How Invisalign Works

How Invisalign Works in Ivy, VA

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions, without brackets, wires, or the look of traditional braces. At Willis & Associates Family Dentistry Ivy – Charlottesville, Dr. Michelle Kim guides patients through every step of the Invisalign process.

The Invisalign Process, Step by Step

Step 1: Consultation

Your Invisalign journey begins with a consultation at our Ivy Road office. Dr. Kim examines your teeth, discusses your goals, and determines whether Invisalign is the right treatment for your situation. Invisalign can correct a wide range of alignment issues including crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.

Step 2: Digital Scanning

If you are a good candidate, Dr. Kim takes a precise 3D digital scan of your teeth. This scan replaces the messy impressions of the past and provides the data needed to design your custom treatment plan. Using Invisalign’s advanced software, Dr. Kim maps out the exact movement of each tooth from its current position to its final alignment.

Step 3: Custom Aligner Fabrication

Based on your digital treatment plan, a series of clear aligner trays is custom-manufactured for your teeth. Each set of aligners is slightly different, designed to move your teeth incrementally over a period of one to two weeks per set.

Step 4: Wearing Your Aligners

You wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. The aligners are virtually invisible and fit snugly over your teeth. Most people will not even notice you are wearing them.

Step 5: Progress Checkups

Dr. Kim schedules periodic check-in visits, typically every six to eight weeks, to monitor your progress and provide the next sets of aligners. These appointments are quick, usually just 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 6: Retainers

Once treatment is complete, you will wear a retainer to maintain your new smile. Dr. Kim will discuss retainer options and create a plan that keeps your teeth in their final position for the long term.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Treatment time varies based on the complexity of your case. Most patients complete Invisalign in 12 to 18 months, though minor alignment corrections may be finished in as little as six months. Dr. Kim will give you a realistic timeline during your consultation.

Advantages of Invisalign

Clear, nearly invisible appearance
Removable for eating, brushing, and flossing
Smooth plastic that does not irritate cheeks or gums
No dietary restrictions since aligners are removed for meals
Fewer office visits than traditional braces
Digital treatment planning so you can preview your results

See if Invisalign is right for you. Call 434-977-4101 or schedule your consultation.

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Clinical Hours

Mon – Fri8am – 5pm
Sat – SunClosed

Appointment Booking

Available24/7

Our Location

2216 Ivy Rd #205
Charlottesville, VA 22903

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Treatment time varies with the complexity of your case. Most patients complete Invisalign in 12 to 18 months, though minor alignment corrections may finish in as little as six months. During your consultation, we map out your specific plan and give you a realistic timeline before you begin, so you know exactly what to expect.

How many hours a day do I wear the aligners?

You wear each set of aligners 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. Each set is worn for one to two weeks before moving to the next. The aligners are virtually invisible and fit snugly, so most people will not even notice you are wearing them.

Are messy impressions required for Invisalign?

No. We take a precise 3D digital scan of your teeth, which replaces the messy impressions of the past. Advanced software then maps the exact movement of each tooth from its current position to its final alignment — and lets you preview your results before treatment starts. Your custom aligners are manufactured from that digital plan.

How often are Invisalign checkups?

Progress visits are scheduled about every six to eight weeks so we can monitor your teeth and provide your next sets of aligners. These appointments are quick — usually just 15 to 20 minutes — which is one reason Invisalign fits busy schedules better than traditional braces with their frequent adjustment visits.

What happens after Invisalign treatment ends?

Once your teeth reach their final positions, you will wear a retainer to maintain your new smile. We discuss retainer options and create a long-term plan that keeps your teeth exactly where they should be. Retention is a small ongoing habit that protects the investment you made in a straighter, healthier smile.