If you or your child needs orthodontic care, you have more options today than ever. Invisalign, for example, is an increasingly popular treatment for correcting bite and alignment problems. Offering benefits including discretion, freedom to enjoy all of your favorite foods, and in some cases, expedited treatment times, Invisalign successfully treats mild to moderate orthodontic conditions in teens and adults. So, how do you get Invisalign? Read on to learn more about correcting orthodontic conditions with Invisalign.
Getting Started with Invisalign: What to Expect
The first step in your Invisalign journey will involve a consultation and evaluation with a top-reviewed orthodontist who is highly experienced with Invisalign. During this examination and evaluation, the orthodontist will determine if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign. Invisalign is best suited for patients who:
- Have a mild to moderate malocclusion (overbite, underbite, cross bite, open bite)
- Have mild to moderate alignment issues (crowding, gaps, crooked, or slanted teeth)
- Are in good oral health (free of gum disease or infections)
- Have all of your permanent teeth
- Are dedicated to following the treatment plan by wearing trays as prescribed
To confirm that Invisalign is an appropriate treatment, your orthodontist will conduct a thorough oral examination, including technologically advanced digital imaging scans and impressions. Your orthodontist will then determine if Invisalign is right for you, or if you’re better suited to orthodontic treatment with traditional metal braces or clear braces.
Approved for Invisalign: What’s Next?
Once your orthodontist has confirmed Invisalign is a suitable orthodontic treatment for you, they will provide you with a preview of what your smile will look like after completing your treatment. They will then use your digital images and impressions to custom-design your treatment plan. The treatment plan and all digital images will be sent to the lab to create your alignment trays.
Once your trays have arrived from the lab, you’ll return to the orthodontist to start your treatment with Invisalign. Your orthodontist will provide detailed instructions for wearing and caring for your alignment trays. You will likely wear your first set of trays for 2 weeks, but will change your trays at a quicker pace once you get used to them.
When you start your treatment, your orthodontist may need to place Invisalign “buttons” on some of your teeth. These buttons are made of tooth-colored resin and are used to specifically expedite alignment of teeth. Likewise, if you require treatment to correct a bite issue, the use of elastics (rubber bands) may be used, to reposition the jaw into the proper position.
You will continue to see your orthodontist during your treatment for progress evaluations. However, with Invisalign, you’ll likely have fewer orthodontic appointments during treatment, than those who have traditional or clear braces.
Completing Invisalign Treatment
Your Invisalign treatment may last as few as 6 months or as long as 2 years, depending on the severity of misalignment in the teeth and jaw. On average, most people complete treatment in about 12 months.
Once you’ve progressed through all trays in your treatment plan, you’ll transition to a retainer, to keep your teeth in their proper position. You will need to wear your retainer most hours of the day initially, before gradually reducing your wear time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign
Will Invisalign be covered by insurance?
Today many insurance companies that provide orthodontic coverage are flexible on the type of orthodontic treatment you choose. Coverage often applies to either braces or Invisalign.
Is Invisalign safe for teenagers?
Absolutely. Responsible teenagers with mild to moderate orthodontic conditions are often excellent candidates for Invisalign. Made of BPA-free plastic, Invisalign trays are actually gentler on the soft tissues of the mouth than traditional braces.
Book an Invisalign Appointment in Andover, MA
If you’d like to correct imperfections in your smile, or if your teen requires orthodontic treatment, book a consultation with Dr. Anthony Broccoli at Andover Orthodontics. Dr. Broccoli is a highly experienced Board-Certified Orthodontist in Andover, just minutes from Burlington, Boxford, Middleton, Westford, and surrounding communities. Request your appointment online or call 978-475-0450.
