As the premier Invisalign dentist in Encino, we start every patient with the same process. Having successfully provided treatment for hundreds of patients, we know that the first visit tends to be more of a formality but, taking nothing for granted, will want to make sure that you are eligible for the treatment. What we mean by “eligible” is that we will make sure that you have no underlying conditions that could adversely affect the treatment. On very rare occasions patients have some condition that will hamper or restrict the movement of the teeth, a problem which must be corrected before embarking on a straighter teeth journey with Invisalign®. Once we have concluded this visit, and having found nothing to prevent us from moving forward, we will start immediately on the next step which is to gather all the information we need to fabricate your aligner trays.
Technicians, working with an Invisalign dentist in Encino and with other dentists from around the world, custom fabricate your aligner trays based on the information we provide them. To get the most precise information, we will take measurements, photographs, and x-rays. Most importantly, we will also be taking a dental impression of your teeth in their current form. All of these are shipped off to the laboratory for the technicians to build a perfect replica of your mouth, in 3D, on their computers. Our goal during this stage, referred to as the record building stage, is to gather and share as much information as possible about your mouth so that the fabrications are created perfectly.
Once the technician has received the package from our office, the technicians will create a 3D model of your teeth. They will do this by scanning the dental impression we sent them and using the additional measurements. This model is uploaded into their system, where both you and our office has access to it. Then the technicians will create a simulation, using the program, of the teeth being gradually straightened. The model on which the simulation is based follows exactly the same treatment arc as the aligners will follow in real life. We will have full access to this model, as will you, and will be making changes and tweaks along the way so that the simulation reflects what we have discussed. Once the model is perfect, we will order the retainers that the laboratory will then fabricate based on your personalized plan. As an Invisalign dentist in Encino, we understand the importance of this step and help you to remain comfortable.
The entire system is based on a series of aligners, which work in small increments, to apply pressure to your teeth and move them into a proper alignment. This is the same philosophy that is used in traditional braces. Each aligner tray is offset by 1/10th of a millimeter, causing your teeth to move in that direction. Once your teeth are perfectly aligned with the current tray, the plan calls for a new tray. All of this is based on the prefabricated plan and is according to very specific deadlines. As an Invisalign dentist in Encino, we will help to walk you through the process so that your teeth can become straight on schedule.