There are many types of braces: lingual braces (metal braces fitted to the back of the teeth), metal braces, and Invisalign. In this blog, we are going to discuss Invisalign specifically. How long does it take to have an Invisalign treatment to be done? And how many appointments do you need?
But first, a little more about Invisalign for those of you who are new to the concept.
What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?
Invisalign is often referred to as "invisible braces" and uses clear aligners instead of traditional metal braces and wires. Invisalign works by attaching small, tooth-coloured attachments to specific teeth and wearing clear plastic aligners that use the attachments to apply pressure and adjust the placement of the teeth.
If you're wondering whether Invisalign works, the answer is yes. It is a proven treatment recommended for many mild to moderate orthodontic cases and for teenagers. Those with more complex cases, including misaligned bites, may be referred to metal braces.
How much Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment can vary from patient to patient, depending on the complexity of the case and the level of correction required. During your consultation, your dentist will assess your smile, discuss your treatment goals, and provide a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
How many appointments do you need throughout your Invisalign treatment?
Any orthodontic treatment will require check-ups with your dentist to ensure your Invisalign is working properly and for IPR appointments. Should you need them? We will get to know what it is a little later!
Typically, you can start your Invisalign treatment in as few as 3 appointments. During these appointments, you will have a consultation, a ClinCheck scan allowing your dentist to plan your treatment, and then your fit appointment!
Often, you can get started within 6 weeks of your consultation. During your fit appointment with Dental Concepts, you will receive the aligners required for your course of treatment, and you can change them every 10 days.
The number of aligners required will vary depending on the complexity of your case. Some patients may need fewer aligners, while more complex treatments may require more aligners. Your dentist will explain how many aligners you are likely to need as part of your personalised treatment plan.
Once your aligners are fitted, you will likely have approximately 3-5 appointments during your treatment. If your treatment exceeds 6 months, it may be that you require a few more appointments to check your progress.
How Often Are Invisalign Appointments Needed?
Many patients ask about Invisalign appointment frequency and how often Invisalign patients need appointments or check-ups. In most cases, review appointments take place every 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your treatment plan and progress. These appointments allow your dentist to monitor tooth movement, ensure your aligners are fitting correctly, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.
Why Are Invisalign Check-Up Appointments Needed?
There are 2 reasons you will have appointments during your orthodontics treatment.
Your dentist wants to track your progress and ensure that your treatment is going as planned and that you’re making predicted progress. Orthodontic treatment is very common, with many people getting it every year, but it must be done correctly.
You require IPR. IPR stands for Interproximal reduction, which is where a small space is created between the teeth by removing enamel. This is done with the planning of Invisalign to ensure your teeth are not damaged and that no excess enamel is removed. This is standard practice for all braces, even metal braces, so don’t be alarmed by this practice; it is considered very safe.
The good news is that, in most cases, you typically need fewer dental appointments when you opt for Invisalign, in comparison to metal braces, because the dentist does not need to apply more pressure to your teeth. You will be doing this when changing Invisalign aligners after 10 days. So, if you’re looking to compare metal braces vs Invisalign, this is a pretty good positive!
Conclusion
We hope this has given you some more details on Invisalign! If you'd like more information about clear aligner treatment, you can get in touch with the team at Dental Concepts and book your virtual consultation to talk through your options.