Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign is one of the most popular because of the advantages it offers.
It is a highly esthetic system based on transparent removable splints that do not alter the patient’s image.
Like other orthodontic appliances, it performs dental micromovement to achieve a functional and harmonious smile.
All orthodontic treatment consists of different phases, but in the case of Invisalign, the process of making the appliance changes.
This is because the aligners are custom-made for each person and the orthodontist works with specific software for Invisalign.
Phase I: first visit and orthodontic study
When you arrive at DrAW Dental Clinic, a doctor specializing in orthodontics will assess your expectations and objectives with regard to your smile.
It is essential to carry out an orthodontic study, that is, a series of diagnostic tests that will be analyzed by the medical team.
In this way, different specialists in various areas of dentistry will be able to create a comprehensive diagnosis together with a personalized treatment plan.
Since the clinic is integrated with all the necessary appliances, the person does not have to go to different centers in Tijuana for dental tests.
In a second visit, the orthodontist will explain how to proceed according to your requirements.
This first stage is the same no matter what type of dental appliance you choose to wear, but with Invisalign, as we have already mentioned, there is an extra step that we will explain in the following section.
Orthodontic Study for Invisalign
Enlarge image
ORTHODONTIC STUDY
What type of Invisalign do I need?
Depending on the needs of the person, and the degree of crowding, malocclusion or any other oral problem, it is necessary to opt for the Invisalign Lite or Full version.
The first type is indicated for mild cases, normally for patients who have already worn orthodontics but whose teeth have moved, for example, due to not wearing retainers.
Invisalign Full, on the other hand, is the most complete version, as it corrects any malposition or bite problem.
As is logical, for treatment with Full it will be necessary for the person to use a greater number of splints.
Be responsible with the treatment
A large part of the success of Invisalign relies on the patient’s commitment to wearing the splints.
Phase II: ClinCheck and fabrication of Invisalign aligners
Both metal and sapphire brackets have a standard shape and size.
Hence, after performing the orthodontic study, the professional places them on the patient and it is at that moment when they begin their treatment.
However, Invisalign removable splints are custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth.
To achieve this customization, it is necessary to take impressions of your mouth using a 3D intraoral scanner.
The virtual samples obtained are sent telematically to the United States, where Align Technology – the brand that manufactures the aligners – has its headquarters.
This 3D model simulates the dental movements that must be made in order to obtain an optimal result.
And how is it possible to recreate each micro-movement of the teeth?
Thanks to ClinCheck, the software developed by the brand that created Invisalign.
It is a computerized tool that allows both the patient and the orthodontist to know what their smile will look like once treatment has been completed.
This possibility is only possible with Invisalign, since no other orthodontic system allows you to see the before and after before the process has begun.
In addition, since the impressions are sent to the laboratory telematically, the process times are substantially accelerated.
If this technology were not available, a physical shipment of the mold made of alginate and plaster would have to be made, with the delay that this would entail.
3D intraoral scanner for orthodontics
Phase III: start of invisible orthodontic treatment -Invisalign-.
Once the aligners have been manufactured according to the orthodontist’s instructions, they arrive at the clinic in approximately 8 to 10 days.
At each Invisalign dental check-up, the dentist will give the person a new set of splints and two more to be changed at home after 2 weeks.
For the treatment to be successful, and above all to be adjusted to the established times, it is necessary for the person to wear the aligners a minimum of 22 hours a day, being able to remove them only to eat and brush their teeth.
YOUR BUDGET, WITHOUT OBLIGATION
The patient should come for check-ups every 4 to 6 weeks, so that the progress of the treatment is controlled.
This makes the treatment much easier for people who live outside Tijuana, since they do not have to come to the clinic every month.
On the other hand, the use of attachments is usually necessary in almost all procedures, because with the elements that allow certain movements that the aligner does not get by itself.
These are small composite reliefs that are attached to the dental piece.
The placement of the attachments is, like the treatment, personalized.
Each one is designed for a specific dental movement and does not have to remain on the same tooth throughout the treatment.
Phase IV: Invisalign refinements
When the patient has used all the splints that have been ordered, the so-called refinement phase begins.
At this stage, the orthodontist assesses the condition of the mouth and the situation of the teeth.
Sometimes, it is considered that the result can be improved and it is necessary to scan again the oral cavity of the person and order new sets of splints -refinement-.
Photographs of the mouth
Enlarge image
EXTRAORAL PHOTOOGRAPHY
The objective is to improve the esthetics of the smile as much as possible.
Depending on whether we are in an Invisalign Lite or Full treatment, the number of refinements that can be ordered is different.
The Lite version includes a single refinement, while in the case of Full it is possible to order 3, each with an unlimited number of aligners.
The refinements are sets of aligners requested to improve the esthetics of the smile, so that the result is considered optimal.
Phase V: end of Invisalign treatment and retention phase
When the specialist finishes the Invisalign treatment, the attachments are removed and the retention phase begins.
The teeth have memory, so they tend to return to their original position once the dental appliance is removed.
Therefore, the retention phase is one of the most important stages of the process, as it allows the results achieved to be maintained for life.
There are two types of retainers that are placed in the person’s mouth:
Fixed retainers:
These are thin sheets of wire that are placed on the inner face of the tooth from fang to fang, both in the upper and lower arches.
Removable retainers:
Known as Essix, these are clear removable splints, so their appearance is very similar to Invisalign.
Normally, the patient should wear the Essix all day during the first month after finishing orthodontics, although it is the dentist who will set the time of use on a case-by-case basis.
The dentist will verify that the retention phase is proceeding properly through check-ups, which take place every one, three, six months and then one year.
These check-ups will determine the correct dental health of the patient and the stability of the results after orthodontics.
Now that you know what Invisalign orthodontic treatment consists of, you can correct the alignment of your teeth.
It is a very comfortable and discreet method that will allow you to achieve the smile you have always wanted to have.
