Many people, both young and old, want straighter teeth. However, the thought of having a mouth full of metal braces is not appealing. In fact, the very idea of wearing metal braces often leads some people to avoid getting the treatment they need. An alternative to metal braces that is becoming more popular is the Invisalign teeth straightening system. That option is less invasive and time-consuming, as well as relatively easy to get set up. The three steps of getting Invisalign Annapolis are the formation of impressions, production of aligners, and follow-up care.
Formation of Impressions
The first step in getting Invisalign treatment is the formation of impressions. Following an examination and consultation to make sure the patient is a candidate for Invisalign, the orthodontist will use a specialized material to take impressions of the patient’s teeth. These impressions are then sent to a lab where they are used to create a digital model of the patient’s mouth. From this model, a treatment plan is developed.
Production of Aligners
The production of aligners is the second step in getting Invisalign treatment. Typically, a series of aligners are created based on the determined treatment plan. The total number of aligners used per patient can vary and depends on the complexity of the treatment plan. As a rule of thumb, a patient will wear one aligner for two weeks before switching to the next aligner in the series. Aligners are worn for up to 22 hours each day.
Follow-Up Care
The third step in Invisalign treatment is follow-up care. Patients are usually giving only a few aligners from their series at a time. Once they have worn them over a six to eight week period, they see the orthodontist for a check-up to make sure the treatment is progressing properly. Slight adjustments can be made if necessary. If everything is okay, patients will get the next few aligners in their series. This continues for the duration of the treatment plan.
Annapolis Dental Associates can walk each patient through the steps of Invisalign Annapolis treatment. When straighter teeth in less time are desired, dental professionals can help. In addition to offering Invisalign treatment, they also offer other cosmetic services, including teeth whitening, veneers, and crowns. General and preventative dentistry services are available as well.
