Invisalign is a teeth-straightening system that uses clear, removable appliances custom-made to fit your mouth. The series of aligners gradually shift the teeth into the proper position, giving you an aligned, beautiful smile.
Invisalign works best for patients with mild to moderate teeth crowding and has treated over 450,000 patients. Invisalign is a long-term treatment plan, usually taking between 6 to 15 months to complete. The average treatment time is 10 – 12 months.
What to Expect at Your First Consultation
Your first appointment for Invisalign will be the most extended appointment the average patient will experience. The typical schedule for your consultation is as follows:
1. Placing attachments
Standard aligners will be placed in your mouth. The parts of the aligners that contact the teeth will be marked and numbered individually. Then the aligner will be made according to these coordinates.
2. Fitting the first custom aligner
After the standard aligner is placed, you’ll wear it for a week and then come back to our office for a thorough examination of the teeth that the aligners have moved. This allows us to know exactly where to place attachments on the aligner trays for fine-tuned adjustments.
3. Fitting and adjusting the next set of aligners
Once we have your custom-made sets of aligners, we’ll call you back to give you final instructions before you begin your full Invisalign treatment. Often, minor adjustments are made between each set of aligners to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. Assuming you wear your aligners as instructed every day, you can continue through the whole course of treatment without needing a follow-up appointment, although we understand that accidents and mistakes happen, so we’re well-equipped to handle adjustments or order new aligners if your treatment plan is derailed.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The amount of time required to get your teeth in proper alignment will depend on how many aligners are needed. Usually this process takes between 6 and 11 months, depending on your specific dental anatomy. Invisalign aligners should be worn at least 22 hours a day and should be removed only to eat or brush and floss.
When the aligners are put in, they begin working immediately and should not be replaced until it’s time for the next step in the process. You will be given detailed instructions regarding when to move on from each aligner tray. If an aligner becomes broken or damaged, contact Dr. Tadros immediately.
Invisalign Checkups
Invisalign treatment plans are reviewed every six to eight weeks. If your Invisalign aligners are not working correctly, we’ll adjust your treatment and may need to order additional or slightly different aligner trays to keep your teeth on track. Otherwise, these appointments are quick check-ins to make sure everything is going well and your teeth are in good shape.
Invisalign in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Invisalign is a safe, comfortable, and effective alternative to traditional metal braces. It has helped and continues to help thousands of people across the US get the perfectly aligned smile they’re proud to show off. Learn more about Invisalign and find out if you’re a good candidate for this convenient orthodontic treatment by calling Beauty and the Teeth or contacting us online today!
To schedule a comprehensive dental exam with Dr. Tadros, call Beauty and the Teeth Dental in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida at (954) 519-7465. If you prefer, you can also contact us online or book an appointment directly. Dr. Tadros also services patients from Lauderdale by the Sea, Oakland Park, and Pompano Beach.