Invisalign

Are you ready to take the next step toward a more confident smile? Check out Invisalign! These clear aligners are an alternative to braces for straightening teeth for kids, teens, and adults.  Invisalign is the brand name of thin clear aligners used by our office to help our patients straighten their teeth. The aligners are made up of flexible thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. Although Invisalign aligners may not be completely invisible, these clear coverings fit tightly over the teeth and are much less noticeable than the brackets and wires of traditional braces.

Invisalign can be used for a variety of purposes…

• Crowded teeth
• Spacing
• Open bite
• Some types of overbites, underbites, and crossbite issues

Steps for Invisalign treatment:

1. Schedule an appointment
2. At the consultation appointment, Dr. Rutledge will do a full evaluation of the mouth and use an iTero scanner for 3D imaging of the mouth, teeth, and jaw. A full x-ray of your mouth may also be required.
3. Using the images taken during your appointment, Dr. Rutledge will work with Invisalign to create a plan specific to you and your teeth (with that Invisalign determines the number of trays required and how long treatment will take, as the trays slowly and gradually shift your teeth into their best positions).
4. Once Dr. Rutledge is happy with the Invisalign plan, the trays will be made by Invisalign.
5. When the trays come in, we will schedule an appointment for you to have your attachments placed and to begin Invisalign treatment.
6. Each set of Invisalign trays is worn for 2 weeks before switching to the next set of trays.
7. You will return to our office every 6-8 weeks throughout treatment to make sure the attachments haven’t moved or detached and things are moving along as expected.
8. Once treatment has been completed, the attachments will be removed and retainers are made for you.