Are you thinking of getting Invisalign for a straighter smile? You may be wondering what to expect at your first Invisalign appointment and how it works. Invisalign is a state-of-the-art, easy alternative to regular braces that uses clear aligners to progressively move your teeth to where you want them. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the Invisalign process step by step so that you’ll know exactly what to expect from your journey to a beautiful smile.
Step 1: Your First Invisalign Appointment
Your Invisalign treatment starts with a first consultation visit. During the visit, your dentist will assess your teeth and decide whether Invisalign is the ideal solution for you. What happens at your first Invisalign appointment? Here’s a rundown:
- Comprehensive Examination: The dentist will check your teeth, gums and bite to see if Invisalign can resolve your dental problems.
- Digital Scans and X-rays: The dentist uses a highly advanced 3D scanning system to produce an exact model of your teeth. This enables the dentist to come up with a clear treatment plan.
- Discussion of Goals: In the conversation, you will be telling the dentist your ideal smile and what you want him or her to do for you to get the desired smile. They will tell you how Invisalign can help you get the look you want.
- Treatment Plan Presentation: The dentist will show you a digital animation of how your teeth will shift during the treatment process, so you know what to expect.
If you decide to proceed, your custom aligners will be ordered, and you will receive instructions on what to do next.
Step 2: Receiving Your First Set of Aligners
A few weeks following the initial appointment, you go back to the Red Deer dentist‘s clinic to pick up your first alignment of Invisalign aligners. Your dentist will check that the aligners fit well and instruct you on how to wear and take care of them. You’ll be required to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours daily, only removing them for eating, drinking (except water), and oral hygiene.
Step 3: Adjusting to Your Aligners
As you start wearing your aligners, you may experience mild discomfort due to the pressure on your teeth, which is normal and usually subsides within a few days. Some patients notice a slight lisp initially, but this goes away with time. Additionally, your mouth may produce more saliva at first, but this is temporary. To ease any discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers may help.
Step 4: Regular Checkups and Progress Monitoring
Throughout your treatment, you’ll have check-up appointments every 6-8 weeks with your dentist to ensure your teeth are moving as planned. These visits allow your dentist to provide you with your next set of aligners and make any necessary adjustments. Skipping or delaying these appointments can prolong your treatment, so attending them as scheduled is crucial.
Step 5: Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Taking care of your teeth and aligners is crucial during Invisalign treatment. Follow these tips to keep your oral health in top shape:
- Brush and floss after every meal before putting your aligners back in.
- Clean your aligners daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals.
- Avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine unless you remove your aligners before consumption.
- Store your aligners properly in their case when not in use to prevent damage or loss.
Step 6: Completing Your Invisalign Treatment
Once you’ve worn all your aligners and reached the final stage of treatment, your dentist will evaluate your results. If everything looks great, they may take final digital scans to compare your before-and-after smile.
- Retainers: After Invisalign, wearing a retainer is essential to keep your teeth from shifting back. Your dentist will provide a custom retainer and instruct you on how often to wear it.
- Enjoy Your New Smile: With proper maintenance, your straightened teeth will stay in their new position for years to come.
Final Thoughts: Invisalign in Red Deer
If you’re searching for Invisalign in Red Deer, Saby Dental can assist you in getting the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Our professional dentist will create custom Invisalign treatment to suit your requirements. From your initial Invisalign consultation to the end result, we are with you every step of the way.
Ready to smile? Schedule an appointment at Saby Dental today and take the first step towards a confident, radiant smile!