Treatment with Invisalign can address an array of orthodontic issues. In addition to straightening out crooked teeth, Invisalign can correct overly crowded teeth, irregular tooth gaps, and malocclusion (bite problems like overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite). Not only does orthodontic treatment improve the look of your smile - and your confidence - but it also improves your oral health and comfort by reducing your risk of tooth decay, cavities, periodontal disease, bruxism, and temporomandibular joint disorder.
If you're considering correcting your orthodontic issues with Invisalign but aren't sure what to expect from the treatment process, we encourage you to learn more and talk with our dentist at Decker Dental to find out if treatment with Invisalign is right for you.
The first step in the Invisalign process is a consultation. During this appointment, our dentist determines whether or not Invisalign is the right orthodontic treatment for you. While Invisalign can address a variety of orthodontic issues, it is not the right treatment for every patient. In addition to determining whether or not Invisalign can address your particular orthodontic concerns, we also make sure that the treatment regimen is a good fit for the patient and their lifestyle because the treatment protocols need to be carefully followed for a successful outcome.
During the consultation, we can also discuss estimated treatment costs, your insurance coverage, and what you can anticipate to ensure Invisalign is the right treatment for your dental care budget.
Once we've determined that Invisalign is right for you, we'll take three-dimensional digital scans of your mouth and any other diagnostic images to begin creating your treatment plan. We then upload this information into powerful design software to produce digital models of your teeth and mouth. The model is then submitted to Invisalign where your customer aligner trays will be made.
Invisalign designs treatment plans and manufactures custom aligner trays for every individual patient. So, it can take about a month for your treatment system to arrive.
Once your Invisalign treatment system is here, we'll have you come in for an initial appointment where we will teach you how to use your aligner trays, explain your treatment guidelines and regimen, answer your questions, and make sure you have everything you need to get started.
As you use your treatment system, you'll wear each set of aligner trays for 22 hours every day for about two weeks per set. Once you've worked your way through each set of aligners, your treatment plan is complete.
When you've completed your treatment plan, we have you return to our office for an examination. Sometimes, a bit of refinement and additional adjustment is needed. In these cases, Invisalign will create complimentary refinement trays to take care of any final necessary adjustments.
Once you've completed your initial treatments and refinements, you will have a beautifully straight smile that will likely need to be maintained by wearing a retainer. This is especially important during the months immediately following treatment completion. However, our teeth are always moving and shifting in our mouths, so they can easily shift out of alignment after treatment. For this reason, you should wear a retainer for at least a few days every week for the rest of your life.
On average, treatment time with Invisalign takes between nine and 18 months. However, treatment time varies for all patients and could be shorter or longer depending on the complexity and severity of the case, the patient's age, and how well you follow your treatment plan.
At Decker Dental, we're proud to provide our patients with comprehensive care, including orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. We work closely with our patients through every step of the treatment process to ensure a positive treatment experience and successful treatment outcome - from consultation to confident smile!
If you have orthodontic issues that are preventing you from smiling with confidence, we invite you to request a consultation with Dr. Decker to learn what your Invisalign treatment journey would look like.
Call 360.825.3191 or click the link below to schedule an appointment online.
