In modern orthodontics, practically everyone has heard of Invisalign as a method for aligning teeth. Today, Ollins Orthodontics is going to give you an outline of this treatment and answer the question: How do you monitor progress using clear aligner trays?
Understanding Invisalign
To understand how we monitor progress with Invisalign treatment, let’s first take a closer look at some of its qualities and benefits:
- Gradual Movement: Like traditional braces, clear aligners provide gentle and consistent pressure to shift your teeth into desired positions. Each set of aligner trays is slightly different from the one before, causing your teeth to move gradually.
- Correction of Orthodontic Issues: Invisalign is primarily used to correct alignment issues such as crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, underbites, overbites, crossbites, and open bites.
- Aesthetic Appeal: One of Invisalign’s key benefits is its nearly invisible appearance, making it a great option for patients who prefer a discreet method of treatment.
- Customized Fit: Clear aligners are completely customized to your dental structure, ensuring precise and effective treatment.
- Comfort: Made from smooth plastic, clear aligners are generally more comfortable than traditional braces since they don’t consist of brackets or wires. These components can irritate the mouth on occasion.
- Removability: Unlike fixed braces, clear aligners are removable, allowing you to eat, drink, floss, and brush without restrictions. However, to achieve proper results, you must wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day.
- Improved Oral Health: Properly aligning your teeth and jaws can vastly improve your overall oral health, making it easier to effectively brush and floss, and reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Predictable Results: One of the great aspects of Invisalign is the accompanying detailed treatment plan, which gives you a preview of how your smile will look at the end of treatment. We’ll expand more on this process!
Tracking Your Progress
Now we’ll cover how exactly we keep track of your progress and alignment. The end goal is to match your teeth with that of our projected treatment plan. We do this by combining in-person and digital visits, digital technology, and your own compliance.
- Initial Assessment and Digital Imaging
- 3D Scans and Treatment Plan: The Invisalign software generates a step-by-step treatment plan that shows us the movement of your teeth from their current position to their final position. As time passes, we will use this initial step as a resource.
- Regular Check-Ups
- Scheduled Appointments: As basic as it may seem, showing up for your appointments as scheduled is a fundamental part of your treatment. During these appointments, Dr. Gabriel or Dr. Bruce will assess your progress. These will usually take place every 6-8 weeks.
- Review of Aligner Fit: We will continuously check how well your aligners fit your teeth since a proper fit is essential for effective treatment. If they aren’t fitting as expected, it might indicate that your teeth aren’t moving according to plan.
- Comparison with Treatment Plan:
- Adjustments to Plan: If, for whatever reason, your teeth are not aligning as planned, our doctors will make necessary adjustments to your custom treatment plan. This can involve making new aligner trays or modifying the existing ones.
- Patient Feedback:
- Compliance and Experience: We’ll discuss your experience with your aligners, including any discomfort or issues you may experience along the way. It’s also important to ensure you’re diligently following wear guidelines each day. Our ultimate goal is to ensure your individual needs are being met throughout this process.
FAQs
Here are some extra details that may assist you as you begin your clear aligner treatment with Ollins Orthodontics:
Q: What happens if I lose an aligner?
If you lose an aligner, contact our office immediately. We may advise you to wear your previous set or move on to the next one, depending on your progress. Prompt action is essential to keep your treatment on track.
Q: Will I need to use retainers after aligner treatment?
Yes, retainers are typically required after completing Invisalign treatment to maintain the position of your new smile.
Q: Can I just track treatment from home?
While you can see some progress at home, regular visits to Ollins Orthodontics are crucial. Professional oversight ensures that your treatment proceeds correctly and effectively. It’s important not to try to manage the process on your own.
On the Right Track
We are thrilled to guide you on this journey and promise to provide you with the best care available! Our Nutley office is acclaimed for just that. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!
