What to Expect During Each Invisalign Appointment

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN – Minneapolis residents interested in Invisalign or Invisalign Teen may want to know what to expect with each appointment.

Invisalign is the incognito way to straighten one’s smile. Using sets of plastic aligners that look much like teeth whitening trays, the clear orthodontic appliances can help to straighten patient’s teeth without taking away from their appearance.

“The good news is that each appointment is designed to be easy on the patient, so there should be very little stress involved,” said your Minneapolis Invisalign specialist.

The following treatment plan is designed to help patients attain a straighter smile using this revolutionary and high-tech orthodontic treatment.

Initial Consultation (Duration: ~1 Hour)

The first appointment with the Invisalign orthodontist will be dedicated to an initial consultation. During this time, the orthodontist will discuss the Invisalign process while conducting a thorough examination of the patient’s bite and overall smile. For best results, the patient should bring along any dental records he or she may have, as this will help the orthodontist make the best determinations for a proper Invisalign treatment plan.

Impressions and Photographs (Duration: ~30 Minutes)

The next appointment will involve the orthodontist making impressions of the patient’s upper and lower teeth using a specialized solution. The orthodontist may also take digital photographs. These molds and photos are used to create a 3D model of the patient’s teeth. They will also be used to create the patient’s Invisalign or Invisalign Teen treatment plan.

First Set of Aligners (Duration: 20-30 Minutes)

By the time the patient shows up for this appointment, the first set of aligners will have been created. Invisalign aligners are comprised of a high-grade plastic that is digitally-rendered to fit the patient’s mouth exactly. The orthodontist will insert the first set of aligners into the patient’s mouth to ensure a proper fit. During this appointment, attachments may be placed on the aligners, which are inconspicuous nubs of tooth-colored resin that help the teeth move into place.

This is also the time the orthodontist will provide the patient with treatment instructions. For example, each set of aligners will be worn for 22 hours per day, and should only be removed for meals and to engage in one’s normal oral hygiene routine. The foods to eat and ones to avoid will also be covered.

Every week to two weeks, the aligners will be switched out for a new pair, which puts slight pressure on teeth to move the patient’s smile into the proper alignment.

Subsequent Invisalign Checkups (Duration: ~15 Minutes)

Every six to twelve weeks, depending on the patient’s treatment plan, the Invisalign wearer will return to the office for a short appointment. During this time, the orthodontist will check the patient’s progress and dispense the next set of aligner trays.

Final Appointment (Duration: ~45 Minutes)

When treatment has come to an end, the orthodontist will remove the attachments and take impressions for the creation of a retainer (if one is needed). In most cases, “after” photographs will be taken so that the patient’s progress can be properly documented.

Conclusion

As far as what to do before coming to each appointment, it is common courtesy to brush and rinse so that the patient’s mouth is free of food and debris. The patient should also be prepared to tell the orthodontist of any issues or complications that occurred since the last appointment.

Your ORTHODONTIST said, “Our Minneapolis/St. Paul patients love Invisalign because the aligners are nearly transparent and can be removed at will. This allows patients to live life on their terms while straightening their teeth, and it all starts with an initial consultation.”

To learn more about Invisalign and Invisalign Teen in Minneapolis/St. Paul, the incognito way to straighten one’s smile, call (651) 447-6768 or email to schedule a consultation.

About Us: Your ORTHODONTIST and team provide patients in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area with Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and other orthodontic treatments using the highest levels of personalized care.

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