
How Invisalign Clear Aligners Work: A Guide to a Straighter Smile
June 27, 2025 9:00 amChoosing 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.
