The Invisalign® Process | Dixon Family Dental in Southfield, MI

Explore the Invisalign® Process With Dr. Darlene Dixon

Invisalign® has become one of the most popular choices for adults looking to straighten their teeth. This innovative system uses a series of clear, custom-fit aligners to gradually shift teeth into place. The aligners are virtually invisible, making Invisalign an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional metal braces.

Dr. Darlene Dixon of Dixon Family Dental is one of the top Invisalign providers in the Southfield, MI, area. She’s an experienced dentist who has helped hundreds of patients achieve a straighter, brighter smile with Invisalign treatment.

Call (248) 552-0223 to schedule your Invisalign consultation at our Southfield dental office.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth. Each aligner is customized for the patient’s teeth and works by gradually shifting them into straighter positions. You’ll wear the aligners in sequence, with each set worn for one to two weeks before switching to the next.

Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are virtually invisible, providing a discreet way to straighten your teeth. They’re also made of smooth, BPA-free plastic that is more comfortable than metal brackets and wires.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Opting for the Invisalign process at Dixon Family Dental offers a range of benefits that go beyond aesthetics. Some of the many benefits of Invisalign include the following:

Enhanced Comfort: Invisalign aligners are made from smooth, comfortable material, eliminating the irritation and discomfort often associated with traditional braces.
Improved Oral Hygiene: The removable nature of Invisalign allows for easy oral hygiene. You can brush and floss your teeth as normal, reducing the risk of dental issues during treatment.
Virtually Invisible: One of the key advantages of Invisalign is its discreet appearance. The clear aligners are hardly noticeable, allowing you to undergo treatment with confidence.
No Dietary Restrictions: Unlike braces, there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign. You can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about damaging wires or brackets — just remove your aligners beforehand.
Shorter Treatment Time: In many cases, Invisalign treatment may be completed in a shorter time frame compared to traditional braces.

The Invisalign Process at Dixon Family Dental

Initial Consultation

At your initial consultation, Dr. Dixon will conduct an oral exam to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. This exam involves checking the health of your teeth and gums, as well as taking x-rays, digital scans, and impressions of your teeth.

Dr. Dixon will discuss your orthodontic needs and goals and let you know if Invisalign is right for you. This visit provides an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the process.

Receiving Your Custom Aligners

Once you decide to move forward with Invisalign treatment, Dr. Dixon will submit your records to Invisalign’s labs. They’ll use advanced 3D imaging technology to create a set of custom aligners specifically molded to fit your teeth and treatment plan. It takes three to four weeks to produce the aligners.

When the aligners are ready, you will return to the Dixon Family Dental office for your first round of aligners. Each set contains around 20 BPA-free plastic aligners, each worn for one to two weeks. Dr. Dixon will provide instructions on how to properly insert, remove, and care for your aligners.

Treatment with Invisalign Aligners

You will wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, only removing them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Each aligner set gradually shifts your teeth into position little by little. About every two weeks, you will switch to the next set in the series to keep your treatment plan progressing.

Dr. Dixon recommends wearing aligners for the prescribed time and avoiding missing aligner days to stay on track. You’ll need to replace aligners if any are lost or damaged. Inform Dr. Dixon right away if you experience pain or discomfort so she can make adjustments as needed.

Follow-up Visits

You’ll schedule follow-up visits with Dr. Dixon every four to six weeks during treatment. These follow-ups allow her to monitor your progress and make sure your teeth are moving as intended. The average Invisalign treatment lasts 12 to 18 months, but your timeframe will depend on the severity of your alignment issues.

At these visits, Dr. Dixon may recommend attachments (tooth-colored bumps placed on certain teeth) or elastic bands to facilitate specific movements. She may also order new aligners if any changes to your treatment plan are needed. Keep wearing your current aligners until you receive the new set.

Final Check and Retainers

Once you’ve completed the last aligner stage, you’ll return to Dixon Family Dental for a final check. Dr. Dixon will assess your new smile and bite alignment to ensure you’ve achieved the desired results. She may order additional mid-course aligners during this visit to tweak and finalize any minor adjustments.

After Invisalign treatment, Dr. Dixon will fit you with a set of custom retainers to help keep your teeth stable in their new positions. You must wear these as directed to prevent your teeth from shifting back. She will let you know how long you need to wear the retainers for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smoking is discouraged as it discolors and damages the aligners and slows tooth movement. Drinking with aligners in can stain them, so they should be removed for alcohol consumption and reinserted afterward.

Invisalign is much less painful than traditional wire braces. However, some mild soreness may occur for a day or two after switching to a new aligner as your teeth adjust to movements. This discomfort usually goes away on its own. Inform your dentist if any pain persists.

While it’s possible to temporarily remove the aligners, you should try to wear them consistently for the best results. Failing to wear your aligners for the proper amount of time can slow your treatment.

Yes. Invisalign can successfully close gaps between teeth or straighten overly crowded teeth. The custom-fit aligners gently create space or bring teeth together incrementally over time.

Start Your Invisalign Journey Today with Dr. Dixon

If you’re considering a straighter smile, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Darlene Dixon at Dixon Family Dental in Southfield, MI. Call (248) 552-0223 today to book your appointment and discuss how Invisalign can transform your smile.

Dr. Dixon looks forward to helping you achieve the clear alignment you’ve been dreaming of with customized Invisalign treatment. We’re happily accepting new and returning patients from Oak Park, Berkley, and Beverly Hills, MI.