Orthodontic Treatment With Invisalign: What To Expect [Video Inside]

When you imagine orthodontic treatment, you probably can’t help but picture a mouthful of shiny, metal braces. If you’re considering a smile correction, it might seem like your only option is to brace yourself for that old-school look.

But that’s no longer the case. Every day, people straighten their teeth on the down low, using the leading clear aligner system, Invisalign®! More than 21 million people worldwide have transformed their smiles with these invisible braces. You might even know someone who is aligning their teeth with Invisalign right now!

Once you understand how clear aligner treatment works, it’s pretty easy to see why patients might choose it over traditional braces.

Why Invisalign® Is the Clear Choice for Orthodontic Treatment

Most people know about the drawbacks of shiny, metal braces. At Bent Tree Dental, we lovingly refer to them as “barbed wire.”

But don’t let our nickname lead you to think your ideal smile is trapped behind wire braces. Invisalign has completely changed the way orthodontic treatment looks, replacing bulky components with a series of smooth, plastic trays that custom-fit snugly to your teeth.

Just like braces, clear aligners use consistent pressure to slowly move your teeth into place. But unlike wire braces, clear aligners are barely visible. You’ll be able to correct your smile without advertising to the world that you’re doing so.

The difference extends beyond aesthetic benefits. Metal braces cause irritation and mouth sores from sharp edges and wires, while the smooth design of clear aligners reduces friction and improves comfort.

Invisalign is also easier to manage day to day. Because aligners are removable, you can take them out when it’s time to eat, avoiding the cleaning challenges and food restrictions that come with traditional braces.

With these advantages, Invisalign has become the practical choice for many patients seeking orthodontic treatment. As the technology continues to improve, it can now address a wider range of alignment and bite issues.

Clear Aligner Process

What can you expect from straightening your teeth with these invisible braces?

It starts with a treatment plan. Our dentist takes a 3D scan of your teeth, mapping out the precise movement of each tooth. This plan is used to custom-design a series of clear aligner trays for your orthodontic treatment.

You’ll begin with the first set and wear them for about 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat or quickly snap a photo. Consistently wearing your aligners is key to achieving your ideal results!

Every few weeks, you’ll switch to the next tray in the series. To check your progress, we will schedule periodic check-ins as you continue using your clear aligners.

While treatment time varies, many patients complete their Invisalign journey in 12 to 18 months.

After treatment, the focus shifts to maintaining all that hard work.

Maintain Your Results

With any orthodontic treatment, it’s important to wear a retainer after. This is true for invisible braces, too. This step is so critical because of something called orthodontic relapse. Newly aligned teeth tend to slowly shift back to their original position because the jawbone and surrounding tissues have a “memory” of the old arrangement.

So once your orthodontic treatment is over, if you don’t wear a retainer, your teeth could end up right where they started. But we’re going to make sure you maintain your results.

Retainers essentially help your jawbone and connective tissue “learn” the new position of your teeth. This helps prevent orthodontic relapse and keeps your smile in ideal alignment.

As part of your treatment, we will provide a retainer or nightguard for you to wear exclusively at night.

At Bent Tree Dental, we’re focused on your experience with orthodontic treatment today while considering how to preserve those results for the long haul.

Learn About Low-Key Orthodontic Treatment in a Free Consultation!

Are you ready to achieve a straighter smile without that obvious look of barbed wire braces? Invisalign is a clear winner for low-key orthodontic treatment. When you choose us for your clear aligner treatment, we will make sure you’re prepared for each phase of your smile correction and beyond.

At Bent Tree Dental, we want you to be confident in your smile, even during orthodontic treatment. When you choose Invisalign, you’ll feel empowered by a convenient solution that effectively straightens your smile.

When you see us to learn about clear aligners, our dentist will quickly assess whether they can effectively address your alignment and bite issues. Come in for a free Invisalign consultation.