Invisalign Treatment Process and Timeline

Learn the steps involved and timeline for Invisalign procedure to get the best results

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Invisalign Treatment Process and Timeline - Get the Best Results in South Bay Area, California

If you have been holding back on your orthodontic treatment simply because you don’t want to wear the conspicuous and uncomfortable metal braces, Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group offers you the perfect alternative treatment option which is Invisalign clear aligner. This article explains everything you need to know about the Invisalign orthodontic system – from treatment planning to different treatment stages and timelines. 

We offer the best Invisalign treatment process with optimal timeline for anyone interested to start the Invisalign journey with us in Los Gatos, Campbell, San Jose, Saratoga, Santa Clara and for anyone near South Bay Area Communities.

Table of Contents

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system based on removable aligner trays. Unlike metal braces that become visible whenever one speaks or smiles, Invisalign aligners are made from a transparent polymer, making them virtually invisible. As a result, Invisalign aligners will not affect your smile or facial aesthetics when you wear them.

What is the Process of Getting Invisalign Aligners?

  1. Complimentary Consultation and Treatment Planning

    During your first appointment, Dr. Esfandiari will perform a detailed clinical examination of your oral cavity and evaluate the study models and x-ray images of your teeth. This is done to assess the severity and type of your orthodontic problem and whether you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign aligners. Then, based on your treatment needs, she will prepare a customized treatment plan for you. For complicated orthodontic cases involving a bad bite, she may sometimes recommend other treatment options like braces.
  2. Fabrication of the Aligners

    In the next step, we will take digital impressions of your teeth using special software to design your aligner trays. At our dental office, we use the iTero digital scanning system, which allows us to simulate the before and after pictures of your teeth so that you can visualize how your teeth and smile will look after the treatment has been completed. Then, Dr. Esfandiari will prepare multiple aligner sets for you using 3D printing technology. Each aligner set, which consists of two trays – one for each jaw – will be designed in a way that will force your teeth to move in the desired direction.
  3. Wearing Your Aligners

    For optimal results, you will be asked to wear each aligner for at least 22 hours each day for at least 14 days – removing them only for brushing, flossing, and eating. Once you finish wearing the first aligner set, you should switch to the next numbered aligner set. In this way, each aligner set will continue to align your teeth, bringing you one step closer to your dream smile. While wearing your aligners, you will be asked to visit your dentists for a checkup and ensure that your treatment is heading in the right direction. Based on the severity of your issue, you may be asked to visit us after every 6-8 weeks.
  4. Treatment Consolidation with Retainers

    Once you have worn through all your aligner trays and your teeth have perfectly aligned, we will give you retainers. The purpose of orthodontic retainers is to prevent your teeth from moving back to their previous positions. A retainer does not move your teeth; it simply ensures that your teeth do not move unnecessarily.

How Much Time Will Invisalign Treatment Take?

The time required for straightening your teeth with Invisalign depends on multiple factors. The most critical factor is the severity of your orthodontic problem. While minor orthodontic problems can be treated within 6-8 months, the more complex orthodontic issues may take longer – anywhere between 18-24 months.
Similarly, the speed of your treatment also depends on how well you adhere to the dentist’s instructions. If one fails to wear the aligners for the prescribed amount of time or keeps breaking or misplacing their aligners, the treatment duration will naturally be prolonged.
Finally, treatment duration also depends on the skill of the treating dentist. At Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group, we take pride in having one of the most skilled and experienced dentists in town. One of our dentists, Dr. Greg Ganji, has the honor of being the first California general dentists to get licensed for Invisalign treatment. So, you can rest assured that you’re in safe and capable hands with us!

Can I Speed Up My Invisalign Treatment Process?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions by prospective orthodontic patients. Naturally, every patient wants to get their teeth straightened in as little time as possible. Unfortunately, you may find novice dentists claiming to complete your treatment in unbelievably short durations. They do this by increasing the amount of force applied to your teeth – a practice that can have a disastrous effect on your teeth – leading to various complications such as root resorption, periodontal issues, and even tooth loss! Therefore, it is always a good idea to visit an experienced and qualified Invisalign dentist.
If you want to speed up your treatment progress naturally, the best option is to adhere to your dentist’s instructions strictly. First, you should wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day. Secondly, ensure optimal oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing. Finally, you should visit us regularly for checkups so that we can ensure that your treatment is progressing optimally.
In some cases, the treatment duration can also be shortened by reducing the number of teeth that need to be straightened. For example, some dentists can prepare aligners that only straighten the teeth that are cosmetically important – the front six teeth – that are visible whenever one speaks or smiles. However, this is only possible if the primary issue lies with the alignment of front teeth. If the underlying problem is caused by a bad bite, alignment of the entire dental arch would be required, which would naturally take relatively longer.

If you’re looking for the best orthodontic practice in Los Gatos, Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group should be your first choice. We offer high-quality general dental, cosmetic, and orthodontic treatment services to our esteemed patients in a calm and relaxed environment. Besides, we have state-of-the-art dental equipment and a team of experienced dental professionals who can care for all your dental issues under one roof. So, book your appointment today, and let us give you the smile of your dreams with Invisalign clear aligners.

Contact Our Invisalign Dentist in Los Gatos

As part of our commitment to bringing a comprehensive array of quality, in-house dental procedures, the Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group is proud to offer Invisalign clear aligners to our patients in the South Bay Area. Invisalign costs are similar to the price of traditional braces, making this option a more comfortable and practically invisible way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Please schedule an appointment online or call us at (408) 371-1070 to have a consultation with any of our Los Gatos Dental Group dentists, and we will be happy to help!