How can I get Invisalign? Before answering this question, let's take a brief look at the history of Invisalign and its benefits.
Invisalign may feel like a long-standing option in orthodontics, but surprisingly, it’s a relatively recent innovation, with just under 20 years of history. You may wonder, but Invisalign treatment didn’t achieve mainstream acceptance until 2004. Based on the official Canadian Invisalign website, around 18 million people have started their orthodontic journey using Invisalign.
As an orthodontist, I believe the success of Invisalign relies on its flexibility. The aligners are almost invisible and removable, allowing patients to eat whatever they like and clean their teeth without any hassles.
If you’re curious how to get Invisalign, here’s a rundown:
1. Invisalign Consultation
If you ask yourself, “How can I get Invisalign?” As an orthodontist, I should say the first step is to schedule an Invisalign consultation. In the consultation appointment, your orthodontist evaluates your dental condition and determines whether you’re a good candidate for having Invisalign.
Please note that Invisalign is a versatile treatment system, but it doesn’t mean it can work for all orthodontic problems. Beyond clinical consideration, the commitment of a patient is compulsory, as the aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours per day.
Another concern may be around the cost, so a patient needs to check their insurance coverage and consider cost comparisons.
Note: At York Orthodontics, we have many flexible payment plans, including weekly or monthly installments to make the Invisalign cost as well as orthodontic costs more affordable.
Now, the question may arise: “Why choose an orthodontist for Invisalign treatment?” While many dentists now offer Invisalign treatment, it’s best to seek care from an orthodontist. Unlike dentists, orthodontists undergo additional specialized training, ensuring a higher level of expertise. As a result, the outcomes of Invisalign treatment with an orthodontist are often superior to those achieved with a general dentist.
Read More: Orthodontist vs Dentist
2. Creating a Custom-Made Treatment Plan
Once you’ve decided to start your Invisalign journey, we take x-rays, photographs, and impressions of your teeth. Using advanced technology in our office, we create a 3D rendering of your teeth to map out how they’ll move into their desired positions.
We then send all this information to the Invisalign Company, along with detailed instructions on how we plan to shift your teeth. Sometimes, there’s a bit of back-and-forth between our office and the Invisalign Company to ensure the treatment plan is perfectly tailored to your own specific needs. Once we’re satisfied with the plan, we ask the Company to manufacture your custom aligners.
Read More: Orthodontics for Teenagers
3. Wait for Your Aligners and Wear Them
It typically takes about a month for your custom-made aligners to arrive at our office. Once they’re ready, you’ll need to visit us to pick them up. Each aligner is designed to be worn in a specific order, with each set intended for a two-week period. As you move through your treatment, each new set of aligners will gradually bring your teeth closer to their ideal positions.
The aligners are removable, allowing you to take them out for eating, brushing, and flossing. However, achieving the best results requires commitment—wearing them for 20-22 hours a day is crucial. If you don’t wear aligners as instructed, your teeth may not move as planned, and the new sets of aligners might not fit correctly, potentially delaying your treatment.
Read More: How to Clean Your Invisalign Trays
4. Now, It’s Our Turn to Refine Your Smile
Once you’ve worn the final aligners for two weeks, your treatment may be complete. However, in some cases, a few teeth might need slight adjustments. This is not uncommon. If necessary, we’ll thoroughly inspect your teeth and contact the Invisalign Company to order a few more “refinement” trays. Again, it might take up a month to arrive.
The good news is that Invisalign expects many patients may need refinement trays, and they’re provided at no additional charge.
5. Retainers: Ensuring Long-Term Results
After completing your Invisalign treatment, it’s essential to wear retainers to maintain the results and prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. While the aligners gradually reposition your teeth, your bone and jaw also need time to stabilize and solidify around the new tooth alignments.
Retainers play a critical role in this process by ensuring that your teeth remain in their final positions as the surrounding bone and tissue settle. It’s important to follow the prescribed retainer wear schedule, especially in the first few months after treatment, to maintain the beautiful, straight smile you've worked hard for.
Read More: Plastic vs. Metal Retainers
Final Thoughts: Your Journey to a Perfect Smile with York Orthodontics
Invisalign has proven to be a revolutionary treatment in orthodontics, offering a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. With its growing popularity, millions of patients around the world have successfully transformed their smiles. If you’re wondering, “How can I get Invisalign?”, the first step is simple: schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist. At York Orthodontics, we provide personalized treatment plans that are designed to suit your unique needs, ensuring the best possible results.
Remember, while many dentists offer Invisalign, the expertise of a trained orthodontist can make a significant difference in achieving the optimal outcome. Our team at York Orthodontics is dedicated to guiding you through every stage of the process, from the initial consultation to wearing your retainers after treatment. With flexible payment plans and a commitment to quality care, we make it easier for you to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
So, if you're ready to take the next step toward a confident, beautiful smile, contact us today to find out how you can start your Invisalign journey!
Dr. Mir
Dr. Nima Mir, a highly skilled orthodontist at York Orthodontics, provides exceptional care in a friendly, state-of-the-art environment. Holding a B.Sc. (Hon), DDS, MSc, and FRCD(C), Dr. Mir completed his education at prestigious institutions such as USC and the University of Nebraska. He is qualified to practice in both Canada and the U.S. and is a proud member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) national dental honor society. Dedicated to delivering excellence in orthodontic care, Dr. Mir utilizes the latest technology to ensure efficient and comfortable treatment outcomes.
More about Dr. Mir
