Originally from Texas, Dr. Bennett made Washington home in 2016 when he joined Creekside Dental. A Baylor College of Dentistry graduate, he now serves as Clinical Director, where he’s known for raising clinical standards, embracing new technology, and sharing his passion for dentistry with patients and colleagues alike. Under his leadership, Creekside Dental has earned recognition as an Invisalign Gold Provider and is an active member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA), reflecting the team’s commitment to excellence in clear aligner treatment.
Beyond the office, Dr. Bennett is a dedicated family man, sharing his life with his wife and five children. He’s a foodie who loves to cook, a cyclist who enjoys the open road, and someone who never says no to a hug. At Creekside Dental, he’s thrilled to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
The dream of a straighter smile often comes with a bit of hesitation. You might be wondering whether you really want to deal with the “metal mouth” look of traditional braces, or if there is a more discreet way to achieve your goals. At Creekside Dental, Dr. Bennett helps patients transform their smiles using Invisalign, a clear, comfortable, and nearly invisible alternative to wires and brackets. But how does it actually work? It isn’t just a matter of putting in a piece of plastic and waking up with perfect teeth the next day. It is a carefully planned medical process divided into five distinct phases. Understanding these stages can take the mystery out of the treatment and help you feel confident as you start your path toward a brand-new look.
The 5 Stages of Invisalign Aligners: Creekside Dental
Phase One: Data Collection and Your Digital Blueprint
When you are ready to fix your smile, everything starts with gathering precise information about your mouth. During your first visit to Creekside Dental, Dr. Bennett and his team focus on data collection during your Invisalign consultation. This includes a digital scan, professional photos, and X-rays. These tools give us a complete 3D map of your oral structure.
Three weeks after this data is collected, you will return to the office to personally review your “ClinCheck” with Dr. Bennett. This is one of the most exciting parts of the process. The ClinCheck is a sophisticated computer animation that shows exactly how your teeth will move and how long it will take to fix your smile. You get to see the transition from your current alignment to your goal smile before the treatment even begins. Once you approve this animation, we will order your custom trays.
Phase Two: Beginning Your Transformation
Three weeks after you approve your ClinCheck, you return to our office to start your very first tray. This is the official beginning of the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Bennett’s unsurpassed Invisalign experience allows him to customize the treatment to your specific needs through personalized Invisalign treatment planning in Kennewick, as every patient’s dental issues are unique.
During this appointment, Dr. Bennett may apply “attachments.” These are small, tooth-colored buttons placed on certain teeth. They act as handles for the aligners, helping to move your teeth more reliably and predictably. Most patients will need these at the beginning, and they are polished off at the end of your treatment. Additionally, some patients might require IPR, which stands for Interproximal Reduction. This is a gentle polishing between the teeth to create extremely small spaces. This helps uncrowd your teeth and ensures they fit together perfectly for a better look and function.
Phase Three: The Commitment to 24/7 Wear
Once your trays are fitted, the success of the treatment is in your hands. To achieve the results shown in your digital animation, you must wear your trays 24/7. This means you wear them during the day, through the night, while sleeping, and even while eating. The only time the trays should leave your mouth is when you are cleaning your teeth.
Because Dr. Bennett uses advanced planning and high-quality materials, he can minimize the number of office visits you will need while maximizing your results. After we get you started and ensure everything looks good, we provide you with multiple sets of trays to take home as part of your clear aligner treatment timeline planning with Dr. Bennett. You will start each new set on the specific dates outlined in your plan. While you are more than invited to come in and see Dr. Bennett and his terrific team as often as you want, it just isn’t necessary. This saves you significant time and effort, making the entire process easier and more effective.
Phase Four: Finalizing Your Esthetic Results
As you progress through your series of trays, you will see your teeth shifting closer to their final positions. The beauty of Dr. Bennett’s approach is the simplicity for the patient. Really, the only thing you need to do is wear the trays at all times, and Dr. Bennett will take care of everything else. He monitors your progress to ensure your teeth are following the “ClinCheck” plan accurately.
If any minor adjustments are needed toward the end, Dr. Bennett will address them to ensure the bite is functional and the alignment is flawless. Because you have been wearing the trays consistently, this phase is usually very smooth. We want to ensure that when you finish, you are completely happy with the reflection you see in the mirror.
Phase Five: Protecting Your Investment with Retention
When you are happy with your smile, we move to the final stage: retention. Following your clear aligner evaluation by Dr. Bennett, we will provide you with a set of upper and lower retainers. These look very similar to your Invisalign trays but are slightly thicker and more durable. You wear these retainers every night to keep your teeth exactly where you want them.
Beyond keeping your teeth straight, these retainers help protect them from the damaging effects of grinding and clenching. They can even be used for professional whitening treatments. However, it is important to realize that all retainers eventually stretch, allowing teeth to shift. Research suggests that you should get new retainers at least every two years to prevent unwanted movement. In the future, you can always purchase additional retainers from us or any other Invisalign dentist to ensure your smile stays perfect forever.
Real Stories, Real Community Impact
Patients often share that their Invisalign journeys are transformative, both physically and emotionally. These stories reflect the trust built through transparency, innovation, and patient-first care.
If you want to hear directly from patients, explore their experiences on the Reviews page.For directions, use this helpful Google Map or get step-by-step navigation through Get Directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I really have to wear the aligners while I eat?
Yes. To stay on track with Dr. Bennett’s plan, you should wear your trays 24/7, including during meals. The only exception to taking them out is to clean your teeth.
- What are the “buttons” put on my teeth?
These are called attachments. They are small, tooth-colored dots made of dental material that help the trays grip your teeth, allowing them to move them more effectively. They are polished off at the end of treatment.
- What is IPR, and is it painful?
IPR is a minor polishing between teeth to create tiny spaces for movement. It is not painful and is a very common way to help uncrowd teeth, so they fit together better.
- How often will I see Dr. Bennett?
Because of Dr. Bennett’s experience, you won’t need many visits. Once you are set up with your trays, you can manage the switches at home, saving you time and effort.
- Why do I need a new retainer every two years?
Retainers naturally stretch over time with nightly use. To prevent your teeth from shifting back to their old positions, it is best to replace them every 2 years.
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A Final Word on Your Smile
Transforming your smile at Creekside Dental is designed to be a streamlined and stress-free experience. Through custom aligner journey planning by Dr. Bennett, you can achieve amazing results with minimal disruption to your daily life. From the initial 3D scan to the final set of retainers, our goal is to provide you with a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.
Remember
You must wear your trays 24/7, including when eating and sleeping, for the treatment to work. Consistency is the only way to reach your goal of a beautiful, straight smile.
Disclaimer
This blog content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Please consult with Dr. Bennett at Creekside Dental for a formal diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.