How Often Will I Need To See My Invisalign® Dentist?

The Invisalign® treatment is used to correct crooked teeth in a patient's smile. For patients who have already started this treatment, it is common to wonder how often they will visit the provider. It is also equally important for patients to understand how long the treatment will take. Each patient is different, and a dentist must determine approximately how long an individual should wear Invisalign®. However, most treatments last anywhere between seven to 20 months. During this time, patients have to wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day.

Frequency of visits to an Invisalign® dentist

Patients who choose this treatment option likely want to know more about the appointment frequency. To ensure that the aligners are correcting the patient's smile properly, routine visits to the dentist in Phoenix, AZ are necessary. 

The frequency of dental visits during Invisalign treatment can vary depending on individual factors such as the complexity of your case, the treatment plan prescribed by your dentist or orthodontist, and your progress throughout the treatment process. However, in general, you can expect to see your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist approximately every 4 to 6 weeks during active treatment.

Initial consultation

The first appointment is the lengthiest, and it can take almost two hours. The dentist takes impressions of the patient's lower and upper teeth, digital X-rays and clinical photographs. The dentist in 85053 then uses these prints as the models for the aligners. All the information collected by the dentist is sent to the Invisalign® headquarters where trained technicians fabricate the aligners.

Aligners pick-up

At the second appointment, the patient can spend at least an hour as the dentist does the needed tasks to start using the system:

• Placing tiny and tooth-colored composite resins that enhance the movement of the patient's teeth
• Placing the first aligners
• Taking the aligner out and replacing it
• Giving instructions to the patient on the day-to-day care of the aligners, such as how many hours to wear them, how to clean them, and what to eat or drink

Checkups

The patient's treatment plan determines the total number of visits to the dentist. Because Invisalign® is different from conventional metal braces, patients have to visit a provider after every four to eight weeks. During this time, the dentist checks the patient's progress and answers any questions the patient may have while dispensing a new set of aligners. These meetings are essential and help patients to get the intended results.

The patient receives enough sets of aligner trays to switch as prescribed by the orthodontist. Patients should be careful not to change the trays too early as it may alter the treatment plan and the desired result. In some patients, teeth move quickly, but waiting for a span of two weeks gives the patient's jawbone enough time to support the tooth in the new position. Call us to learn more.

Final appointment

At the final treatment, the patient can stay for an hour as the orthodontist carefully removes the attachment nubs and takes impressions to assist in the creation of retainers. During this time, the dentist takes after imaging so that the patient has both before and after photos of their progress.

Is it time to see your dentist?

Join over 3 million Americans who have chosen Invisalign® aligners for straighter teeth. Schedule a consultation today to conveniently improve your smile.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistphoenix.com or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at (602) 547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.