Invisalign Appointment Frequency
Malocclusion problems compromise oral health and detract from the beauty of the smile. While orthodontic treatment can straighten the teeth and correct the position of the jaw, many people don’t want to wear bulky and uncomfortable metal wires and brackets.
Invisalign®, also known as invisible braces, offers patients a more discreet and comfortable alternative to braces. Among the many benefits of Invisalign treatment, patients can expect fewer appointments than if they were undergoing braces treatment. The team of dentists at Dental Associates of New England prepare our Boston, MA, patients for expected Invisalign appointment frequency.
Preparing for Treatment
Before Invisalign treatment can actually begin, patients will need to schedule a consultation. The Invisalign consultation generally takes about an hour to an hour and a half. This is the longest appointment that patients can expect throughout Invisalign treatment.
At the consultation, one of our dentists will examine the patient’s teeth to determine the extent of malocclusion problems. If we find that the patient is an ideal candidate for Invisalign treatment, we will create a customized treatment plan using digital images and impressions of the patient’s teeth and jaw. All of this will be sent to an Invisalign laboratory that will fabricate the patient’s unique set of aligners.
A few weeks after the patient’s initial consultation, we will schedule a second appointment. At this appointment, the patient will receive their first several sets of aligners. After testing the fit of the aligners, we will provide our Boston patients with detailed treatment instructions.
Check-ups Throughout Treatment
Once Invisalign treatment begins, patients will progress through a series of aligners. Each aligner fits slightly different, so that the teeth are continually subject to pressure that encourages movement. Patients are usually instructed to switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks. Fortunately, patients are provided with several sets of aligners at once, so they can make this switch without scheduling a dental appointment.
Although our Boston patients will not need to schedule an appointment every time they progress to new aligners, we do schedule regular check-ups throughout treatment. The exact appointment timeline may vary slightly for each of our patients, but most can expect to come in for a check-up approximately every six to eight weeks.
Invisalign check-ups only take about 15 to 30 minutes, so these appointments can easily fit into even the busiest of schedules. At these appointments, we will examine the teeth to check if treatment is progressing as anticipated. As long as everything is on track, patients will receive their next several sets of aligners. If treatment does not seem to be progressing as we expect, adjustments may be made.
It is important that patients wear their aligners as directed to encourage the success of treatment. Aligners should be worn at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Patients must also follow specific guidelines regarding when to switch to new aligners. Aligners should never be switched earlier or later than directed.
Contact Us
Invisalign is a discreet and convenient teeth straightening treatment that offers many advantages over traditional braces. If you would like to find out if Invisalign treatment is right for you, contact us at your earliest convenience or call (781) 890-4900 to schedule an appointment with one of the experienced dentists at Dental Associates of New England.
