Invisalign® Treatment in Richmond

Who Can Use Invisalign?

Invisalign works for most types of teeth-straightening. Invisalign has been used successfully for many different problems, including:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Gap teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Open bite.

While most patients can use Invisalign successfully, it’s still important to set up a consultation with one of our orthodontists to make sure this treatment plan is the best option for your smile. We can confirm whether Invisalign is the right choice for your needs and get you started on your path toward straighter teeth.

Getting Started With Invisalign

Once you’ve committed to using Invisalign for your orthodontic needs, we will take impressions of your teeth. We send these molds to the Invisalign team for analysis using the ClinCheck software system. This software generates a virtual treatment plan that outlines how each Invisalign aligner tray will gradually move your teeth. We check over the treatment plan back at our office and give it the final approval before your trays are made.

After your orthodontist approves your treatment plan, Invisalign begins production of your custom aligners. You will typically get six to eight weeks of aligners from your orthodontist at a time. At this point, you will meet with your orthodontist for an examination and receive the next set of aligners to continue your treatment.

Some patients need SmartForce attachments on their teeth to secure the aligners properly and ensure they’re putting the right amount of pressure on your teeth. Also known as buttons, these small dots adhere directly to the teeth. They are typically placed in the middle of the tooth. You may need them on all your teeth, some of your teeth, or none of them. Speak with your orthodontist to understand better whether you’ll need additional attachments with your Invisalign aligners.

The Invisalign Treatment Process

Once you have your aligners in hand, you can begin your Invisalign treatment. You should plan to wear the aligners at all times unless you are eating or brushing your teeth. Though these trays are removable, they’re not meant to come out often. You should keep your aligners in for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results.

When you remove the aligner to brush your teeth, you should clean this tray as well. Though the plastic is clear, it can become discolored if it’s not cared for properly. Any yellowing of the aligner tray will make it more visible on your teeth. It’s best to brush the tray with Invisalign Cleaning Crystals.

You should never smoke or chew gum while your aligner tray is in. In fact, you should remove it for all meals and snacks, and brush your teeth before putting the tray back in. Visit your orthodontist every six to eight weeks for a checkup to make sure your Invisalign treatment is progressing as it should.

Side Effects of Using Invisalign

As with any orthodontic treatment, you may experience some pain and pressure when you’re using Invisalign. This is particularly noticeable when you’ve first inserted a new tray. Some patients have the choice between biweekly and weekly tray changes. If you choose to change your tray more frequently to accelerate your treatment process, you will typically experience more discomfort throughout the process as a result.

Some patients also experience discomfort along the gum line, where the aligner may rub against this delicate tissue. If you have this problem, speak with your dentist about possible adjustments. Reshaping the aligners slightly may resolve your issue.

If you’re interested in exploring Invisalign as an orthodontic solution for your dental issues, make an appointment to consult with one of our orthodontists now. After a close examination of your teeth and a discussion of your needs, we can determine whether Invisalign is the right approach for you. If so, we can get you started on your path toward a quick and efficient treatment plan using this popular treatment method.

Considering Invisalign® treatment?

Meet the My Invisalign mobile app.