How Does Invisalign® Work? How Long Does Invisalign® Take?
Everything you want to know about Invisalign®
Invisalign is a unique orthodontic treatment option that corrects overcrowded, crooked teeth with clear plastic aligners. Although this technology has been around for 
almost 17 years, it’s often considered a newer and modern alternative to metal braces. Invisalign® has many advantages over traditional braces, yet many people don’t think of it as a “go-to” option for straighter teeth. Why is that?
John P. Dougherty, D.D.S., MAGD, and Prabidhi Adhikari, D.D.S., FAGD, of Artistic Dental may have an idea: change can be scary, and many of their patients are comfortable with the cost and outcome of traditional braces. Still, Invisalign® is becoming a much more cost-effective solution for those wanting straighter teeth without the restrictions of traditional braces. In this blog, we explain how Invisalign® works.
How Invisalign® Works
Invisalign® uses a series of custom-made aligners to correct overcrowded and crooked teeth for a straighter, more radiant smile. These aligners are made out of clear plastic, so they are virtually undetectable. The treatment process for Invisalign® is relatively quick and easy, so patients can achieve a confident smile, faster.
The first step requires talking to an Invisalign® provider, like John P. Dougherty, D.D.S., MAGD, and Prabidhi Adhikari, D.D.S., FAGD, at Artistic Dental. They will determine whether or not you’re a candidate for this orthodontic procedure. If you are a candidate, they will develop a customized treatment plan for your specific needs.
Contrary to popular belief, Invisalign® isn’t right for everyone, and patients may be turned away if they have teeth or a bite that cannot be corrected with Invisalign®. This system cannot support all tooth movements, so it’s important that patients talk to their dentist at Artistic Dental about their cosmetic dentistry options.
Once your questions about Invisalign®, its cost, and any other concerns are answered, your dentist will take x-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth to create a customized treatment plan. Your dentist will use 3-D imaging software and other technologies to create the aligners. Once these have been made, you’ll be given your first few aligners to begin the treatment regimen.
How Long Does Invisalign® Take?
You may be asked to follow a series of sequential steps when wearing the aligners. Patients are usually told to wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, seven days a week, for approximately two weeks. John P. Dougherty, D.D.S., MAGD, and Prabidhi Adhikari, D.D.S., FAGD, may ask you to schedule check-ups every six to eight weeks to review your progress.
Invisalign® provides many benefits over traditional, metal braces, which is why they shouldn’t be overlooked as a treatment option for crooked teeth. For example, these removable aligners can help either maintain or improve a patient’s oral hygiene. Food particles and other debris can get stuck in between the metal brackets of traditional braces, making routine brushing and flossing difficult. Invisalign® prevents these mishaps by allowing patients to remove their aligners after eating and drinking for a thorough cleaning.
Despite some of the benefits, patients will need to commit to the process and remain disciplined throughout. It can be very easy to stop wearing the aligners for more than a few hours a day, and doing so will prevent you from having the smile you want.
If you are interested in learning if you are a good candidate for Invisalign®, you can schedule a consultation with John P. Dougherty, D.D.S., MAGD, and Prabidhi Adhikari, D.D.S., FAGD, today and find out whether or not this treatment option is right for you!