How Clear Aligners Work: A Step-by-Step Guide

Since hitting the market in 1999, clear plastic teeth aligners such as those offered by Invisalign have exploded in popularity with both teens and adults. When you consider how much more convenient and discreet they are than traditional braces it’s easy to understand why.

No matter whether you’ve already been convinced by their ease and near-invisibility or you’re still considering your orthodontic options, it’s important to understand the treatment process and how aligners will work for you. We’ll run through the entire process so you’ll know what to expect as well as understanding exactly what’s going on in your mouth when you’re wearing them.

Step 1: Your Initial Consultation

As with all dental treatment plans, you’ll begin by having a consultation with your dentist. They’ll be able to examine your teeth and gums in order to confirm whether clear aligners are a good option for you. As well as physically examining your mouth, they may take X-rays and digital scans of your teeth.

Step 2: Planning Your Treatment

Assuming that clear aligners are a good fit for your particular circumstances and orthodontic issues, your dentist will use impressions or digital scans to create a 3D model of your teeth. By using this model in combination with specialized computer software, they are able to create a full treatment plan including the exact dimensions of your custom aligners.

Step 3: Commencing With Your Treatment

Your custom plastic aligners will be produced based on your treatment plan and sent to you. Once you’ve received your first set, the only thing left to do is start wearing them. Although you’ll need to wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours per day, you can remove them to eat and when brushing your teeth.

Invisalign aligners are made from clear, BPA-free plastic that makes them practically invisible when you’re wearing them, which is why they’re so popular with patients wanting a discreet treatment with minimal visual impact.

Step 4: Replacing Your Aligners As Instructed

You’ll likely receive somewhere between 18 and 30 sets of clear aligners over the course of your treatment. This allows you to switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks.

Although you may not be able to tell just by looking, each set of aligners differs slightly from the previous one and this difference is key to the treatment process working. Each set of aligners is carefully designed to put just the right amount of constant pressure on your teeth to cause them to slowly move into the desired position. By replacing your aligners as your teeth shift, you ensure that they will always be applying just the right amount of pressure to achieve the ideal results.

Step 5: Check-Ups and Monitoring

You’ll have regular check-ups with your dentist throughout your treatment. This will allow them to monitor your progress and make any adjustments needed to ensure your treatment stays on track. Unlike with traditional braces, they won’t need to manually adjust anything, so these appointments tend to be shorter and less frequent, and can also feel less uncomfortable and invasive.

Step 6: Completing Your Treatment

Once you’ve finished your treatment and are happy with your results, your dentist will likely recommend using a retainer to make sure you keep your perfect new smile. In some cases, these only need to be worn at night and, depending on your individual circumstances, are typically worn for a period ranging from a few months to a few years.

Taking the First Step

If you’re ready to take the first step, there’s no better way than booking a consultation with one of our friendly and experienced dentists in Sugar Land. Regardless of whether clear aligners are right for you, they’ll work with you to give you the smile of your dreams. All that’s left to do is contact us and make the appointment!