How Invisalign Works: A Step-By-Step Guide to a Straighter Smile
Considering Invisalign? You’re in good company. This nearly invisible option for straightening teeth has helped countless people achieve the smile they’ve always wanted—without the metal braces. Here’s how Invisalign works, step by step, to create a straighter, more confident smile.
Step 1: The Consultation
It all starts with a consultation. During your first visit, Dr. Steven L. Yarbrough, Dr. Vu Kong, or Dr. Tu will assess your smile and bite, taking X-rays and digital scans. This is when you’ll discuss your goals and see if Invisalign is the right solution for you. If so, your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Step 2: Creating Your Custom Aligners
Once your treatment plan is in place, your custom aligners are made. Thanks to advanced 3D imaging technology, each aligner is crafted to fit your teeth and guide them to their new positions. You’ll receive multiple sets of aligners, and each one is typically worn for about two weeks before switching to the next.
Step 3: Adding SmartForce™ Attachments (When Needed)
In some cases, you may need Invisalign SmartForce™ attachments, also called buttons. These small, tooth-colored bumps are attached to certain teeth to help the aligners apply just the right amount of pressure to specific areas. They act as “handles,” giving the aligners extra grip to achieve more complex movements. Still, you won’t need them on all your teeth, just the ones needing more significant adjustments. And don’t worry, they’re subtle and hardly noticeable!
The process of applying SmartForce attachments is quick and painless. A template aligner helps guide where the attachments are bonded to your teeth. Once placed, you’ll be ready to continue wearing your aligners as usual.
Step 4: Wearing Your Aligners
Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. However, to achieve the best results, you’ll need to wear them for about 20-22 hours each day. But, one of the biggest perks is that they’re nearly invisible, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them!
Step 5: Monitoring Your Progress
Every six to eight weeks, you’ll visit Westgate Family Dental to check on your progress and pick up your next sets of aligners. These appointments are short and allow your dentist to make sure your treatment is on track. If needed, they can make adjustments or give you additional aligners to fine-tune your results.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
As you near the end of your treatment, your dentist will evaluate your smile and determine if any refinement trays are needed. These additional trays help with small adjustments, ensuring your teeth are perfectly aligned. Once everything looks great, your aligners and SmartForce™ attachments will be removed in a quick, painless procedure.
After treatment, you’ll receive a custom retainer to wear at night to keep your new smile in place. Retainers are essential to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Benefits of Choosing Invisalign at Westgate Family Dental in Austin, TX
At Westgate Family Dental in Austin, TX, Dr. Steven L. Yarbrough, Dr. Vu Kong, and Dr. Tu offer a personalized Invisalign experience to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Whether you need basic alignment or more complex corrections with SmartForce attachments, Invisalign offers a nearly invisible, flexible, and effective way to straighten your teeth. Ready to start your journey to a better smile? Contact us today to schedule your consultation!