We are sure you want to know more about Invisalign. Read on to discover some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers.
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Invisalign is a clear aligner system using thin plastic trays that fit tightly over your teeth to straighten them. It is an alternative to using traditional metal braces.
Invisalign aligners are discreet. They are specifically made to be smooth and comfortable, with no parts that can dig into your cheeks and lips.
Because they are removable, treatment has minimal effect on everyday life. You take them out whenever you wish to eat or drink and for oral care.
During treatment, you wear a series of clear aligners. These aligners are designed to move your teeth in small increments so your teeth are straightened gradually and will be in the positions identified in your treatment plan.
The treatment time depends on your needs. For example, if you only need minor cosmetically oriented tooth movements, you may complete treatment in as little as six months.
More complex tooth movements take longer, requiring more sets of aligners. Most people complete treatment within 12 to 18 months.
The cost depends on the severity of the orthodontic problems needing correction and the number of aligners needed. More complex problems will require more aligners to move teeth into the proper positions.
As a general rule, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional fixed braces.
We cannot tell you how many aligners you need until we assess your teeth. Once we examine your teeth, we can give you a better estimate of how long treatment will take to complete.
Some people may need as few as five sets of aligners, while others may need up to 30.
Invisalign aligners are made from a clear, medical-grade, high-quality BPA-free plastic material. Invisalign has produced its own SmartTrack material based on years of research and development.
Once you begin treatment, we need to see you periodically, usually every 6 to 8 weeks. These visits are to check that your teeth are moving properly. If needed, we can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
You won’t need to spend longer at our dental office since there are no brackets or wires to adjust and tighten. However, it is your chance to ask us any questions you may have about the treatment process.
There is no upper age limit, provided your teeth are strong and healthy. It’s more important that you don’t have any signs of active dental disease like tooth decay and gum disease.
Yes, almost certainly, provided they have good compliance. It’s important to wear the aligners for 22 hours each day for treatment to be successful. Fixed braces could be a better option if your teen will likely forget to wear their aligners.
Invisalign produces a special system for children concentrating on phase 1 or early orthodontic treatment. Children who are eligible for Invisalign can use the system between six and 10.
You will likely need to wear each set of aligners for two weeks before discarding them for the next set. We can tell you how often you must switch out your aligners as part of your treatment plan.
We will give you complete instructions on how to clean your aligners. You can brush your aligners gently, using gentle soap, ensuring you rinse them thoroughly before replacing them in your mouth.
It’s important to rinse your aligners every time you remove them. They need soaking regularly in Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaner to remove plaque buildup and ensure they remain fresh and clean.
Yes, as you can take out the aligners while playing sports to avoid damaging them, replacing them with your sports mouthguard. If you don’t have a sports mouthguard, ask us about having a custom-fitted mouthguard.
During orthodontics, your teeth can become slightly looser as they shift into new positions. Therefore, it’s even more important to protect them during sports.
Yes, you should be able to play with the aligners, although it may initially feel strange. If you find it too awkward, you can remove your aligners while playing, but be sure to replace them immediately after you finish.
Store your aligners in the case provided whenever you remove them. Properly storing them avoids the risk of damage or mislaying them.
Switching treatment may be possible, but we cannot tell you until we evaluate your bite. Some patients can be treated with fixed braces and clear aligners.
Yes, it can treat orthodontic relapses. These can happen if you fail to wear your retainers after completing orthodontic work.
It may be possible, but we can only provide a definitive answer after a consultation with our Invisalign dentist.
It is unlikely that Invisalign would work well if you have a dental bridge. This is because Invisalign is designed to move each tooth and root individually. A dental bridge connects teeth together, so Invisalign may be ineffective.
It is best not to smoke while having Invisalign treatment because the nicotine can stain your aligners. They may look yellow and unsightly.
No, as the gum can stick to the aligners. If you want to chew gum, then it’s best to remove them.
No, as the aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, you need not be concerned that they will move no matter what you are doing.
It all depends on how long your aligners were out of your mouth. If you had to leave your aligners out for some time, they may not fit properly.
If it’s only been a short while, then they might still fit but could feel slightly uncomfortable initially. In this case, contacting our dental office for advice is best.
You must still wear a retainer once you finish wearing your aligners and straightening your teeth. The retainer prevents your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Invisalign produces Vivera retainers, made from the same material as your aligners, which are equally as discreet.
Everyone is different, but you will probably need to wear them full-time initially.
Over time, you can reduce how often you wear them until you only need to wear them at night and eventually only once or twice a week. We can discuss your retainer schedule in more detail as part of your treatment plan.
Hopefully, these FAQs will have answered many of your questions. Have more? Ask us during your initial consultation or your next checkup. Our friendly dental team is also happy to help over the phone.
