Invisalign Information

Invisalign

– An orthodontic appliance consisting of a series of clear removable trays used to straighten crooked or malaligned teeth. Trays are generally changed every two weeks and work similar to braces. Treatment times usually last between six months to a year.

Patient smile before Invisalign treatment	Patient smile after Invisalign treatment
"Sandy" full mouth before Invisalign	"Sandy" full smile AFTER Invisalign
"Beth" smile before Invisalign treatment	"Beth" new smile AFTER Invisalign procedure

With Invisalign, the aligner trays are not only smooth and comfortable to wear, but they’re also removable. That means you can continue doing all the things you normally would, from brushing and flossing, to eating whatever you like. With other devices, brushing and flossing properly can often take up to 30 minutes!

Special occasion coming up? No problem – just take your aligners out for that time and pop them back in when you’re ready. Of course, even when you’re wearing them, most people won’t even know you’re going through treatment, because they are virtually invisible!

1. Talk to Dr. Andrew Farrell about Invisalign

Your treatment begins after you schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Farrell. Keep in mind that not all dentists and orthodontists work with Invisalign, so it’s important to know Dr. Andrew Farrell has received the proper Invisalign training and can truly evaluate your needs and determine how Invisalign can help you.

During the consultation, you and Dr. Farrell will discuss your case in detail to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Invisalign now addresses many cases, from simple to more complex. Dr. Farrell will determine if Invisalign is right for you. (Take the Self Assessment ahead of time to see if you might be a good candidate.) This will also be your opportunity to ask any questions you have about the treatment: costs, dental/orthodontic insurance, or any other concerns.

2.Getting Started with Invisalign

Dr. Farrell’s team will take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth, which Invisalign will use to create a digital 3-D image of them. From these images Dr. Farrell will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth. Using this same technology, Dr. Farrell will even be able to show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will move with each stage of treatment.

3.Getting Your Personal, Custom Invisalign Aligners

Based on your individual treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners are then created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable BPA-free plastic that won’t irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do. Simply wear them throughout the day, and remove them when you eat or to brush and floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. And because they’re virtually invisible, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.

4.A Simple Process—With Only Occasional Checkups

Approximately every two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, advancing you to the next stage of your treatment. To monitor your progress, you will also have occasional checkups with your doctor, usually only every six weeks or so. At every stage, you will be able to see how much closer you are to having the smile that reflects the real you.

5.Length of Time Until You Reveal Your New Smile

While every case is unique to each patient, treatment typically takes approximately a year for adults. For teens, the length of treatment is comparable to that of braces, but since your teeth won’t be covered by wires and brackets, you’ll be able to see improvement much sooner. For best results and a timely outcome, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, throughout your entire Invisalign treatment.