If you have already decided to start orthodontic treatment, you have certainly informed yourself about the procedure.
One of the most important aspects a patient should know is that this treatment requires a certain amount of dedication.
Thus, respecting the orthodontist’s guidelines and attending monthly check-ups is very important in order to achieve the planned objectives.
If you have opted to wear clear aligners, such as Invisalign, the check-up appointments have a number of special features.
What will be your first appointment to start Invisalign treatment?
The first step before starting treatment is to perform an orthodontic study to evaluate the case.
This consists of carrying out a series of photographic and radiographic diagnostic tests.
In this way, the team of orthodontists will be able to establish a treatment plan to improve the functionality of the mouth and achieve an aesthetic smile.
Afterwards, one of our doctors will explain the planning and the steps to follow to begin orthodontics with Invisalign.
Check-ups with Invisalign take place every 4 to 6 weeks and last only 15 minutes.
When will you start your orthodontic treatment?
As you know, Invisalign is one of the treatments included in the invisible orthodontic category, the most discreet and aesthetic.
The custom-made splints are transparent, so they are only visible at very short distances.
To make them, it is necessary to take an impression of the patient’s mouth to make all the aligners to be used during orthodontics.
Thanks to the 3D intraoral scanner, we make a model that will serve two purposes:
To fabricate the splints
Designing the ClinCheck
The ClinCheck consists of a 3D simulation of the progress of the position of the teeth in the arch from the beginning to the end of the treatment.
In this way, both the patient and the orthodontist will be able to see what the final appearance of the mouth will be once the treatment has been completed.
After the ClinCheck explanation, after a few days, the first set of braces is delivered.
Before and after Invisalign
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INVISALIGN CLINCHECK
Why should you come for check-ups?
Each set of aligners is changed every two weeks and, in this way, the dental micro-movements are produced.
It is a removable appliance, but to be effective it must be worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day.
You can remove the splints from your mouth to eat or brush your teeth, but otherwise you must wear the aligners the rest of the time.
As you can see, Invisalign is a procedure that requires the patient’s collaboration to ensure its effectiveness.
At each check-up, the dentist will give you sets of aligners to follow the treatment sequence.
In addition, it is important that the dentist follows up on the case.
Therefore, when you begin a process of orthodontics with removable splints, you should go for a check-up every 4 to 6 weeks.
There are three factors that justify monthly check-ups in orthodontic treatment:
Oral hygiene
Firstly, orthodontic systems make it difficult to keep our mouth hygienic.
Although Invisalign is removable, it is important to check for the absence of periodontal disease or other conditions throughout the treatment.
At check-ups, orthodontists will check the state of your gums and rule out the existence of caries.
Patient collaboration
During these check-ups, the specialist will verify the correct course of treatment.
Delivery of the new splints
Review with Invisalign
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CHECK-UP AT THE DENTIST
How long are Invisalign check-up appointments?
In this regard, Invisalign has an advantage over fixed orthodontic systems: your check-ups are much shorter.
While braces revision appointments range from half an hour -metallic, sapphire brackets- to 45 minutes -lingual brackets-, Invisalign braces have a duration of 15 minutes.
Therefore, if you opt for a removable orthodontic treatment, the time commitment will be less than with other procedures.
In addition, Invisalign reduces the incidence of the most common dental emergencies in orthodontics: unplanned appointments due to a bracket coming loose or an archwire rubbing against part of the mucosa, causing small wounds or sores.
Choose Invisalign
If you travel a lot, this system may be the best for you since dental checkups are every 4 to 6 weeks.
Once I have finished orthodontic treatment, how often do I have to come for a check-up?
The day your treatment is finished, impressions of your mouth will be taken again to make the removable retainers.
Therefore, the fact that the active treatment is finished does not mean that your orthodontic treatment is over.
Now a new and equally important stage begins: the retention phase.
Once we have made the molds, we will place fixed retainers in both upper and lower arches.
These thin sheets of wire are cemented to the inside of the teeth, so they are completely imperceptible.
Although you must wear them in your mouth for life, their thin thickness will prevent you from noticing their presence.
After a few days, you will be able to come and pick up your Essix removable retainers.
Until then, and to ensure stable results, you will have to wear the last set of aligners.
Essix aligners are splints that look very similar to Invisalign aligners that, at first, you will only be able to remove from your mouth to eat or brush your teeth.
Subsequently, the orthodontist will progressively reduce the time you have to wear them.
Once you have completed the active orthodontic treatment, you must go for a check-up after 1, 3, 6 months and then every year.
GO FOR YOUR CHECK-UP
At these appointments, the specialist will check that the retention phase is being effective.
And don’t forget that if a fixed retainer comes loose or an Essix breaks, you must go to the orthodontist urgently.
This is the only way to ensure that your teeth maintain their proper position after orthodontic treatment.
Now that you know the importance of check-ups, remember to always keep your scheduled appointment.
If you have any questions regarding your Invisalign orthodontic treatment, we encourage you to contact our clinic.
You can do so through our website or by calling +1 619 372 5409 🇺🇸 +52 664 590 8321 🇲🇽 .
