Invisalign Treatment Timeline: What Happens at Every Stage From Start to Finish

What Happens During the Initial Consultation?

Here are the four stages of the initial consultation in the Invisalign treatment:

1. Orthodontic Evaluation: The orthodontist examines the bite issues and the teeth alignment in detail in the first appointment. The issues, such as cavities or gum disease, are addressed before starting the treatment to ensure consistency in the treatment. 
2. 3D Scanning & Impressions: A three-dimensional model of the patient’s teeth is created with Intraoral scanners for treatment planning. It provides an accurate, fast, and radiation-free scan for a precise model of teeth. X-rays or photographs are also taken for a thorough evaluation. 
3. Treatment Planning: After collecting the necessary data, the provider explains the treatment plan step-by-step. Modern software like ClinCheck is used to preview the changing position of the teeth. It allows the patient to check a virtual preview of the future smile. The duration and the cost of the treatment are also discussed in this plan.
4. Eligibility Check: It is the most important stage of this treatment. The orthodontist checks whether the issue is mild to moderate, which can be solved using clear aligners or not. Traditional braces or surgery are recommended in severe cases. The provider also discusses the commitment level of the patient. The clear aligners are removable and need to be in for 20-22 hours a day, which requires the patient to be compliant.  

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How Is the Custom Invisalign Plan Created?

Here are the four steps to create a custom plan for Invisalign treatment:

1. Digital Smile Simulation: Software like ClinCheck is used to obtain a 3D image of the teeth. This software shows a virtual image of the teeth movement for a better smile. The orthodontist utilizes this data to create a treatment plan or modify the data according to the need. This data is sent for manufacturing after confirmation from the provider and the patient. 
2. Aligner Fabrication: Aligners are prepared in Align Technology’s lab using 3D printing and computer-aided design(CAD). Each aligner in the set is designed specifically to fit the teeth and put enough pressure to move them in the desired direction. SmartTrack, a medical-grade thermoplastic, is used in the fabrication process and is trimmed according to the gum line of the patient. 
3. Approval Process: The orthodontist reviews and finalizes the treatment plan before sending the plan to the lab for manufacturing. 
4. Shipping & Preparation: After customization of the aligners, they pass the quality control measures before shipping. It requires 2-3 weeks to complete the manufacturing and shipping of the aligners. The provider calls the patient and prepares the aligners to fit them in the teeth. 

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What Happens During the First Fitting Appointment?

Here are the four steps in a first-fitting appointment:

1. Receiving the First Set of Aligners: The patient receives the first set of aligners after 2-3 weeks of initial consultation. The provider fits these aligners in the patient's teeth for the first time with the help of a special gel and a bonding agent to fit them snugly in the teeth. 
2. Instructions on Wear & Care: The orthodontist guides the patient about wearing and removing the aligners carefully in the first week. Chewies or bite sticks are used in the first days to fit the aligners in their place. The provider also recommends removing aligners before eating or drinking hot or acidic foods. They need to be cleaned with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water before placing them in the mouth.
3. Attachments (If Needed): Small tooth-volored buttons are used to put extra pressure on teeth in complex cases. These are attached to the specific teeth with the tooth-colored composite resin. A special light hardens the resin in its place after placing the template in the mouth.
4. Initial Adjustment Phase: A change in speech, mild pain, or soreness is common in the first days. The mouth recognizes them as a foreign body and starts producing more saliva or mouth dryness in a number of patients. These changes are common, and the patient can overcome them easily. 

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What Is the Routine During Active Treatment?

Here are the four recommendations during the treatment:

1. Wearing Schedule: Aligners need to be taken out while eating or drinking anything other than water. These snacks can damage the aligners to warp, break, or cause scratches. 
2. Switching Aligners: The aligner trays are changed after 1-2 weeks according to the orthodontist's advice. It ensures a continuous pressure on the teeth to keep them moving. 
3. Check-Up Visits: The number of appointments in this treatment decreases compared to traditional braces treatment. Still, the patient needs to visit after 6-8 weeks to track the progress and move to the new set of aligners.
4. Tracking Progress: The orthodontist tracks the progress of the treatment and takes necessary steps. Attachments are used to tackle complex cases or in cases of non-compliance. 

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What Are the Refinement Stages in Invisalign?

Refinements are used with the aligners to achieve the desired results in case of delayed results. In this process, the scans are taken, and new aligners are prepared. It extends the duration of the treatment, as the process is like to start from the initial stage. 

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What Happens at the End of Invisalign Treatment?

At the end of the treatment, the orthodontist evaluates the final results. The final alignments, bite issues, and smile aesthetics are checked to mark the difference. The attachments are removed carefully, and the patient is guided to the next steps. 

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What Is the Retention Phase After Invisalign?

Retainers help keep the teeth in their new position and prevent them from shifting back after treatment is complete. These retainers are of two types: fixed and removable retainers. The removable retainers are further divided into Essix retainers and Hawley retainers. At the start, the retainers are worn full-time, but later on, the patient is advised to put them in at night only. Frequent check-ups help to maintain the results and make necessary adjustments. 

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How Long Does the Entire Invisalign Process Take?

The mild-moderate cases need 6 to 18 months of treatment. The age, complexity, and compliance of the patient affect the overall duration. Complex cases require 18-24 months of treatment. Use of refinements or additional trays in case of complex cases extends the timeline and the cost of treatment. Maintaining good hygiene and wearing aligners regularly decreases the predicted treatment duration.

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