“How do I get Invisalign?” is a common question. To get Invisalign aligners, you will need to work with a qualified Invisalign provider. This is usually a dentist or orthodontist with training and experience with Invisalign products.
However, there is a series of steps you must take before getting your first Invisalign aligners. Let’s break down this process.
Making Sure Invisalign is Right for You
While Invisalign works for a lot of people, it may not be right for everyone. Before making an appointment, make sure to check whether Invisalign is right for you. There are a few reasons Invisalign might not work:
Invisalign works best for adults and teens, but not younger children, as their teeth are still developing.
- Invisalign works well for mild to moderate crowding, crookedness, and gaps, but not for very pronounced overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
- Invisalign aligners must be kept in your mouth for 20-22 hours per day. If this is not possible or too difficult, Invisalign won’t work.
Scheduling the First Invisalign Appointment
To make the first Invisalign appointment, you’ll have to find a qualified provider. While some dentists will treat mild issues with Invisalign, often an orthodontist is needed. The dentist may refer you to an orthodontist if necessary.
If your current dentist does not work with Invisalign (or if you don’t have a regular dentist), you can use our handy Find a Dentist search tool to find an Invisalign-trained dentist or orthodontist. Choosing an experienced doctor can lead to better results, fewer mistakes, and a shorter treatment duration.
Simply call the office during business hours, confirm that they offer Invisalign, and ask for an initial consultation. Some offices also let patients schedule an appointment online, but it might be better to call with questions concerning payment options, insurance, and whether the initial consultation is free.
Many dentists offer a free initial consultation, but not all do. Also, some dentists may wish to consult about Invisalign after a cleaning and inspection so they know what they will be working with, while some might end up referring the patient to an orthodontist. It’s best to get clear on these details during the first call.
Some options exist for companies that offer Invisalign without going through a dentist or orthodontist, but these may not be quite as reliable.
What Happens at the First Appointment or Initial Consultation?
The dentist will likely begin with some questions to see if you qualify for Invisalign. They might ask questions like:
- Why do you want to get Invisalign?
- Have you had braces or other teeth straighteners before?
- What are your specific problems? For example, do you have tooth crowding? A bad bite? Spaces or gaps between your teeth?
- Will you be able to wear the aligners for the necessary amount of time per day?
- Do you have any problems with tooth grinding in your sleep?
Answer these questions honestly, as the answers can help the dentist determine the right course of treatment. Patients can also ask any questions they have about treatment at this time. Then, the dentist will want to take a look at the issues themselves, to better understand what needs to be fixed. Then, they can tell if you qualify for invisalign. If so, they will go forward with fitting for aligners.
At this point, the dentist may begin taking impressions of the teeth. However, depending on their schedule, this might be put off until the next appointment. If not, they will go ahead and create a 3D model or representation of your mouth.
This step involves either taking physical impressions (think making a mold out of clay) or using newer scanning technology, such as the iTero® digital scanning system. The goal is to get a precise 3D layout of the teeth and mouth.
This layout will allow the dentist to make the aligners accurately and chart the movements needed to straighten your teeth using specialized software. The aligners will be custom crafted to move teeth slowly toward their final positions based on this plan.
Invisalign Aligner Fabrication and Fitting Appointment
It can take a little time for the Invisalign aligners to be made, so the dentist will have to schedule another appointment for the fitting. The timing may vary for different offices, but they will let you know when it will be ready.
At the fitting appointment, the dentist will check to make sure the aligners fit and that they are comfortable enough. If there are issues, the dentist can make some adjustments.
Invisalign wearers often experience some mild discomfort and pain with new aligners. This is normal when teeth begin to move. However, it may not be noticeable when the aligners are first put in the mouth.
Follow-up Appointments
Invisalign requires a series of appointments, so expect to see the dentist many times. The aligners will usually be switched out at these appointments. It’s important to keep to the schedule to avoid wearing the aligners longer than necessary.
Also, make sure to contact the dentist or orthodontist
if the aligners crack or break, so that they can
make a new set.
Find an Invisalign Dentist Near You
Getting Invisalign is straightforward once you’ve found an Invisalign dentist near you that you trust, and who can work within your budget.
So, do the research. Find an experienced provider. Then, call their office to schedule the initial consultation. If all goes smoothly, this is a good sign that the procedure itself will also go smoothly.