Invisalign – Dr. Bishop is an Invisalign Preferred Provider
Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic that you simply wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You simply pop in a new set of aligners approximately every week, until your treatment is complete and you achieve the confident smile that you’ve always wanted. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth.
The Process:
1. Talking to an Invisalign Provider
During the consultation, Dr. Bishop will discuss your case with you in detail to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. This will also be your opportunity to ask any questions you have about the treatment: costs, dental/orthodontic insurance, or any other concerns.
2. Getting Started
Dr. Bishop’s staff will take x-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth, which Invisalign will use to create a digital 3-D image of them. From these images, Dr. Bishop will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth. Using this same technology, Dr. Bishop will even be able to show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will move with each stage of treatment.
3. Getting Your Personal, Custom Aligners
Based on your individual treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners are then created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable BPA-free plastic that won’t irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do. Simply wear them throughout the day and night and remove them when you eat, brush or floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. And because they are virtually invisible, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
4. A Simple Process—With Only Occasional Checkups
Approximately every week, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, advancing you to the next stage of your treatment. To monitor your progress, you will also have occasional checkups with Dr. Bishop, usually only every six weeks or so. At every stage, you will be able to see how much closer you are to having your desired dental outcome.
5. Length of Time Until You Reveal Your New Smile
While every case is unique to each patient, treatment typically takes approximately 6 months for adults. Since your teeth won’t be covered by wires and brackets, you’ll be able to see improvement much sooner. For best results and a timely outcome, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, throughout your entire treatment.
6. Protecting your investment
Once you have achieved your perfect smile, we recommend removable aligner-type retainers fabricated from your Invisalign treatment. Often no impression is necessary to have these made. Dental retainers are worn while sleeping to prevent undesirable relapse, shifting, or movement of your teeth.
