Finding the perfect smile can appear to be an overwhelming task, but choosing Invisalign treatment makes the aspiration of possessing aligned, appealing teeth a feasible objective! Discover what to expect in your first Invisalign appointment and start your path to a smile filled with confidence.
X-rays
X-rays play an important role in the Invisalign process; they help the dentist or orthodontist determine your exact needs and ensure that your treatment will be effective. During your consultation, you’ll receive a panoramic x-ray of your mouth and jaws, which will provide an overview of your entire dental system.
The orthodontist may take other x-rays as well, depending on your individual treatment plan. These additional x-rays include:
- Cephalometric x-rays focus on the profile of your face.
- Intraoral photos of your teeth and any existing dental work.
Having a clear understanding of the shape and structure of your mouth helps determine if Invisalign is right for you and how long it could take to achieve a straighter smile.
Bite Registration
During your first Invisalign consultation you may be asked to perform a bite registration. A bite registration is an important step in the process and allows for the generation of precise scans that contain information about the size, shape, and spacing of your teeth.
This is done by having you place pre-filled plastic aligners in between your teeth, then biting down on another instrument that registers how your teeth come into contact with each other. This procedure is not painful and can be completed relatively quickly.
The information gathered helps to produce a custom treatment plan tailored specifically for you and ensures that you will end up with the best results for your unique smile.
Dental Impressions
If you are considering Invisalign treatment and have plans to undergo a consultation with your orthodontist, understanding what the process entails will better prepare you for the initial meeting. One critical part of the process is for your orthodontist to take dental impressions.
Dental impressions are like molds or casts of your teeth as they exist right now. They help your orthodontist understand each tooth’s position, shape, size, and overall makeup. The indicators in the dental impressions will be used to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, as well as provide key details that enable these teeth straightening methods to determine how your teeth should move throughout treatment.
The dental impressions are made using alginate material placed in a special tray which is then held up against each arch of teeth (upper and lower). Alginate is edible and non-toxic by nature and does not contain allergens, so it has been determined safe for use with patients for dental purposes. After several seconds, the material hardens against your teeth leaving an identical impression of them on either side. Your dentist may also use digital imaging technology to capture an impressionless version of these molds if they feel more comfortable doing so.
Photographs
Photographs are a necessary part of your first Invisalign consultation. Your dentist or orthodontist will take and document images of your teeth in order to assess the alignment, spacing, and bite. Typically, photographs should be taken from different angles so that your dentist can get a better idea of what is happening in your mouth. Photos may also be taken so that you can get an idea of what results you can expect before the treatment begins.
During the process, specific images may also be taken to create a plan for the aligners’ progression and ensure that they fit correctly. Be aware that multiple sets of photos may need to be taken throughout your treatment period to ensure proper correction as you progress through aligner changes.
3d Digital Smile Scan
During your first Invisalign consultation, one of the first steps would be a scan of your teeth and mouth with a 3D digital smile scan. The images taken via this scan will provide the orthodontist with valuable information to best understand the individual malocclusion of the patient’s smile. Due to its precision, it takes just minutes for the orthodontist to receive a comprehensive snapshot of your teeth’s current position in 3D.
This scan also allows for accuracy when it comes time to create a unique plan tailored to each patient’s individual needs, ultimately leading to more successful results and more predictable outcomes that are aligned with their expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is an Invisalign consultation?
An Invisalign consultation typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of your individual case.
What happens during an Invisalign consultation?
During an Invisalign consultation, your dentist will take photos, X-rays, and dental impressions to create a 3-D image of your mouth. Your dentist will also discuss the process of Invisalign treatment with you, including which type of aligners are best for your particular case.
What do I need to bring to an Invisalign consultation?
You should bring your dental insurance card and a list of any medications you are taking. You may also want to bring a list of questions about the Invisalign process.
Conclusion
Your first Invisalign consultation is important for giving your orthodontist the information they need to develop a successful treatment plan. It’s also an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the process and ask questions. Be sure to keep your expectations realistic and discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
With dedication and commitment, you can be well on your way to achieving the smile you’ve always wanted with Invisalign!
