Invisalign is gaining more and more popularity as an orthodontic solution to aligning teeth by the day, as it offers many of the benefits of traditional braces but much more discreetly and does not affect daily life as much as fixed metal braces. You may be thinking that Invisalign is the answer to your dental problems, but the big question is, is Invisalign right for you?
The consultation is the place where you and your orthodontist will discuss your eligibility for Invisalign. This initial meeting lays down the foundation for your orthodontic treatment, where an Invisalign specialist can gather all the information they need from you, and you can ask those all-important questions.
Let’s take a look at just what you can expect from that initial consultation for your Invisalign treatment.
Step 1 – Understanding You, Your Medical History, and Your Goals
Choosing Invisalign is a big step to take in your dental health journey, and unfortunately, due to this, it comes with filling out paperwork. You will need to let your orthodontists know of your medical history if you have any past or present dental concerns, and what treatments you may have had in the past. Your orthodontist will need to know this to ensure that Invisalign is the right treatment for you, along with an examination at a later stage in the consultation.
It is also important for your orthodontist to understand your concerns and goals when it comes to your smile. Talking in depth about the issues you are experiencing, your likes and dislikes about your current tooth alignment, and what you aspire your smile to be. This could be closing gaps in your teeth, correcting misalignments, improving your oral health, or something more complex such as bite and jaw function. Whatever it is, your orthodontist will need to know to be able to plan the best course of treatment for you.
Step 2. – Examination and Invisalign Preparations
At this stage, your orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. This may involve taking X-rays, photographs, and digital impressions of your teeth. These tools help create a detailed 3D image of your current dental structure, allowing the orthodontist to plan your Invisalign treatment accurately.
This examination stage is important also because your orthodontist will need to look for anything that could change or delay your treatment, such as needing a pre-treatment before Invisalign. It could be that a cavity needs to be filled before treatment or you may want to have your teeth scaled and polished so they’re in the best possible condition before your treatment starts.
It is also possible that your orthodontist will find something you were not aware of during the examination, which means that a stronger brace treatment may be needed. These preparations are vitally important so that you don’t waste your money on a treatment that cannot sufficiently support your teeth.
Step 3 – Explaining the Invisalign Process
Once the examination is complete, your orthodontist will explain the Invisalign process in detail. They will discuss how the clear aligners work, the duration of the treatment, and what you can expect throughout each stage. You'll also learn about the importance of wearing the aligners consistently and how they can be removed for eating and oral hygiene.
Step 4 – Creating Your Custom Treatment Plan
Based on the review of your medical history, discussion around your goals and the examination, your orthodontist will create a custom treatment plan. They will be able to show you a visual representation of how your teeth will gradually shift into the desired position over the course of the treatment. Your orthodontist will also be able to explain the anticipated treatment plan, how many aligners you will likely need, and what your teeth should look like at the end of your treatment.
At this point, the financial aspect of Invisalign will also be discussed. Your orthodontist will provide a clear breakdown of the costs involved, and their team will discuss payment options, insurance coverage, and potential financing plans. This transparency allows you to make informed decisions about your investment.
Step 5 – Question Time
You will no doubt be able to ask questions throughout the entirety of the Invisalign consultation, however, it is also advisable to write a list of questions before attending the consultation, so that at the end you can gain as much information as you need to make an informed decision. Typical questions we get here at Oldham Orthodontics include How long does Invisalign take? How often will my Invisalign aligners need to be changed? How often should I wear my aligners? Will Invisalign affect any of my daily activities?
Once you have all the information you need, your orthodontist has addressed any issues beforehand and you have made an informed decision on whether Invisalign is right for you, you will then be able to go ahead with your Invisalign treatment!
The Invisalign Process by Your Specialist Orthodontist in Oldham
After you have been through the initial consultation and treatment plan, your custom-made aligners will be created. These clear, removable aligners are designed to shift your teeth gently and gradually into their desired position, and you will receive a new set of aligners for each stage of the treatment. Commitment to wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 – 22 hours per day is essential, along with regular check-ups with your specialist orthodontist in Oldham.
Once your treatment is complete and you and your orthodontist are happy with your results, you will need to wear a retainer to ensure that your teeth don’t regress. How often and the duration you will need to wear your retainer will be determined by your orthodontist.
Oldham Orthodontics: The Place for Those Seeking Invisalign in Oldham
Oldham Orthodontics is a specialist orthodontist in Oldham with years of expertise in treating patients with Invisalign braces. All of our specialists are highly qualified and experienced and are well-known in the orthodontic sector. Our consultations are free of charge and open to anyone interested in seeking more information about how Invisalign could help you.
If you would like to find out more about Invisalign and how our specialists here at Oldham Orthodontics can help you achieve the smile of your dreams, contact us today to book your free consultation.