Invisalign® clear aligners were a revolutionary orthodontic treatment when they hit the market in the 90’s and have stayed a favorite since! In fact, there’s been an increase in their popularity among teens and adults since 2020. With these clear aligners offering a virtually invisible, comfortable, and discreet treatment, it’s no wonder there’s 1.6 million smiles being transformed by Invisalign – and the number keeps growing!
If you’re considering Invisalign for your smile, here’s what you can expect during your treatment – step by step.
Step 1: Scheduling a consultation with a Diamond Plus Top 1% Invisalign provider
The first step in the Invisalign process is to schedule a consultation with an Invisalign doctor. While general dentists may offer Invisalign treatment too, an orthodontist has the specialized training to diagnose and treat your orthodontic condition(s) starting at the root!
Dr. Caudill and Dr. McNeight are not only both certified Invisalign providers, but our practice holds the highest Invisalign status available, Diamond Plus! What does that mean for you? You can get Invisalign treatment with the most experienced Invisalign doctors in Brevard County!
When you schedule a complimentary Invisalign consultation at any of our 3 locations, one of our orthodontists will evaluate your teeth, jaws, and help determine whether Invisalign is the right treatment option for you. Included in your initial exam, are diagnostic photos and a panoramic x-ray which will show us the complete picture of your dental and orthodontic health.
Step 2: Creating a custom treatment plan
Using the images, scans, and notes from your orthodontic exam, one of our highly-experienced orthodontists and our friendly team will then present to you your custom smile transformation plan! This comprehensive plan will break down your treatment details, including the length of treatment, cost, and expected results.
If you decide to move forward with Invisalign, our team will get started on your treatment process right away. The first part is taking some digital scans of your teeth using a 3D intraoral scanner called iTero®. You’ll be able to see a cool 3D image of your teeth and gums being built as we take pictures using a handheld wand. This process takes about 5 minutes to complete and you won’t feel a thing!
Step 3: Receiving your Invisalign aligners
Once your Invisalign treatment plan is finalized, your scans will be sent straight to the Invisalign labs from the iTero! Your orthodontist will then create your personalized treatment plan that we’ll be able to share with you the day you start treatment!
Invisalign will then create a series of custom aligners that are designed just for your smile. We will deliver your Invisalign aligners and attachments the day you start treatment and walk you through instructions for wearing your Invisalign for the best possible smile results.
Treatment with Invisalign takes an average of about 15 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case. While everyone’s experience is unique, most people find that Invisalign is a comfortable and convenient way to straighten their teeth and achieve the smile they’ve always wanted!
Step 4: Wearing your Invisalign aligners
Once you’ve got your aligners and a welcome packet filled with resources, you’re ready to rock and roll.
Wearing your Invisalign aligners is easy and comfortable! Simply insert the aligners over your teeth and wear them for 20 – 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss. Because the aligners are made of smooth plastic, they won’t irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional braces can. Every week, you’ll move on to the next set of aligners in your plan. Many Invisalign wearers start seeing results within 6 weeks!
Step 5: Monitoring your progress
Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you’ll have regular check-ins with Dr. Caudill or Dr. McNeight to monitor your progress. These checkup appointments happen every 12 weeks or so. Your orthodontist will complete a fit check to see if your teeth are progressing as they projected. And our team may take additional scans or make any necessary treatment adjustments.
Step 6: Finishing your treatment
Once you’ve finished your last set of aligners and your attachments are removed, your treatment is complete! And now it’s time for a very important phase – retention!
Wearing a retainer after Invisalign is a must if you want to keep your beautiful new smile. Your retainer will hold your teeth in their new position while the ligaments and bone that hold your teeth heals from your smile journey. For the first 12 weeks or so after treatment, you’ll wear a retainer for an average of 16 hours per day. Then you’ll be able to switch to retainer wear for nights only! We say retainer wear is “nighttime for a lifetime!”
Have more questions about the Invisalign process?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’re here to guide you through your treatment process to help you experience the greatest possible results.
Before you begin treatment, Dr. Caudill, Dr. McNeight, and our experienced team will explain everything you need to know about your wearing, cleaning and caring for your Invisalign.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Viera, Merritt Island or Melbourne, come experience the vibes. We’d love to meet you.
Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
