What to Expect During Invisalign Treatment: A Step-by-Step Guide
Posted on July 02 by Darren Bywater
Invisalign and clear aligners for adults are one of the most popular orthodontic options, as they offer complete discretion, are removable, and are extremely effective.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Invisalign or clear braces, but you’re not sure what to expect, this guide will walk you through what to expect every step of the way.
Step 1: Your Free Smile Scan
The very first step on your clear aligner journey is to book a free appointment with one of our treatment coordinators.
Our treatment coordinator will be able to tell you whether clear aligners are the right course of action, helping you feel more confident about starting the Invisalign/Clear brace process.
This appointment includes a quick digital scan of your teeth, which we’ll use to show you a simulation of how your smile could look once your Invisalign treatment is complete. These scans help to give you maximum confidence and clarity when deciding whether to move forward.
As an official Invisalign provider in Derby, our practice is one of the best places in the area to get clear aligners. Many of our adult patients choose clear aligners - whether it be Invisalign or 32Co - as they are discreet, removable and effective. Clear braces are also very popular for teens of all ages and can be a great alternative to fixed braces, depending on suitability.
Some of the key conditions we can treat with clear aligners are:
- Overcrowding
- Gaps
- Overbite
- Underbite
Your initial consultation with the treatment coordinator will take approx. 20 minutes, but if the treatment coordinator isn’t able to take the scan at a time or day that best suits you, we can book you straight in to see the Orthodontist.
Step 2: Meet with the Orthodontist to discuss your smile goals
After your scan and meeting with the treatment coordinator, you’ll be invited back into the practice to sit down for a chat with the Orthodontist.
This is your chance to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have about clear aligners. This relaxed, no-pressure conversation is designed to give you absolute peace of mind and ensure you have all the information you need to make a final decision.
During your consultation with the Orthodontist, we’ll be able to tell you whether Invisalign/Clear aligners are the right choice for you and your smile goals. By reviewing your scans, our Orthodontist will be able to explain what your clear aligner treatment will involve, an idea of time frames and the different stages you can expect to move through on your journey.
Step 3: Arranging your records and creating your bespoke Invisalign plan
If you decide to move forward with clear aligners, the next step is for us to book a records appointment for you.
This is another 20-minute appointment that will allow us to take photographs, further scans and any X-Rays needed in order to plan a completely bespoke treatment plan for you.
By bringing all of this information and data together, we are able to make sure that we are doing everything we can to get you the smile you dream of. Having the scans and precise measurements means that we can not only ensure clear aligners that are effective, but also offer maximum comfort.
Before the aligners are ordered and delivered to the practice, both 32Co and Invisalign provide a digital treatment plan for review. This allows both the patient and the dentist to assess the proposed tooth movements and confirm they are happy with the planned outcome before the aligners are manufactured.
This review stage helps refine and perfect the treatment plan, ensuring the best possible result.
Step 4: Receiving your clear aligners & maintaining them
Once we’ve received your clear aligners, we’ll be in touch to book an appointment for you to come in and collect them.
During this meeting, we’ll make sure that the aligners fit correctly and answer any questions you have about maintaining your aligners and getting the most from your Invisalign journey.
When you take your aligners home, remember that they should be removed for meals, when drinking hot drinks or coloured liquids, and the aligners should be cleaned each day.
Choosing Darren Bywater for Invisalign
Our orthodontic treatments are provided by highly experienced dentists with a special interest in orthodontics. With many years of experience in the field, they are able to successfully manage both straightforward and complex orthodontic cases, delivering outstanding results for patients of all ages.
At Darren Bywater Dental Care, we pride ourselves on offering exceptionally short waiting times, meaning you can begin your orthodontic journey sooner rather than later. We provide personalised treatment plans, the latest orthodontic techniques and technology, and a friendly, supportive team dedicated to making your experience as comfortable as possible.
To find out more about our invisible braces options, take a look at our treatment page, or book a consultation with our treatment coordinator today.
Our clear aligner/Invisalign FAQs
How much does Invisalign cost in Derby?
We offer both Invisalign options and 32co clear aligners, helping to make clear aligners more accessible, no matter your budget. Below are our current fees; these are only baselines, and your final cost is on a case-by-case basis.
Full orthodontic consultation - £123.60
Invisalign Go (A streamlined version of Invisalign designed to treat minor cosmetic issues with the front teeth in a shorter amount of time.) - From £3,500
Invisalign Go Plus (An advanced version of the Invisalign Go, designed for general dentists to treat a wider range of mild to moderate malocclusions.) - From £4,500
Invisalign Comprehensive (A full treatment plan for moderate to complex orthodontic issues) - From £5,000
32co Clear Aligners - From £4,000
Pricing is quoted for treating both arches.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
Whether Invisalign or clear braces are better than traditional fixed braces depends on the treatment needed in order to get the smile you want.
Although clear aligners such as Invisalign are a discreet way to straighten teeth, sometimes more severe or complex cases require fixed, ceramic or Damon braces in order to get the desired result. If you’re not sure which is best for you and your individual case, then book an appointment with the orthodontist to discuss your options.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Your initial consultations and record appointments will take approximately 60 minutes in total, spread across multiple appointments.
There is then around a 4-week wait time while we send your scans away to Invisalign and they create your aligners.
The total time to see your final results depends heavily on your treatment plan. For less complex cases, treatment could take as little as 3 months; this can stretch to around 18 months if needed.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign and clear aligners do not typically cause pain, but they can cause temporary discomfort as they do their work. You are most likely to notice some discomfort during the first few days of wearing your aligners, which is completely normal.
Once you’ve adjusted, you may notice some sensitivity, but if you feel any pain, speak to your orthodontist, as you may need adjustments to your aligners.
Can I get Invisalign if I'm an adult?
Absolutely! Invisalign and clear aligners are extremely popular options for adults looking for a straighter smile.
Like any age, whether clear aligners are best for you will depend on your required treatment plan. If you’re interested in finding out more about clear aligners, book a consultation today.
What's the difference between Invisalign and clear aligners?
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners that offers premium technology and expertise. There is a selection of different options available from Invisalign, catering to different levels of complex needs.
If you’re looking to straighten your teeth, then you might be interested in a more discreet option, such as the Invisalign or 32Co clear braces. Click to find out more.