woman holding Invisalign clear aligners in a heart shape

How Invisalign Clear Aligners Work: A Guide to a Straighter Smile

June 27, 2025 9:00 am

Choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision, and understanding the process makes it much easier to commit. For many patients in Central City, NE, Invisalign clear aligners offer a comfortable and flexible alternative to traditional braces. At The Dentist, Dr. Kristen Hermansen-Ryan and Dr. Mikaela Shaw guide patients from the first consultation to the final retainer, making sure you know what to expect every step of the way.

Step 1: Your Invisalign Consultation and Digital Treatment Planning

Everything starts with a personal consultation at The Dentist. During this visit, Dr. Hermansen-Ryan or Dr. Shaw will examine your teeth, bite, and overall oral health. They’ll discuss your smile goals and explain whether Invisalign is the right option for your needs.

Instead of using traditional impressions, the team uses an iTero digital scanner to capture a detailed 3D image of your teeth. This scanning process is quick, comfortable, and completely mess-free.

After your scan, Dr. Hermansen-Ryan or Dr. Shaw will use ClinCheck software to digitally map each stage of your tooth movement. You’ll even get to preview what your smile may look like once treatment is complete.

Seeing this personalized plan helps many patients feel more excited and confident about starting.

Step 2: Receiving and Wearing Your Aligners

When your custom aligners are ready, you’ll return to The Dentist for your fitting appointment. Dr. Hermansen-Ryan or Dr. Shaw will check the fit and comfort of your first set. They’ll also explain how to wear and care for your aligners at home.

You’ll need to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only for meals, drinks (other than water), and brushing or flossing.

Typically, patients switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks. Each new tray makes small, controlled adjustments to move your teeth closer to their final positions.

Step 3: Attachments (Also Known as Buttons)

Some patients need a little extra help with certain tooth movements. In these cases, Dr. Hermansen-Ryan or Dr. Shaw may place attachments, sometimes called buttons.

These small, tooth-colored bumps are bonded to specific teeth to help the aligners apply more precise pressure.

Not everyone will need attachments, but when they’re recommended, the team at The Dentist will explain how they work and why they’re important for your treatment success.

Step 4: Progress Checks and Possible Refinements

Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you’ll have regular progress checks at The Dentist. These appointments allow Dr. Hermansen-Ryan or Dr. Shaw to monitor your tooth movement and ensure everything stays on track.

Sometimes teeth don’t shift exactly as expected. If that happens, you may need refinements.

Refinements involve creating a new set of aligners to make final adjustments and achieve your desired results. This is a common part of the Invisalign journey for many patients.

Step 5: Retainers—Keeping Your Hard-Earned Smile in Place

After months of wearing aligners and watching your smile transform, the last thing you want is for your teeth to drift back. That’s where retainers come in.

Dr. Hermansen-Ryan or Dr. Shaw will create a custom retainer designed to hold your teeth in their new positions. It’s a simple step, but it plays a big role in protecting your results.

The team at The Dentist will walk you through how often to wear your retainer, how to care for it, and what to expect over time. Staying consistent now helps ensure your smile stays straight for years to come.

Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation at The Dentist in Central City, NE

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a straighter, more confident smile, The Dentist in Central City, NE, is here to help. Dr. Kristen Hermansen-Ryan and Dr. Mikaela Shaw will evaluate your teeth, answer your questions, and design a treatment plan that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Call today to schedule your Invisalign consultation and start your journey toward the smile you’ve been waiting for.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Dr. Ryan has been my dentist since her hire at Central City Family Dental. She has since purchased the business and transformed it into a cutting-edge practice offering state-of-the-art procedures and patient care. She plans to open a new facility in the future to expand on the already exceptional service. They will be welcoming a new doctor in July, which speaks to the success of their practice. Dr. Ryan is always friendly and personable, and possesses a unique ability to relate with patients of all ages. She is down-to-earth and practical, using plain language to explain care plans and upcoming procedures.I always feel welcome, informed, and cared for at The Dentist!

Dane C.

I have always known I had a good dentist purely because I and my family have never feared to go to the dentist. My son-in-law recently had to visit a dentist in a city in another state. His experience was so miserable and now I understand why some people fear the dentist. This office is always welcoming and puts you first. It is a happy place and they are always concerned about your comfort and making sure you have a good experience. This has been my dentist office since I was a little girl and I never fear making a referral to them.

Cheri S.

Dr. Ryan and her team are the best! They have a fun and friendly atmosphere and are so thorough and knowledgeable. They truly work to give the best patient care possible. Even my kids love them. I think the sign on the door says it all, they are awesome.

Allison H.

It's not always easy for some of us with gum disease to go to the dentist, let alone feel like you can trust what they are doing and care about how you are. I appreciate all they do to make me feel comfortable, as I tend to have some unique challenges. The Dentist, including Dr. Ryan and all the staff from the dental hygienist to the front office are excellent to work with and offer positive suggestions for ways to deal with gum disease and the anxieties about them. I appreciate that more than you will ever know!

Amy P.

I have been to several dentists in my lifetime. The last dentist who I went to for many years retired. So, I had to look for a new dentist and was very impressed by the professionalism this new staff displayed during my visit. The dentist, technicians, and office staff all seemed to have a genuine desire to see that I had the best care provided. This dental office exceeded my expectations so I believe I have found a new health provider that will take care of my dental needs.

Phillip B.