How Long Do My Clear Aligners Take To Be Made In Pikesville?

When you decide to go ahead with clear aligner treatment one of the first things that comes to mind is how long until you can start wearing your aligners. Level Orthodontics talks to patients all the time about the time between the consultation and getting their aligners. Knowing what to expect during this time can help you prepare and plan ahead as you start your orthodontic adventure in Pikesville.

There are several steps in the process of making clear aligners and each one is designed to make sure your aligners fit and work well. Your first consultation is where it all starts. We check your teeth, talk about your goals and see if clear aligners are right for you at this visit. If we decide to go ahead we take exact pictures of your teeth. We make a precise 3D model of your teeth using digital scans or traditional impressions. These pictures are the foundation of your whole treatment plan so they need to be as detailed as possible.

After we have your scans we either send them to a specialized lab or use our design tools to create your own treatment plan. This plan shows you exactly how your teeth will move from where they are now to where you want them to be. The software creates a series of aligners, each one a little different from the last, to slowly move your teeth into position. This is a very personalized process and takes into account the shape, spacing and alignment of your teeth. It also considers how much movement is needed and the best order to do things in to get the best results. Caring for your braces ensures treatment progresses smoothly and efficiently. Brushing thoroughly around brackets and wires helps keep your teeth healthy. Choosing the right foods and avoiding sticky items also protects your appliances from damage.

Once the treatment plan is approved the actual making of your aligners begins. The lab makes each set of aligners out of medical grade thermoplastic using very precise 3D printing or moulding technology. This stage requires a lot of attention to detail and quality control because each aligner is made for your teeth. Depending on how complex your case is the lab will make anywhere from a dozen to several dozen sets of aligners for you to use during your treatment. Minor orthodontic issues can often be managed at home with simple steps. Applying orthodontic wax can ease irritation, and gently adjusting a loose wire can improve comfort until your visit. These quick actions help maintain progress while keeping you comfortable.

So how long does this whole thing take? It usually takes 2-3 weeks for your aligners to get to our office in Pikesville after we take your scans. But this time frame can vary based on a few things. The length of time you have to wait can depend on how complex your case is, what brand of aligners we are using and how busy the manufacturing lab is right now. The process can take a little longer during peak seasons but we always keep you updated and informed while you wait.

Once your aligners get here we will schedule a time for you to come in and pick them up. We check to see if the first set fits well during this visit and we also give you full instructions on how to wear and care for your aligners. We also go over the treatment plan with you so you know what to expect in the next few weeks and months. This visit is very important because it sets the foundation for your whole treatment and lets you ask any questions you may have.

We know waiting a few weeks to start your treatment seems like a long time especially if you can’t wait to get your smile fixed. But the time it takes to make your personalized aligners is necessary to make sure they work and feel good. The accuracy of designing and making your aligners is what makes clear aligner treatment so effective and helps you get the best results possible.

At Level Orthodontics we do everything we can to make the process as smooth and quick as possible. We know every day counts when you want to change your smile so we do everything we can to minimize wait times without sacrificing quality.