The Ultimate Guide to Invisalign

Invisalign is a series of clear, removable aligners that straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. The aligners are customized to fit your mouth to provide you with comfortable and effective teeth straightening treatment. Since your Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, you can smile confidently both during and after your treatment. You can also eat and drink what you want during treatment since you can easily remove your aligners. No uncomfortable brackets or wires to irritate your mouth! Not to mention, brushing and flossing are also much easier with Invisalign than with traditional braces.

How Invisalign Works

The Invisalign system uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into place. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks before you move on to the next set in the series. The total treatment time may vary depending on the extent of each case; usually, it averages nine to fifteen months, and the number of aligners varies by patient. 

During your initial consultation, your dentist will create a digital treatment plan that maps out the exact movements of your teeth from start to finish. This allows you to see in advance what your smile will look like when your treatment is complete.

Your dentist will take x-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth to create your custom aligners. You’ll wear each aligner for about two weeks at a time. As you switch aligners every two weeks, your teeth will move little by little, week by week, until they have straightened to their proper position. Because there are no metal brackets or wires with Invisalign, the treatment is completely discreet. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing you are in treatment.

You also won’t need to visit the office as often as you would with conventional braces because the appointments are less frequent. In our office, you’ll visit us every six weeks or so to monitor your progress and get the next set of aligners from your provider.

Once you’ve completed your treatment, you’ll be provided with a retainer to wear at night to ensure your teeth stay in their new positions. As long as you wear the retainer each night, you may only need to visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups to keep your new smile in top shape!

If you are interested in straightening your teeth discreetly and comfortably, contact ELAN Dentistry. To book an appointment, call (714) 364-8181 or visit us at 1030 West Imperial Hwy, La Habra, CA 90631.