet changes like there would be with traditional metal braces. Clear aligners can also limit the number of orthodontist visits, which is great for our busy teen or adult patients.
SKS Orthodontics has been transforming smiles using Invisalign for decades, and we are proud to be part of the top 1% of providers of Invisalign in North America. We stay up to date with the latest orthodontic technology, ensuring you get the most out of your treatment plan.
Looking to start your Invisalign journey? Here is what you can expect:
The First Invisalign Appointment
The way to start your Invisalign treatment is through a consultation. At this consultation, the orthodontist will look over your teeth and decide if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you. Invisalign helps patients with a variety of dental issues, like crowded teeth, misaligned or crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and more.
This first appointment will generally take the longest since there is a lot to cover within this consultation. The orthodontist will take x-rays, photographs, and digital scans of your teeth. This will allow your orthodontist to truly see what dental issues you may be experiencing to best tailor to your orthodontic treatment and needs.
Once the orthodontist evaluates the information they gathered and confirms that Invisalign is the right option, the next step will be to start your treatment plan!
Receiving Your Invisalign Aligners
Your next appointment will occur when your clear aligners arrive. This appointment will involve your orthodontist and their assistant telling you everything you need to know about your aligners. This includes how to place your prescribed attachments, how to clean the aligners, how long and often you should be wearing them, how often you will be adjusting them, and answering any other additional questions you may have. You will also be shown how to wear your aligners, ensuring the fit is correct, before sending you home to begin treatment.
Your assistant will then introduce an amazing app called Dental Monitoring, which will allow the doctors and staff to check your progress weekly. This app will also advise you on when to move on to your next set of aligners throughout your treatment. This is beneficial for patients or parents who have busy schedules or students who are away at school. Your Invisalign treatment questions or concerns can be addressed right through the app, possibly alleviating the need to schedule an additional appointment!
The First Week
You went through your first consultation and were fitted for your aligners. Now what? Now, it is time to start wearing your aligners. During your first week, you may experience some discomfort or a tight feeling in your teeth. To help alleviate this, SKS Orthodontics recommends taking over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as per the package’s instructions.
Some patients also develop a slight lisp, but as the aligners loosen over time, this will go away, along with the discomfort. If you notice additional issues or pain, like your gums becoming irritated, call your orthodontist. Your aligners may need to be adjusted or rounded out around the gum line.
As your first week progresses, make sure that you are following the instructions given to you by your orthodontist. Making sure that you wear the aligners for the correct amount of time is critical to your treatment plan and will ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible.
The First Month
The discomfort will disappear throughout the next few weeks, and your aligners will slowly become part of your daily routine. Ensure that you maintain your dental hygiene, brush, and floss correctly, and clean your aligners when needed. As time passes, new aligners will become easier once you adjust to using them.
Your overall treatment time will vary depending on the severity of your dental condition and if you are wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time. Treatment plans usually take around 12-18 months for most patients.
Contact SKS Orthodontics For Your Invisalign Appointment!
At SKS Orthodontics, we know that the first few weeks can be a big adjustment, but we are here to help. Our dedicated team is here to ensure your treatment plan runs smoothly.
Want to see if Invisalign is the right treatment plan? Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
