Your Guide to the Invisalign® Process

December 5, 2024

Dreaming of a straighter smile without the hassle of metal braces? Invisalign® offers a discreet and comfortable way to achieve your orthodontic goals. At Great Smiles of La Mesa, we’re proud to be a certified Invisalign provider, helping patients transform their smiles with this innovative system. Whether you’re considering Invisalign for yourself or a loved one, here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect from the process.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Your journey to a straighter smile begins with a consultation at Great Smiles of La Mesa. During this visit:

  • We evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw alignment.
  • We’ll discuss your smile goals and determine if Invisalign is the right option for you.
  • Using cutting-edge tools like the iTero scanner, we take a 3D digital scan of your teeth. No messy molds here—just a quick, painless imaging process that creates a precise model of your smile.

This scan allows us to map out your personalized treatment plan, showing you a preview of your future smile before you even start!

Step 2: Custom Aligners Are Created

Based on your treatment plan, a series of custom aligners are created specifically for your teeth. Each set of aligners is designed to gently shift your teeth into the desired position.

  • Clear and Comfortable: Made from smooth, BPA-free plastic, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and comfortable to wear.
  • Tailored for You: Your aligners are uniquely crafted to fit snugly over your teeth, ensuring precise and predictable results.

Step 3: Starting Your Treatment

Once your aligners are ready, you’ll return to our office to receive your first set. Here’s what to expect:

  • We’ll ensure your aligners fit perfectly and provide instructions on how to wear and care for them.
  • You’ll wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks, depending on your treatment plan, for 20-22 hours a day.
  • Aligners should only be removed when eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, or flossing.

Consistency is key to achieving the best results, so keeping your aligners in place is essential.

Step 4: Regular Check-Ins

Throughout your Invisalign journey, you’ll visit us every 6-8 weeks for quick check-ins.

  • We’ll monitor your progress and provide your next sets of aligners.
  • If any adjustments to your plan are needed, we’ll make them to keep you on track.

These appointments are usually brief but play a crucial role in ensuring your treatment stays on schedule.

Step 5: Completing Your Treatment

Once you’ve completed the entire series of aligners, it’s time to celebrate your new smile! To maintain your results:

  • We’ll provide you with a custom retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions.
  • Wearing your retainer as instructed is critical for long-term success.

Start Your Invisalign Journey Today

Ready to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted? At Great Smiles of La Mesa, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Call us or schedule your appointment today to get started.

With Invisalign, a confident, beautiful smile is within reach—no metal required.

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