973-957-3185

Are you an adult that wants to correct crooked, crowded, or spaced out teeth but don’t want to resemble a teen with braces? Fortunately for New Jersey patients, Invisalign® is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign is effective for straightening and aligning the teeth, yet with the procedure offers a few more advantages than traditional braces. They are made of clear, smooth plastic, making them virtually invisible. They are also removable, allowing you to continue to eat all the foods you enjoy.
Much like traditional braces, Invisalign® can take time to straighten the teeth, and it is important for patients to understand the treatment timeline when considering Invisalign®.
Invisalign®Timeline
Certain steps are involved in the Invisalign® process. While the Invisalign® timeline may vary slightly from patient to patient and from one cosmetic dentist to another, overall the procedure is similar:
Consultation: The first step is a consultation visit in which your dentist will determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign®. Many people who are candidates for traditional braces are also good candidates for Invisalign.
Planning: Once it is determined that you do qualify for Invisalign®, you and your dentist can begin planning. The aligners are custom-designed for each patient based on his or her mouth. Your dentist will take x-rays, computer images, and molds of your teeth, which will be used to make the series of aligners for your teeth.
Aligners: Your cosmetic dentist will then have your clear, plastic aligners made based on the mold of your teeth. You will return to the office to get your aligners, receive detailed information on when to switch out each aligner, and how to properly care for them. While the exact timeline will vary from patient to patient, you will wear the first set of aligners for about two weeks, and will wear the next set in the series after this period of time. Each aligner is designed to make your teeth slightly straighter, and most patients will go through about 18-30 different sets throughout their treatment program. You are free to remove the aligners when you are eating or brushing your teeth, but should attempt to keep them in for 22-24 hours a day. Your dentist will monitor your treatment to ensure that your teeth are shifting correctly and will make any necessary adjustments if they are not.
End results: How long you wear Invisalign® will vary from person to person. However, the end result will be straighter teeth with closed gaps and a corrected bite. The average length of time for Invisalign® is approximately one year, however some patients require a shorter treatment period while others will require more time.
Benefits of Invisalign®
Invisalign® is a good option for people who would like to correct crooked teeth, a misaligned bite, or large gaps. The treatment provides a more subtle and attractive look than traditional metal braces while providing the same results. If you want to learn more about Invisalign® and the timeline for the procedure, contact the Invisalign® experts at Silverstrom Group today.