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

When you decide to start clear aligner treatment one of the first things that comes to mind is how long until you can actually wear your custom made aligners. At Level Orthodontics we talk to our patients about the time between their consultation and getting their aligners. Knowing what to expect during this time can help you plan ahead and feel more ready to start your orthodontic adventure here in Woodlawn. Clear aligners offer a comfortable and nearly invisible way to straighten teeth. They are custom-made to guide your smile into a healthier position. Patients appreciate the convenience of removing them for meals and brushing.

There are several stages that go into making clear aligners and each one is important to making sure your aligners fit well and work well. Your first consultation is where it all starts. During this visit we will look at your teeth, talk about your treatment goals and decide if clear aligners are the right choice for you. Next we will take very clear pictures of your teeth if we decide to go ahead with treatment. We make a precise 3D model of your teeth using either digital scanning technology or traditional impressions. These pictures are the foundation of your whole treatment plan so they need to be as accurate as possible.

We send your scans to a professional orthodontic lab or use advanced design tools to create your unique treatment plan once we have them. This plan shows you exactly how your teeth will move from where they are now to where they need to be. The plan creates a full set of aligners, each one slightly different from the last, that will move your teeth into place. This is a very personalized process and takes into account the shape, spacing, alignment and health of your teeth. It also thinks about how much movement is needed and figures out the best order to do things in to get the best results safely and quickly. Braces remain a reliable option for correcting a wide range of orthodontic concerns. They gently guide teeth into proper alignment over time. With today’s modern materials, treatment is more precise and comfortable than ever.

Once the treatment plan is complete, reviewed and accepted the process of making your aligners begins. The lab makes each set of aligners out of medical grade thermoplastic material using very precise 3D printing or moulding technologies. This stage requires a lot of attention to detail and quality control as each aligner is made to fit your teeth exactly at each stage of treatment. The lab makes all the aligners you’ll need for your treatment. Depending on how complex and severe your case is this could be anywhere from a dozen to several dozen sets.

So how long does it really take to go through all of this? It usually takes 2-3 weeks from the time we take your scans to the time your whole set of aligners arrives at our Woodlawn location. But this time frame can vary a little depending on several things. The length of time you have to wait depends on how complex your case is, what type of aligners we are using and how busy the manufacturing lab is at the moment. The process may take a little longer at peak times of the year but we always keep you updated and informed while you wait.

When your aligners arrive at our office we’ll schedule a time for you to come in and pick them up. We’ll check to make sure the first set fits well and comfortably during this critical visit. We’ll also give you full instructions on how to wear your aligners and look after them. We’ll also go over the whole treatment plan with you in detail so you know what to expect in the next few weeks and months. This visit is very important as it sets the stage for your whole treatment and lets you ask any questions you may have.

We know waiting a few weeks to start your treatment might feel like a long time especially if you’re ready to start making your smile better. But the time it takes to make your custom aligners is very important to make sure they work well, are comfortable and are safe. The accuracy and attention to detail that goes into making and designing your aligners is what makes clear aligner treatment so effective and helps you get the best results.