Many kids, teens, and adults love Invisalign for its ease of use and near-invisibility. In fact, according to Invisalign, 47% of surveyed teen patients had a boost of self-esteem in the process of treatment. But how exactly are Invisalign aligners made?

Your Invisalign aligners not only have to fit your bite like a mouth guard but they also need to gently shift your teeth into the correct positioning for a straighter smile. Here, we’ll dive into just how Invisalign aligners are made, so you can feel confident you know exactly how your next aligners will be crafted.

Scheduling Your Consultation

The first thing your orthodontist does is make sure you’re patient is a good candidate for Invisalign. You may be a candidate if your orthodontic treatment is minor and your teeth only need a little adjusting. If you need more adjusting, your orthodontist may recommend braces first before switching you over to Invisalign.

Making the Rendering

Once your orthodontist has determined you’re a good fit for Invisalign, they’ll scan your teeth to create a 3D rendering of your smile. In the past, an impression was made and then sent to the makers of the aligners. However, technology has made this process much easier.

The 3D rendering allows your orthodontist to gradually adjust how the Invisalign aligners will move your teeth to suit your orthodontic treatment plan. It’s at this step that your orthodontist will let you know how long your treatment plan may last.

Creating the Aligners

Once the 3D rendering of your smile has been made and your orthodontist has discussed your treatment plan with you, the scan is sent to a lab to make the aligners where they’ll be 3D printed. When your Invisalign aligners are ready to go, they’ll be sent to your orthodontist, who will adjust the aligners to your gum line.

Using the Aligners

You’ll need to wear your aligners between 20 to 22 hours a day, and you can remove your Invisalign to eat and brush your teeth. Each aligner will be replaced within one to two weeks as your treatment progresses. Depending on the type of treatment you need, you may only need to wear your aligners for six to 12 months.

Now that you know how these aligners are made, you may feel more comfortable scheduling your consultation to get the smile you’ve been dreaming of. If you’re looking to have your teeth straightened, don’t hesitate to reach out to David Ross Orthodontics today!