The 3D technology creates a series of aligners that gradually move your teeth. Each set of clear aligners is worn for 1-2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink (anything except water), brush, and floss. Each aligner moves the teeth at a certain rate and as you proceed through the course of your treatment, the teeth get closer to their final positions. You'll need to visit our office about once every 4-6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time and number of aligners vary based on the complexity and extent of treatment, it can range from 6 months to 2 years or even more.
The limitations of removable plastic aligners necessitate more precision in designing your treatment and that is why the least expensive Invisalign option or the take home aligners offered by “Smile Direct Club” and other mass marketed companies is not a suitable choice. The clear aligners may make the process look simple and easy but moving your teeth without proper diagnosis, treatment design and close monitoring by an orthodontist not only will not deliver desirable outcomes but can cause severe harm and irreversible damage to the health of teeth and gums.
Close monitoring of treatment progress is crucial in protecting your teeth and gums from adverse effects. In our experience, many cases require mid-course or finishing interventions by redesign of aligners or even placing some fixed braces in hidden places to deliver the details that plastic aligners could not accomplish. These details are very important in the long term health and stability of your teeth and bite.