How Does Invisalign Work?
How Does Invisalign Work
If you have a mild or moderate tooth misalignment that you want to treat, then Invisalign might be the right pathway for you.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that move the teeth incrementally, changing on a set schedule. The patient is required to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day while they slowly shift your teeth.
Understand the process behind Invisalign, how it works and what happens after treatment is completed.
Key Summary
- Invisalign can treat a number of mild to moderate tooth misalignment issues, including mild overbite.
- It is a subtle treatment that uses custom-made clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth.
- Your orthodontist will start with a 3D impression of your teeth to create custom trays and make a digital impression of the final product.
- You must wear the trays for 20 – 22 hours a day.
- Treatment will conclude with additional retainers to maintain the new positioning.
Step one: the 3D scan
Following an initial consultation with a specialist orthodontist, you’ll start the Invisalign process with a 3D scan of your teeth.
A state-of-the-art in-house iTero scanner replaces traditional, messy putty impressions used for retainers, and replaces it with fast, high-definition 3D scans of your teeth.
Using the 3D model, the orthodontist will map out each individual tooth movement throughout the course of treatment. They will create a simulation of how the teeth will move.
Step two: your treatment plan
From here, the team will use these digital impressions to create a custom treatment plan for your smile journey. They can also use the software to show a 3D preview of what your teeth may look like after treatment to ensure that the plan aligns with your goals.
Once your plan is agreed upon, the scans are sent away to custom-make your individual Invisalign trays.
Step three: wearing your aligners
The success of your Invisalign treatment relies on following a series of guidelines:
- Consistent wear: you must wear your aligners for 20 – 22 hours per day, taking them out to eat, drink and clean.
- Changing schedule: your team will monitor your progress every 6 – 8 weeks, checking the progress and giving you your next batch of aligners.
- Eating and drinking: remove your aligners to eat and drink (anything except water). Sugary drinks, coffee or coloured beverages may get trapped under the plastic and lead to staining.
- Cleaning your teeth: brush and floss after every time you eat, before putting the aligners back in.
- Cleaning your aligners: use a soft toothbrush and cool water to clean the trays every day.
What are Invisalign attachments?
In some cases, patients may need attachments in addition to their aligner trays.
Invisalign attachments are small, tooth-coloured composite resin pieces that are bonded to certain teeth. They act as anchor points for the aligners, giving the trays something to push on to enable movement.
These attachments will be applied to more complex shifting like rotating teeth into place, moving teeth up or down or closing gaps. Attachments are just as discreet as aligner trays, blending into your teeth to match your natural enamel.
Once you have completed your Invisalign treatment, your care team will remove these attachments by simply buffing them away.
How long does Invisalign take?
The length of your treatment will be influenced by a number of factors:
- Case complexity – how much movement is necessary and whether any of the shifting is more complex may impact treatment time.
- Compliance – ensuring that you wear the retainers consistently for 20 – 22 hours a day will help keep the treatment on-track.
- Additional treatment – in some cases, an additional set of aligners may be required as you complete treatment, adding to the overall timeline.
What happens after treatment?
Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, your orthodontist will recommend regular retainer wear to maintain your tooth positioning. This commitment can vary, starting with daytime wear before gradually reducing to night-time wear after the initial stabilisation period.
To find out if Invisalign is the right course of treatment for you, understand the associated costs and explore your options, book an appointment with our team of specialist orthodontists, or give us a call on 02 7803 7803.
FAQs
You need to wear your Invisalign for 20 – 22 hours a day, taking the trays out to eat and drink, to ensure the treatment is effective.
Invisalign may cause mild pressure and tightness rather than sharp pain. When you change to new trays you may experience some discomfort as your teeth shift and your mouth adjusts.
We understand that, with busy lives, accidents happen. Our practice offers free replacements for Invisalign trays, so if you misplace or damage any, contact us as soon as possible to arrange a replacement.
Your treatment timeline will depend on two main factors:
- Complexity: how severe or complex the misalignment is.
- Compliance: ensuring you wear the aligners for 20 – 22 hours a day will keep your treatment on track.
Your orthodontist will be able to advise on the projected treatment timeline during your initial consultation, and in following progress check-ups.
