Invisalign Q & A
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign® is a removable plastic dental appliance that’s clear, and works similar to traditional braces to move teeth.
How do you get Invisalign® aligners?
After an examination, Dr. Wafelbakker or Dr. Anderson talks with you about your dental needs and whether Invisalign® is the best choice. If you decide to get Invisalign, your orthodontist uses digital scanning to create 3D images of your teeth.
Using the images, your orthodontist maps out a precise treatment plan showing how the position of each tooth must move to achieve your proper alignment. After the plan is drawn up, you’ll know how long your treatment will last. You’ll also get a preview of how your teeth will look when your treatment is over.
How does Invisalign® work?
Your treatment plan is sent to the Invisalign® lab, where experts produce a series of plastic aligners customized for your mouth and realignment plan. Each aligner in the series has a slightly different shape. The change in each aligner adds new pressure that gradually changes the position of your teeth.
You wear the first aligner for 1-2 weeks then replace it with the second aligner. You’ll continue to replace your current aligner with the next one until you finish wearing the entire series. By the time you put away the last aligner, your teeth are in their new aligned positions.
Can you remove the aligners?
Invisalign® aligners fit snugly and comfortably over your teeth, yet they’re also easy to remove. You can take them out to eat, brush, and floss; otherwise, they should stay in place. You’ll need to wear them 20-22 hours a day to achieve the planned results.
Will you need a retainer after an Invisalign® treatment?
When you reach the end of your treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original position. The good news is that Invisalign® also offers clear retainers, Vivera® retainers, so you can continue to maintain your new smile without anyone noticing.
