What to Expect from Start to Finish
If you’re considering a straighter smile without the traditional look of braces, Invisalign offers a discreet and comfortable option. This clear aligner system is tailored for individuals who seek an alternative to metal braces and value a personalised, convenient approach to orthodontic treatment. At Spring Hill Specialist Dental Centre, we have helped countless patients in Tavistock achieve their ideal smile with Invisalign. Here, we guide you through the Invisalign treatment journey, from the initial consultation to the final fit, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: The Initial Consultation
Your Invisalign journey begins with an initial consultation. During this appointment, we’ll discuss your goals, evaluate your oral health, and determine if Invisalign is the right solution for you. Invisalign can address a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including mild to moderate crowding, gaps, and alignment issues. However, in certain complex cases, traditional braces or alternative treatments may be more appropriate.
At Spring Hill Dental, our Invisalign consultations are comprehensive and informative. If we determine that Invisalign is suitable for you, we will then explain the treatment process, outline the expected timeline, and address any questions you may have.
Step 2: Digital Scans and Treatment Planning
Once you decide to proceed with Invisalign, the next step is creating a precise 3D image of your teeth. At Spring Hill, we use advanced digital scanning technology, eliminating the need for messy, uncomfortable impression trays. These digital scans capture a detailed image of your teeth from every angle, providing a comprehensive view of your mouth’s structure.
Using these scans, Invisalign’s ClinCheck® software creates a personalised treatment plan, allowing you to see a digital preview of your new smile before you even begin. This digital plan shows how your teeth will gradually shift over time and gives you an estimated timeframe for each stage of your treatment. For most patients, Invisalign treatment typically takes between 12 to 18 months, although minor adjustments can be completed in as little as 6 months.
Step 3: The Creation of Your Custom Aligners
Once your digital treatment plan is finalised, it’s time to create your aligners. Each set of aligners is custom made to fit your teeth at each stage of movement. These aligners are crafted from a high quality, BPA free plastic material designed to be comfortable, clear, and almost invisible when worn.
Every aligner is made with precision, ensuring that each one fits snugly over your teeth and applies the right amount of pressure to guide them to the next stage. Invisalign aligners are unique in that they’re custom moulded to your individual treatment plan, making the process efficient and effective.
Step 4: Starting Your Invisalign Journey
Once your aligners are ready, you’ll return to Spring Hill Dental to begin your Invisalign journey. During this appointment, we’ll ensure your first set of aligners fits comfortably and teach you how to insert, remove, and care for them properly. Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day, only being removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
One of the key benefits of Invisalign is the ability to eat and drink without restrictions. With traditional braces, certain foods can damage brackets or wires, but with Invisalign, you simply remove the aligners when eating. This flexibility is a significant advantage for many patients and allows them to maintain their usual lifestyle without compromising on treatment.
Step 5: Changing Your Aligners and Monitoring Progress
Every 1 to 2 weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners, with each set making slight adjustments to the positioning of your teeth. Because Invisalign treatment is designed to be gradual, each aligner moves your teeth a small amount, resulting in a comfortable and progressive transformation of your smile.
Throughout your treatment, you’ll have regular check ups with the Spring Hill team, typically every 6 to 8 weeks, to monitor your progress. During these appointments, we will assess the movement of your teeth, ensure that everything is on track, and provide you with your next sets of aligners.
Our team at Spring Hill Dental is here to support you every step of the way, answering any questions and making adjustments as needed to ensure that your treatment progresses smoothly. Consistent wear of your aligners is key to keeping on schedule, and we’ll help you stay on track to achieve your goals within the estimated timeline.
Step 6: Refinements and Adjustments
For some patients, a refinement stage may be necessary to perfect their final smile. This may involve additional aligners to fine tune the positioning of specific teeth that need a little more adjustment. Refinements are a normal part of the Invisalign process and are designed to give you the best possible results.
If refinements are needed, we will update your digital scans to create a new set of aligners that addresses these areas. This part of the process varies from patient to patient, but at Spring Hill Dental, we work closely with you to ensure the finished result meets your expectations.
Step 7: The Final Fit and Retainers
When you reach the final aligner and your teeth are in the desired position, it’s time to enjoy your new smile. However, it’s important to remember that maintaining the alignment requires ongoing care. Just like with traditional braces, retainers are essential to keeping your teeth in their new position.
At Spring Hill, we provide custom made retainers designed to fit your final alignment perfectly. We’ll discuss your retainer options, including fixed retainers or removable retainers, and recommend a retainer wear schedule that ensures your smile stays beautiful and aligned for years to come.
Expected Timeline and What to Keep in Mind
For most patients, Invisalign treatment takes between 12 and 18 months from start to finish. However, the exact duration depends on the complexity of each case and how consistently the aligners are worn. Minor alignment issues may be corrected in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases may require additional time and refinements.
Invisalign offers several benefits over traditional braces, including flexibility, comfort, and discretion. However, success depends on commitment to wearing the aligners as directed and attending regular check ups. Patients who wear their aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours daily typically achieve their results within the projected timeline.
Why Choose Spring Hill Dental for Invisalign?
At Spring Hill Specialist Dental Centre, we’re committed to providing high quality, patient centred care throughout your Invisalign journey. Our team includes orthodontic specialists who are experienced in delivering precise and customised Invisalign treatment, ensuring that each step of the process is tailored to your needs and goals.
With advanced technology, a dedicated team, and a supportive environment, Spring Hill Dental is here to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. We understand that orthodontic treatment is an investment, and we take every measure to make your experience comfortable, transparent, and successful. Our goal is to provide you with confidence not only in your smile but in the care you receive.
Start Your Invisalign Journey with Us
Invisalign offers an effective and discreet solution for achieving a straighter smile at any age. At Spring Hill Dental, we’re here to guide you through every step, from the initial consultation to the final fit. If you’re considering Invisalign and would like to learn more, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to answer your questions, discuss your options, and help you take the first step toward your ideal smile.
