Invisalign® Process
Your Comprehensive Guide to the Invisalign Treatment Process
Imagine embarking on a journey where each step brings you closer to a confident, radiant smile, all while fitting seamlessly into your daily life. That journey is the Invisalign process, a sophisticated yet straightforward path to beautifully aligned teeth. For many considering orthodontic treatment, understanding what to expect with Invisalign is key. At Contos Smile Center, home of the best dentist in Chicago, Dr. Contos guides patients through every stage of this transformative experience.
If you are ready to begin your clear aligner journey and discover the difference a confident smile can make, we invite you to connect with us. Residents of the Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, or West Loop neighborhoods can call us today at (773) 973-0531 for a consultation.
Why Choose Contos Smile Center for Invisalign Near You?
Choosing to start your Invisalign journey is a big decision, and finding a local provider you can trust is key. At Contos Smile Center, we combine state-of-the-art technology with compassionate, patient-centered care right here in Chicago.
Our experienced team, led by Dr. Contos, provides personalized treatment plans and dedicated support every step of the way. We’re committed to your comfort and to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that you’ll be proud of. To get started with a dental practice that is truly invested in your well-being, call our team today at (773) 973-0531.
Step 1: Your Initial Invisalign Consultation
The very first step in your Invisalign journey begins with an initial consultation. This is your opportunity to meet Dr. Contos and his team, discuss your smile goals, and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you. During this visit, the dentist may take x-rays or a 3D scan of your mouth to create a model of your teeth. This comprehensive visit includes:
- Oral Health Assessment: Dr. Contos will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and bite to ensure your oral health is good before starting treatment. Any underlying issues, like cavities or gum disease, will need to be addressed first.
- Discussion of Your Goals: What do you hope to achieve with your smile? Whether you’re looking for Invisalign for crowded teeth or to close gaps, Dr. Contos wants to understand your personal aspirations.
- Invisalign Candidacy Review: Based on your oral health and smile goals, Dr. Contos will confirm your Invisalign candidacy. He will explain “how Invisalign works” for your unique situation and answer any questions you may have about the Invisalign process.
Step 2: Crafting Your Custom Invisalign Treatment Plan
Once your candidacy is established, the next phase involves crafting your precise treatment plan. The dentist prepares a customized treatment plan based on the 3D scans and impressions taken during the consultation. This is where cutting-edge technology truly shines, transforming your dental impressions into a detailed roadmap for your new smile.
- Invisalign Digital Scan: Gone are the days of messy, uncomfortable putty impressions. Contos Smile Center uses a state-of-the-art Invisalign digital scan to create a highly accurate 3D image of your teeth and gums. This quick and comfortable process is essential for precise treatment planning.
- Virtual Treatment Simulation: Using the 3D images, Dr. Contos will work with Invisalign’s advanced software to map out the exact movements of each tooth. You will even be able to see a virtual representation of your teeth moving over time, culminating in your predicted final smile. This visual preview helps you understand what to expect with Invisalign.
- Aligner Design: Based on this meticulously planned progression, a series of custom-made aligner trays is fabricated specifically for your teeth. Each aligner is slightly different, designed to progressively move your teeth into their desired positions.
Step 3: Beginning Your Invisalign Journey – Wearing Your Aligners
With your custom aligners ready, you are now officially starting your Invisalign journey! This involves an Invisalign fitting appointment and a commitment to wearing your aligners as prescribed. You will receive several months’ worth of clear aligners to begin the Invisalign treatment once all preparations are complete.
- First Aligner Fitting: You’ll receive your first few sets of aligners at our office. Dr. Contos will show you how to insert and remove them properly and answer any immediate questions. This is also when he will explain Invisalign post-treatment care from the outset.
- Wearing Your Aligners: For Invisalign to be effective, you must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. You only remove them for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. You will switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, as directed by Dr. Contos.
- Invisalign Attachments: If your treatment plan includes Invisalign attachments, small, tooth-colored bumps will be bonded to certain teeth. These provide the aligners with extra grip for more complex movements. They are discreet and are removed at the end of your treatment.
Step 4: Regular Follow-Up Appointments
Throughout your process, you’ll have periodic Invisalign follow-up appointments. Regular follow-up appointments occur every few months to check the progress of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments. These are usually scheduled every six to eight weeks, allowing Dr. Contos to monitor your progress and provide you with your next set of aligners.
- Progress Monitoring: During these visits, Dr. Contos will check how your teeth are moving and confirm that your treatment is on track. He can make any necessary adjustments to your plan.
- Questions and Support: These appointments are also an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions you have and receive ongoing support from our team. We are here to help you navigate your clear aligner treatment process.
Step 5: Post-Treatment Care and Retainers
Congratulations! Once you have worn all your aligners and achieved your desired smile, the active phase of your treatment process concludes. However, the journey isn’t quite over. The final, critical step is retention. The final check-up is done to assess if the treatment achieved the desired results and to determine if extra aligners are needed.
- Invisalign Retainer: To maintain your beautiful new smile, Dr. Contos will provide you with a custom-made retainer. This retainer prevents your teeth from gradually shifting back to their original positions, a phenomenon known as relapse.
- Retainer Wear Schedule: You will typically wear your retainer full-time for an initial period, then transition to nighttime wear for the long term. Consistent retainer wear is absolutely essential for preserving your results. Dr. Contos will provide clear instructions on your specific retainer schedule.
- Continued Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent dental hygiene remains crucial even after treatment. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups will help keep your newly aligned smile healthy and vibrant for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Invisalign treatment timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of your case. For minor corrections, it might be as short as six months. More complex cases, such as Invisalign for crowded teeth or significant bite issues, can take 12 to 18 months or even longer. Dr. Contos will give you a personalized estimate during your consultation.
Most patients describe Invisalign as comfortable. You may experience some temporary pressure or tenderness for a day or two when you switch to a new set of aligners, which is a sign that your teeth are moving. This discomfort is typically mild and subsides quickly. This is part of what to expect with Invisalign.
If you lose an Invisalign aligner tray, contact Contos Smile Center immediately. Dr. Contos will advise you on whether to wear a previous set, move to your next set, or have a replacement aligner made. Acting quickly is important to keep your Invisalign treatment process on track and avoid delays.
Yes, many individuals who had traditional braces in the past but experienced some tooth shifting (relapse) are excellent candidates for Invisalign. It can be a great way to fine-tune your smile or correct minor shifts without going back to metal braces.
Straighten Your Smile With Chicago Invisalign Care
Your smile is a powerful expression, a window to your confidence and personality. The thought of transforming it can be exciting, and understanding the Invisalign process empowers you to take that step with certainty. At Contos Smile Center, we are honored to guide our patients through this rewarding journey. If you are a resident of the Belmont Cragin, Avondale, or Irving Park neighborhoods, we understand your unique needs and are ready to serve you.
Your path to a truly brilliant smile, with clarity and support every step of the way, is just a phone call away. Call our dental office in Chicago at (773) 973-0531 today to schedule your consultation and begin your clear aligner transformation.
Our Vision
We are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and quality to our patient community by cultivating strong relationships, communicating thoughtful treatment solutions, and providing an enjoyable atmosphere, we can empower our patients to take ownership of their oral health.
We are committed to researching and offering state-of-the-art dental solutions in order to deliver the most advanced treatment options to our patients.
