Invisalign® is the “clear alternative” to metal braces. One of the most popular orthodontic treatments available today, it’s ideal for adults and fashion-conscious teens. For most patients, using Invisalign® is just as effective as traditional braces, too.
Invisalign® is so subtle that most people will never know you’re wearing them, even when you’re having a conversation face-to-face. Since they can be removed, it’s easy to clean them and simple to keep them out of harm’s way while playing sports.
To offer the Invisalign® system, a Port Orange orthodontist needs to be highly trained. It takes hundreds of hours of work on Invisalign® technologies to provide them to patients like you. With Dr. Beauchamp as your family orthodontist, you can be sure you’re getting the highest quality of care in Central Florida.
Lots of patients are excited to find out about all the benefits of Invisalign®. But they’re just as curious about how the process works. Luckily, it’s not all that complicated. As the patient, there are just a few steps you need to take to be on your way to the Invisalign® smile you want.
Let’s take a look at how Invisalign® could work for you:
1. Initial Consultation with Your Port Orange Orthodontist
An initial consultation is an essential part of your journey through orthodontic treatment. Although Invisalign® will work for the majority of patients, some may benefit from conventional braces instead.
Invisalign® has some basic requirements, including age. Aside from these, anyone suffering from the most severe tooth misalignments or gaps should consider braces instead. If this is your first time seeing Dr. Beauchamp, she needs to get familiar with you before making any recommendations!
The initial consultation doesn’t usually take long, and you can start discussing Invisalign® or other treatment options right away. In fact, we even offer same-day braces for those who want to begin immediately. You can cut out a whole visit by getting braces on the same day as your first appointment.
2. Have an Impression Made of Your Teeth
In conventional treatment, the level of tension is changed when your orthodontist adjusts the wires on your braces. Periodic adjustments are necessary to make sure the teeth are being moved gently into a healthy treated position. Clear plastic aligners get the same results but do it a little bit differently.
With Invisalign®, the clear plastic aligners you take home have been carefully crafted based on an impression of your teeth. That means your aligners are as unique as you are. We gather the right information so they can be made just for you – that means getting an impression of your teeth.
There are two different ways to get an impression for Invisalign®:
The iTero Element® Scanner
Invisalign® technology includes a powerful digital scanner that can be used to take a full 3D image of your teeth in a matter of minutes. This can be a lot of fun since you’re able to see the images right away. They are then sent away to a special lab where the aligners are fabricated.
Soft Putty
Who doesn’t like putty? It may seem a little less “Space Age” compared to the scanner, but it is just as effective in capturing the details we need to get the process started. Trained Invisalign technicians use another scanning technology on the putty to make perfect aligners down to the smallest detail.
In either case, getting the impressions takes only one quick visit. Before the information is sent off to be used, Dr. Beauchamp will double-check to make sure everything is accurate. Invisalign trays take about two weeks to arrive at Dr. Beauchamp’s office once the impressions are sent out.
3. Enjoy Treatment with Your New Aligners
When your Invisalign® trays arrive at Beauchamp Orthodontics, you’ll have the opportunity to schedule your first follow-up appointment. On this visit, you’ll check out your new plastic aligners and ask any questions you may have. Dr. Beauchamp will also verify that the sizing is correct for you.
Most patients are used to their Invisalign® product within a few days and experience no side effects at all. There may be some mild discomfort for two or three days – in some cases, this can last up to a week. But you should never be in pain as a result of Invisalign®. If you feel pain, contact Dr. Beauchamp.
Invisalign® patients should expect to wear their aligners for more than 20 hours a day every day. You can remove your aligners to clean them, to eat (for example, if you are eating sticky foods), and to keep them safe if you’re participating in sports. Swap your Invisalign® for a mouthguard before hitting the field!
How soon do you see results from Invisalign®? It depends on your orthodontic needs, your age, and a few other factors. Some younger patients may use Invisalign® for as little as a few months. On average, treatment might take one to two years.
In the beginning, it’s not always possible to see results as they happen. One reason why you should have regular follow-ups with your Port Orange orthodontist is to make sure you’re on track. Sometimes, patients can see the difference in their dental x-rays before they notice results in the mirror.
Most patients report that their time with Invisalign® is easy and trouble-free. If there’s an accident and your Invisalign® aligners get broken, they can be replaced in about two weeks – you do not usually need to get more impressions done. You can also choose to get two sets of them at the very start, so you’ll always have an extra one in an emergency. A very brief delay will not usually set your treatment back.
4. Explore Retainers When Treatment Is Complete
Just like with braces, most Invisalign® patients will need retainers after their treatment is done. As the name suggests, retainers help you retain teeth in the treated position so they’ll be strong and healthy. Without retainers, some patients find their teeth “migrate” back to their old positions over time.
There are many different types of retainers, from the traditional Hawley retainer to the fixed bonded retainer that sits behind your teeth. Invisalign® also has its own line of retainers called Vivera®. Like Invisalign® plastic trays, Vivera® retainers are custom-made.
How long will you use a retainer? For the first three months, most patients wear a retainer every day. After the adjustment period, you can usually switch to wearing your retainer only at night. Dr. Beauchamp will help you figure out what’s best for you.
Dr. Beauchamp Is With You Every Step of the Way for Your Clear Aligner Treatment
No matter if you go with Invisalign® or one of our many other orthodontic treatments, our family-friendly orthodontic practice in Port Orange is here to make life easier. From kids and teens through adults of all ages, Dr. Beauchamp helps you make the best orthodontic choices – and have fun doing it.
Schedule a consultation to discover more or get started.
