How Long Does Invisalign® Treatment Take?
At South Ogden Smiles, the dentist and staff set themselves apart from other dental offices by providing dental care that is uniquely tailored to each patient. By first listening to his patients’ needs and desires, South Ogden cosmetic dentist Patrick Tanner is able to offer dental treatments that are most suitable for each individual patient. This, along with a continued dedication to learning the most advanced dental treatments and technologies, ensures that patients are receiving personalized, high quality dental services. One such example of the advanced dental treatments offered by Dr. Tanner is Invisalign®. For patients in South Ogden, Invisalign® is a teeth straightening alternative to orthodontic braces.
Invisalign® is a more comfortable, convenient, and attractive teeth straightening treatment for patients. When patients first learn of Invisalign® treatment, many expect it to take longer than traditional braces to produce their desired results. In fact, Invisalign® treatment typically produces results in the same amount of time, or less time, than braces. The average Invisalign® treatment timeline is outlined below:
- Consultation: A consultation is the first step in the Invisalign® treatment process. A consultation allows Dr. Tanner to determine if the patient is a good candidate for Invisalign® treatment. This is also a good time for the patient to ask any questions they have and gain a good understanding of the Invisalign® treatment process.
- Diagnostics:At the patient’s first appointment, Dr. Tanner will use x-rays and other diagnostic tools to create a model of the patient’s entire jaw line. This mold will be sent to a laboratory where the individual aligners will be fabricated by an Invisalign® technician.
- Treatment:The Invisalign® aligner trays should be complete within two weeks, at which time the patient will return to Dr. Tanner so that treatment can begin. At this appointment, Dr. Tanner will give specific instructions regarding each unique treatment plan. On average, patients are asked to wear the aligner trays for 20 to 24 hours each day (allowing patients to remove the trays for eating, drinking, and brushing). Throughout the treatment process, patients will advance through a set of about 18 to 30 slightly different aligner trays. Typically, each set of aligners is used for two weeks before the patient advances to the next set of trays. This process slowly shifts the teeth into proper alignment. While the length of Invisalign® treatment will vary based on each patient’s needs, the average treatment is about one year.
- Results:The final and most rewarding step in the Invisalign® treatment timeline is results. When treatment is complete, patients are left with a smile that is straighter, healthier, and more aesthetically pleasing.
Alternate Treatment
Invisalign® is a great treatment option for improving the smile, but there are alternatives for patients who do not make good candidates for this procedure. In addition to traditional braces, for patients in South Ogden, porcelain veneers can provide the aesthetic results that many patients desire for their smile. Dr. Tanner can discuss this cosmetic treatment in more detail.
Schedule an Appointment
Patients who would like to begin their Invisalign® treatment can schedule an appointment with Dr. Patrick Tanner at their earliest convenience. Dr. Tanner will examine the teeth and let patients know if Invisalign® is the best treatment option for obtaining the ideal smile.
