We begin with a 3D iTero® scan and a full photo series to map your bite and smile. Dr. Julie reviews your goals and designs your plan in ClinCheck®.

• Scan and photos, plus treatment planning.
• Treatment typically begins within 3 weeks of your initial scan.

• Wear 22 hours per day. Remove to eat, drink, or brush.
• Switch to your next tray every 7 days, ideally the same night each week.
• Put in new aligners before bed for a full night of wear.
• Keep your previous set in case something happens to your next tray.

If they are not in your face, they are in your case.

If you think you will forget to put them back in, set a one hour alarm.

• The best way to clean your Invisalign aligners is with Polident cleaning tablets, Invisalign brand cleaning crystals, or by using an ultrasonic cleaner.
• Ultrasonic cleaners help remove buildup more effectively than brushing alone. The Zima Dental Pod is a great option. We sell these in-office for less than you can typically find online. You can use cleaning tablets or crystals in the pod with water, or simply use the pod with water alone depending on your preference.
• Avoid toothpaste and brushing your trays with a toothbrush. Toothpaste can scratch the plastic and make aligners look cloudy over time.
• Rinse aligners after cleaning and before placing them back in your mouth.
• It is not the end of the world if you occasionally eat or drink with aligners in, but most people prefer removing them since it makes cleanup easier and keeps trays clearer.
• Little trick: put your trays in the cleaner while you shower, then put them back in when you are done.

Ideally, you brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in after eating. We also understand this is not always achievable in in the real world.

• At a minimum, swish thoroughly with water before putting your trays back in.
• When you get the next opportunity to brush and floss, make sure you do it.
• Flossing is more important now than ever. Any debris or plaque between the teeth can limit their ability to slide into the correct position.
• Keeping food and plaque out from under the trays helps prevent staining, bad breath, and cavities.
• Do not wrap your aligners in a napkin when you are out to eat. They almost always get accidentally thrown away. Use your case.

Invisalign treatment uses tooth colored, clear attachments to help teeth move predictably and with precision.

• Attachments are small composite shapes bonded to the teeth. They function similarly to brackets in traditional orthodontics, giving aligners something to grip so they can rotate, tip, or move teeth accurately.
• Attachments are made from the same composite material used for dental fillings. Dr. Julie Driscoll uses a specialized composite designed specifically for Invisalign attachments that blends naturally with your tooth color.
• Each attachment’s shape, size, and position is specifically designed by Dr. Julie Driscoll to perform a certain movement for that individual tooth based on your digital treatment plan.
• They are temporary and are removed at the end of treatment.
• If an attachment comes off, keep wearing your trays and text our office. Attachments are quick to replace and your trays typically continue tracking in the meantime.

Interproximal reduction (IPR) is gentle reshaping between teeth used to create controlled space so teeth can move into a straighter and more balanced position.

• IPR involves very minimal enamel reshaping, usually 0.2 to 0.5 mm between selected teeth.
• It helps reduce friction between teeth, allowing them to slide into place more smoothly and predictably during treatment.
• IPR does not change the visible appearance of your teeth. It is smooth, safe, and typically does not cause sensitivity.
• The small space created gradually closes as teeth align.
• IPR is carefully measured, planned, and performed only where your digital treatment plan indicates it is needed for ideal movement and long term stability.

We will schedule your next visit approximately 4 weeks out to check on how things are progressing and perform IPR if indicated. After that, check ins are typically scheduled every 6 to 10 weeks depending on your case. If you would like more regular check ins, let us know.

When you finish the last tray in your current set, we will schedule a visit to remove attachments, perform a new 3D scan, and evaluate your results. At that appointment, we determine whether you are finished with Invisalign treatment or if we need to order refinements, which are an additional set of trays used to fine tune the final result.

While waiting for refinement trays, you will wear your last aligner at least at night to prevent shifting.

When you finish the last tray of your initial set, we will have you come in to remove attachments, perform a new 3D scan, and evaluate your results.

At that visit, we determine whether you are finished with Invisalign treatment or if we need to order refinements. Refinements are an additional set of trays used to fine tune details and perfect the final result.

• Refinements are common and part of comprehensive Invisalign treatment.
• They allow us to adjust small movements and optimize esthetics and bite.
• There is no additional charge for refinements within your comprehensive plan.
• While waiting for refinement trays to arrive, you will wear your last aligner at least at night to prevent shifting.

At completion, we remove attachments, check your bite, and scan for retainers. You can choose:

• Invisalign clear upper and lower retainers.
• Fixed retainer, a bonded wire option. Additional lab fee applies.

• Full time wear for 90 days, then nightly.
• Bring retainers to all cleanings and restorative visits.
• If lost or damaged, we can reorder from your last scan. No new impressions needed.

• Mild soreness can occur. Tylenol is preferred over ibuprofen.
• Why to limit ibuprofen: NSAIDs can reduce prostaglandins involved in the inflammatory process that lets teeth move in orthodontics. See: review on NSAIDs and orthodontic movement, ibuprofen vs acetaminophen.
• Your bite will change during treatment. We fine tune it at the end.