Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started with Invisalign

You’ve finally decided to do something about your crooked teeth and chose Invisalign®. Great choice! US News & World Report ranked it best overall among all clear aligners for its comfort, individualized treatment plan, predictability, and ability to address complex misalignments. 

However, choosing your orthodontic method is only the first step. Here, our Invisalign experts at A Caring Dental Group in Cleveland, Ohio, offer insight into these revolutionary see-through teeth straighteners and explain what’s next.

Understanding Invisalign

Invisalign offers a discreet and comfortable way to achieve the perfect smile. Unlike traditional braces, which bring unwanted attention and sometimes discomfort, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and easily removable — convenient and comfortable.

Using cutting-edge 3D imaging technology, we customize your Invisalign treatment plan to align with your dental structure and smile goals. You replace the aligners every few weeks as they gently and incrementally shift your teeth into the desired position. 

The benefits of choosing Invisalign

Invisalign has turned orthodontic treatment into a comfortable, convenient, modern experience with several benefits.

Aesthetic advantages

The clear, nearly invisible aligners mean you can straighten your teeth without announcing it to the world.

Comfort 

Traditional braces can cause discomfort due to metal wires and brackets. Invisalign is a smoother, more comfortable route to straighter teeth without the irritations of metal braces.

Convenience 

One of Invisalign’s most desirable features is the ability to remove your aligners for eating, drinking, and social events.

Starting your Invisalign journey

Invisalign treatment involves a sequence of consultations, fittings, and a systematic approach to straightening your teeth over a predetermined period.

Step 1: The consultation phase

Your first step is a consultation with our Invisalign team. We evaluate your teeth, bite, and smile and discuss your orthodontic needs and goals.

Step 2: The treatment plan

If we determine Invisalign is a good fit for you, we develop a custom treatment plan — like a roadmap outlining the step-by-step transformations of your smile at each stage of the process.

Step 3: Fitting your first aligner

Once your treatment plan is in place, we fit you with your first set of Invisalign aligners. You exchange these aligners for new ones every few weeks, gradually shifting your teeth toward the ideal alignment.

Throughout the Invisalign treatment

You can expect to wear your aligners 20-22 hours each day, removing them only to eat, drink anything but water, brush, and floss. Stay disciplined during this period — your dedication affects the treatment’s progress and, ultimately, the outcome of your new smile.

Regular checkups and adjustments

Every 4-6 weeks, you come in for a brief checkup with our Invisalign team to receive new aligners and to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned.

The adjustment period

Like any orthodontic treatment, there’s an adjustment period with Invisalign. Your mouth, particularly your teeth and jaw, may feel sore or tender at first. That’s normal and temporary, a sign your treatment plan is working.