What does the treatment involve?
Step 1 – Your Orthodontic Examination
We first need to assess your teeth and mouth in detail to ascertain the suitability of this type of treatment in your particular case.
We also look to see if other types of treatment are needed either before or after the Invisalign treatment. You will then be given a Treatment Plan of action that will outline the process involved.
We will then discuss all your possible treatment options and choices that are available to you.
Step 2- Treatment Planning
Once we have decided together that Invisalign is the treatment of choice, we will take some impressions of your teeth to create special moulds. We will also take a scan/photographs of your teeth.
The information collected is then used to plan how we are going to create your new smile. One tool we use, as part of the Invisalign diagnostics is a computer derived 3D digital animated visualization of your treatment.
This allows the dentist to correctly design the entire treatment process. Many patients find this aspect of a virtual treatment simulation very reassuring as they can see how we have mapped out the treatment from start to finish.
At this time we will be able to tell you exactly how long your specific treatment will take.
Step 3 – Preliminary Treatment
Some patients may need a slight amount of preliminary treatment to better accommodate the tooth movement. This usually involves a small amount of filing of severely crowded teeth. The amount of tooth involved in very little (maximum 0.5mm) and we always remain in enamel.
This is a better alternative to tooth extraction for space.
Your treatment may also require the placement of “attachments”. These are small tooth coloured composite (plastic) attachments that are bonded onto certain teeth. They have an “active” surface that facilitates the tooth movement. They are taken off at the end of treatment.
Any preliminary work that is necessary will occur before the construction of the aligners.
Step 4 – Manufacture of Your Bespoke Aligners
The Invisalign Outcome Simulator will be used to verify the diagnosis and your treatment plan. Once approved your dentist will order a special sequence of aligners that are unique to you. They are made in the Align Technology laboratories using advanced 3D computer imaging technology.
It takes around 1-2 weeks for us to get your specific aligners back from the laboratory.
Step 5 – The Invisalign Treatment
You will be given a sequence of clear aligners. Each aligner will be specifically numbered making it easy for you to distinguish which one to use. You will need to wear each one for approximately 2 weeks or as advised by your dentist.
Your dentist will give you a certain number of aligners to start with. This means that unlike more traditional braces you do not have to keep coming back for multiple orthodontic adjustment appointments.
Usually, patients come back every 6-8 weeks (in some instances of high compliance longer). Many patients have found this unique factor very accommodating with their lifestyle or work commitments.
Your dentist will explain the total number of appointments that are needed to complete the treatment. However, unlike traditional braces there are much less appointments involved with the Invisalign treatment.
Step 6- Retainers
Once the treatment is completed and you are happy with the alignment of your teeth, you will need a retainer to prevent any relapse of treatment. Your dentist will advise you of the best retentions systems.
This may be a fixed option or a removable option. In most cases both types of retention are used to secure the teeth in the new position.
Step 7 – Review
You will be given a review appointment at the end of your treatment to assess your new smile, we welcome all of our patients to all of our chains in Harley Street and Hertford. Your dentist will check that the treatment is secure and that you are following any oral care maintenance program selected for you.
