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How Does Invisalign Work? Clear Aligners Explained

Kevin Bibona

One of the most common questions we hear is “how does Invisalign work?”.

Invisalign is clear aligner system that helps you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted! The unique-to-you aligners use gentle pressure to straighten your teeth in a comfortable, discrete manner. You switch aligners weekly, with each new aligner being slightly straighter than the previous. Before you know it, your teeth will be straight and you’ll be showing off your new smile!

How Do I Get Started?

It all starts at your initial, complimentary consultation, during which you’ll meet with one of our highly trained orthodontists and treatment coordinators. They’ll take the time to learn about your treatment goals, and, most importantly, spend time answering your questions. We want to make sure you feel happy not only with the end result, but also during the journey.

During this initial appointment, we will also take a full set of diagnostic records, including photographs, x-rays, and digital impressions. Yup, you heard it right… DIGITAL impressions. That means NO GOO! Gone are the days of biting down on the gag-inducing pink stuff! The digital scan creates a 3D representation of your teeth that your orthodontist uses with Invisalign to customize your treatment plan and fabricate your aligners. A few weeks later, when the aligners are made and delivered to us, we’ll see you again to get started. We’ll place discrete, tooth colored “attachments” on your teeth that act similarly to laces on a football in that they allow the aligners to better grip your teeth. The better the grip, the more efficient the tooth movement. We’ll then review the do’s and don’t’s of Invisalign, offer some insider tips, and send you on your way with 6-12 aligners. You’ll come back 6-12 weeks later for us to check on how the teeth are moving, chat about life, discuss the weather, and share tooth jokes. Before you know it, you’ll be coming back for your last appointment, when we’ll remove the attachments and scan for your retainers.

Is Invisalign Right For You?

If you’re interested in improving your smile through straightening your teeth, then absolutely! Invisalign is ideal for teens and adults who are looking to correct and realign crooked and overlapping teeth to achieve a beautiful new smile without the look of traditional metal braces.

Reasons Invisalign May Not Work For You

Invisalign can correct most tooth alignment issues, but sometimes we need a little extra help from metal wires or springs. But don’t worry, we can do most movements with aligners.

OK, I’m Interested. What do I do now?

Call our office at 804-740-7281 to meet with our team and hear more about the benefits of how Invisalign can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted! 

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