Whether you’re hoping to achieve straighter teeth or you’re looking for orthodontic options for your teenager, you may be considering the possibility of Invisalign. These nearly invisible braces are a great option for straightening mild to moderate tooth alignment issues. As you explore your options with Dr. Speaks, learn what the Invisalign treatment process entails so you know what to expect.
Meet With a Qualified Orthodontist
Not all orthodontists provide Invisalign treatment. You need to find one with the proper training before treatment can begin.
Speaks Orthodontics is proud to be an Invisalign Premier Preferred Provider. Our office also been featured as a Top Orthodontist in Denver by 5280 Magazine. This means our experienced team can take you through the entire Invisalign treatment process, from initial consultation to confident smile, providing the best results possible.
Your initial consultation will determine if you’re a good candidate. To get a good idea of your candidacy before you meet with Dr. Speaks, take Invisalign’s Smile Assessment. Your meeting also entails discussing costs and insurance coverage, as well as addressing any other questions and concerns you may have.
Set Up a Customized Treatment Plan
With the preliminary work out of the way, your treatment can begin. First, Dr. Speaks takes x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth. Special software uses the information to create a 3D image of your mouth. Dr. Speaks uses the image to map out a customized treatment plan so he can tell you exactly how long treatment will take and show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will gradually move during each stage.
Every case is unique, but in general, it takes about one year for adults to complete treatment. Teens can expect the treatment duration to compare to regular braces.
Receive Your Aligners
Custom-made, clear aligners are created based on the treatment plan Dr. Speaks sets up for you. The aligners are made of smooth, BPA-free plastic that fit comfortably over your teeth. Your speech may be affected for the first few days, but it’s easy for most people to adjust.
For trickier tooth movements, Dr. Speaks may install “attachments” to your teeth. These enamel-colored composites fit inside indentations in the aligners to help them grip your teeth better. Once treatment is complete, Dr. Speaks removes the attachments, leaving a smooth tooth surface behind.
Plan to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day, removing them only to eat or to brush and floss your teeth. Since the aligners are almost invisible, most people won’t even know you’re working toward a straighter smile.
Trade Out Aligners Every Two Weeks
Instead of visiting Dr. Speaks often to have wires and bands tightened, you can further your treatment at home simply by switching to a new set of aligners every two weeks. Dr. Speaks may give you three sets of aligners at a time, allowing you to go six weeks between office visits. Occasional visits are still important to make sure your treatment is progressing properly.
Be sure to follow the schedule Dr. Speaks sets up for you. Attempting to speed up tooth movement could be dangerous and painful, while forgetting to trade out your aligners will make treatment take longer.
Reveal Straighter Teeth and Maintain Your Smile
Once your treatment is complete, it’s time to celebrate! Your teeth are straighter than they’ve ever been and you’re smiling with confidence. To make sure the results of your treatment last for years to come, Dr. Speaks may recommend you wear a retainer at night for the foreseeable future. Clear retainers that resemble Invisalign are available to lock in your beautiful smile forever.
