Invisalign® has become an increasingly popular choice for adults and teens seeking orthodontic treatment, and there’s little surprise why. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth without the hassle of metal wires or brackets.
If you're considering Invisalign, you may be wondering what to expect when getting started with this treatment.
Below, Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro walks you through the process and what you can expect during your Invisalign journey here at The Dental Center of Hercules.
When you receive orthodontic treatment at The Dental Center of Hercules, you can expect a completely customized treatment plan regardless of whether you choose Invisalign or FASTBRACES®, another orthodontic option that we offer.
In regard to Invisalign, here’s what you can expect step by step:
Thinking about Invisalign? The first step is a consultation, and as a certified Invisalign provider, Dr. Teodoro prioritizes this consultation step. He evaluates your teeth and discusses your treatment goals. During this consultation, he determines if Invisalign (or another option) is the right option for you and explains the process in detail.
The consultation is the first step to a successful treatment.
If you decide to proceed with Invisalign, our team creates a customized treatment plan for you. Using advanced technology, such as 3D scanning, Dr. Teodoro maps out the precise movements of your teeth throughout the treatment process.
Once your treatment plan is established, we send the specifications and measurements to a dental laboratory where your custom aligners will be fabricated. These aligners are made of a clear, BPA-free plastic material and are designed to fit snugly over your teeth.
When your aligners are ready, you return to our Hercules, California, office to receive them. Our team ensures your new aligners fit properly and provide you with detailed instructions on how to wear and care for them. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions or address any concerns you have.
The moment you’ve been waiting for: It’s time to wear your aligners! Wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. Remove them only to eat, drink (water is OK), brush your teeth, or floss.
At first, your teeth may feel sore when you wear a new set of aligners, but the discomfort is typically less intense than adjustments with traditional metal braces. Additionally, because the trays are smooth, you don’t have to worry about sores, cuts, or blisters from the wires.
You’ll wear each tray for one to two weeks (unless otherwise directed) before progressing to the next set in your series of trays. You'll need to change aligners according to Dr. Teodoro’s instructions, but remember, compliance is essential for a successful, timely treatment plan.
Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you'll have periodic checkup appointments with us. These visits are crucial for monitoring your progress, ensuring the aligners are working as intended, and making any necessary adjustments.
Proper oral hygiene is essential during your Invisalign treatment. It's important to brush your teeth after meals and before reinserting your aligners. You should also clean your aligners regularly using a gentle brush and nonabrasive toothpaste to prevent bacteria buildup.
After your treatment is complete, you may benefit from wearing a retainer. Retainers are custom-made, designed to help retain your results, and can be removable or fixed, depending on your specific needs.
Remember, every person’s Invisalign journey is unique, and treatment duration can vary depending on the complexity of your case. It's important to follow our instructions and attend all scheduled appointments to ensure optimal results.
Dreaming of a straighter, more beautiful smile with Invisalign? Call us at 510-254-3328 or try our online scheduler to book your Invisalign consultation.
