Treatment Process

Knowing more about the Invisalign process can help you feel more confident in your decision to choose Invisalign.

1Consult with Dr. Sandra Tai – During the consultation, you and your doctor will discuss your case in detail to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Invisalign now addresses many cases, from simple to more complex. Your doctor will determine if Invisalign is right for you. (Take the Self Assessment ahead of time to see if you might be a good candidate.) This will also be your opportunity to ask any questions you have about the treatment: costs, dental/orthodontic insurance, or any other concerns. 

2Getting Started – Your doctor will take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth, which Invisalign will use to create a digital 3-D image of them. From these images your doctor will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth. Using this same technology, your doctor will even be able to show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will move with each stage of treatment.

3Getting Your Custom Aligners – Based on your individual treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners are then created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable BPA-free plastic that won’t irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do. Simply wear them throughout the day, and remove them when you eat or to brush and floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. And because they’re virtually invisible, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.

4Occasional Checkups - Approximately every two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, advancing you to the next stage of your treatment. To monitor your progress, you will also have occasional checkups with your doctor, usually only every eight weeks or so. At every stage, you will be able to see how much closer you are to having the smile that reflects the real you.

5Reveal Your Smile - While every case is unique to each patient, treatment typically takes approximately a year for adults. For teens, the length of treatment is comparable to that of braces, but since your teeth won’t be covered by wires and brackets, you’ll be able to see improvement much sooner. For best results and a timely outcome, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, throughout your entire treatment.