Over 14 million people have used Invisalign to get straight teeth and create a perfect smile since this form of dental care was invented. It’s only natural to wonder about an Invisalign treatment as an alternative to braces these days. 

Invisalign makes the process of getting straighter teeth private as opposed to the alternative, braces. Using Invisalign can help you correct crooked teeth, gas in your smile, and some underbites and overbites.  

If you’re confident about choosing Invisalign to help straighten your teeth you’ll need to make an appointment with your dentist.

At Sencak Orthodontics, we’re trained and experienced at working with patients who choose Invisalign and can properly mold your aligners and monitor your progress. 

If you’re ready to begin your Invisalign journey, you’ll probably want to know what to expect throughout the whole process. Read on to find out more about what Invisalign treatment will be like for you.

Getting Aligners Takes Time

It’s important to know that when you first make your Invisalign appointment, you will not be walking away with your aligners immediately. Getting your aligners is a process!  

Your first treatment appointment will consist of your dentist talking you through the Invisalign treatment. This is a great time to ask any questions about the aligners, their oral care needs, and more. 

Next, your dentist will likely take pictures of your teeth if they haven’t already, to help determine if you are a good candidate for clear aligners. Some patients are better off with traditional braces, so this step is necessary.   

If your dentist feels you’ll be a good candidate for aligners, they will then talk you through how long the treatment will take.

Your dentist will make sure to take all the necessary digital pictures and x-rays to create your aligner molds.

This may happen at your first appointment, but your dentist may also want to make a separate appointment for this step. These will be sent to an Invisalign lab.

In about three weeks, your first set of Invisalign trays will be ready for you to try.

Once your aligners arrive, your dentist will first make sure they fit correctly and may have to apply attachments on your teeth to help the trays stay in place. These are usually small and enamel-colored and don’t harm your teeth.

While the beginning of the process doesn’t take too long, just know going into it that you won’t walk out of your first appointment with your aligners. 

Expect More Than One Pair of Aligners

Traditional braces stay on your teeth throughout your whole treatment. Unlike traditional braces, you’ll be swapping out your Invisalign trays throughout your treatment. 

Your aligners are designed to move your teeth carefully but effectively over time. Your first pair of aligners will begin the process.

As your teeth move and begin to straighten with time, you’ll need to start wearing your next set, which is designed to straighten your teeth even more. 

The good news is that you won’t need to see your dentist every time it’s time to switch to a new set of aligners. You’ll still need to see your dentist after your first few weeks of Invisalign and for usual dental health checkups. 

You will also want to see your dentist if you feel your aligners aren’t working or you notice there isn’t much progress. In this case, your dentist may need to take new pictures of your mouth and order a new pair of aligner trays for you. 

The number of different trays you will need to wear throughout your treatment differs by person. Generally, patients with only mildly crooked teeth can expect to wear anywhere from 5 to 7 different trays. 

Patients with severely crooked teeth or large gaps in their smile can expect to switch out more sets of trays.

The amount of time your treatment lasts and the number of different trays you’ll wear vary by case, so make sure to ask your dentist. 

Prepare to Wear Your Aligners Often 

One of the benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces is that Invisalign trays are removable. That being said, be prepared to wear your trays for almost the entire day, every day, throughout your treatment. 

It’s recommended that you wear your Invisalign trays for about 22 hours every day! You’re able to take your aligners off for small periods throughout the day when you eat and for oral health reasons, like brushing your teeth.

You may be wondering if you’re able to take your aligners off for special occasions or events. While you’re able to take our aligners off for a few hours at your discretion, it’s not recommended.

One of the many reasons so many patients prefer Invisalign over more traditional methods of teeth straightening is how discreet they are. The clear aligners allow you to discreetly wear them throughout any event or party.

While they are clear in color, they can still be faintly seen when someone is standing very close to you. That being said, they are still the most discreet way to correct crooked teeth! 

You Will Need to Adjust to Wearing Aligners 

If you have ever spoken to someone who has had traditional braces, you may have heard about how much they can hurt after first getting them. 

The good news is that Invisalign doesn’t usually hurt as much as braces do. It’s important to remember that every patient will have a different experience with their level of pain or discomfort. 

Whether you experience discomfort in the first few weeks or not, Invisalign still takes time to adjust to.

You may experience mouth soreness when you first begin treatment and you may experience it again when switching to new aligners.

Some people may also develop canker sores while their mouths get used to the new foreign objects, your aligners.

Most patients will find that they adjust to life with Invisalign sooner rather than later.  

Find Out More About Invisalign Treatment

Now you know what to expect if you decide to take the plunge and invest your time and effort in Invisalign treatment. It’s important to know these things beforehand and ask your dentist any questions you still have. 

If you’re ready to start your Invisalign journey, trust Sencak Orthodontics to guide you through it. We’ll ensure you get the best care throughout the process. Find your nearest office today!