Invisalign - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign is a revolutionary way to straighten teeth without braces. It uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners that are virtually invisible to the naked eye. They are made of plastic and are comfortable to wear.

The aligners gently move your teeth into the desired position over time. You will need to wear them for about 22 hours per day, and you will change them out every two weeks. Invisalign is an excellent choice for people who want straighter teeth but do not want the look or feel of braces.

What are Invisalign clear aligners made of and what do they look like?

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners that are made of a proprietary, patented material called SmartTrack. This material is clear, smooth, and comfortable to wear – making it practically invisible when worn. Each individual Invisalign aligner is custom-made for the patient based on photos and x-rays provided by the orthodontist or dentist.

In terms of looks, Invisalign clear aligners are almost invisible when worn – which is one of the reasons why they are so popular among adults who want to improve their smile without having to deal with metal brackets and wires. The aligners are also very thin, so they don’t feel bulky or intrusive in the mouth.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign treatment?

There are many benefits to Invisalign treatment, but the primary ones include the following:

Invisalign is much more discreet than traditional braces. Since the aligners are made of clear plastic, they are virtually invisible when worn. This can be a huge advantage for adults who are concerned about their appearance and don’t want to look like they’re wearing braces. Invisalign is also much more comfortable than traditional braces. The aligners are made of smooth plastic, so they don’t rub against your cheeks or gumline as metal brackets and wires can. And since you can remove the aligners for eating and brushing your teeth, you don’t have to worry about food.

Am I guaranteed to have straight teeth with Invisalign treatment?

While Invisalign can certainly help to straighten teeth, there is no guarantee that your teeth will be perfectly straight after treatment. Invisalign works by gradually moving your teeth into the desired position, and everyone’s teeth are different so the results can vary. However, most people who use Invisalign do see a significant improvement in the alignment of their teeth. If you’re concerned about getting straight teeth, talk to your orthodontist about whether Invisalign is right for you.

Is Invisalign treatment right for me?

In general, Invisalign is suitable for patients who have mild to moderate misalignment of their teeth.

If you’re considering Invisalign treatment, the first step is to book a consultation with an orthodontist. During the consultation, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and jaw and take X-rays and 3D scans to assess whether Invisalign is right for you.

What is the treatment process?

Invisalign is a treatment process that uses clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. The aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable material that is nearly invisible when wearing them. Each set of aligners is worn for two weeks and then replaced with a new set until the final position is reached.
The first step in the Invisalign process is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist or dentist who offers this treatment. During the consultation, they will want to discuss your smile goals and do a thorough examination of your mouth. They will use this information to determine whether Invisalign is right for you and develop a personalized treatment plan.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Invisalign is an effective orthodontic treatment that can take anywhere from a few months to a year to complete, depending on the severity of your misalignment. While Invisalign has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, complex cases may require additional time and treatment. Nonetheless, Invisalign remains one of the quickest and most efficient ways to straighten teeth and achieve desired results.

How much does Invisalign treatment cost?

The cost of Invisalign treatment is usually similar to the cost of braces. However, the exact cost will depend on the severity of your crooked teeth and how long you need to wear the aligners. Many dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign treatment, so be sure to check with your insurance provider before you start therapy.

Is Invisalign treatment more expensive than braces?

Invisalign treatment is typically comparable to braces in terms of cost.

Will my insurance cover Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign treatment is typically covered by dental insurance plans in the same way that braces are. Invisalign treatment may be covered by your insurance in a certain percentage or in a certain amount.

How many people have used Invisalign clear aligners?

Invisalign clear aligners have transformed the smiles of over 12 million people, including more than 3 million teens.

How is Invisalign treatment different than other teeth straightening options?

Using the patented SmartTrack material, Invisalign aligners effortlessly and predictably move teeth.

Has the FDA approved Invisalign treatment?

Yes, Invisalign treatment is FDA-approved.

I am currently wearing braces. Can I make the switch to Invisalign treatment?

Yes, you can. Many people with braces choose to switch to Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is a great option for people who want straighter teeth but do not want the appearance of metal braces. It is also a good choice for adults who have already finished growing and whose jaw has stopped growing.
If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign treatment, please visit our website or schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

Can anyone tell that I’m wearing the aligners?

With Invisalign aligners, you don’t have to worry about them being seen. When you wear Invisalign aligners, no one will even notice you’re wearing them, so your treatment fits seamlessly into your daily routine.

Can I take my aligners off whenever I need to?

Invisalign is removable, so you can take it off whenever you need to. However, it is important to wear your Invisalign as often as possible for the best results.
If you have an important meeting or event and need to take your Invisalign off, make sure to put them back in as soon as possible. Otherwise, your treatment may not be as effective. Additionally, remember to brush and floss your teeth regularly when you’re not wearing your aligners. This will help keep your smile looking its best.

Are there any restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?

None! Food restrictions do not apply to Invisalign clear aligners (hello popcorn!). You can’t eat certain foods while you have traditional braces, due to the wires and brackets getting damaged.

Is Invisalign treatment painful?

It is common to experience some level of discomfort after getting Invisalign treatment, especially during the first few days. This is because your teeth are moving and adjusting to the new aligners. However, the pain is usually mild and will subside within a few days. If you find that the pain is too much to bear, you can take ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain medication.

Will Invisalign treatment still work if I only wear my aligners while I sleep?

Invisalign aligners must be worn 20-22 hours a day to achieve desired results.

Will wearing Invisalign clear aligners affect my speech?

When you first wear your Invisalign aligners, you may have a slight lisp while your tongue adjusts. However, this should disappear within a few days.

Will smoking stain my aligners?

Invisalign aligners can be stained if you smoke while wearing them.

Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?

It is not recommended to chew gum while wearing Invisalign aligners. For all meals and snacks, including gum, you should remove your aligners.

Can the aligners slip off while I’m asleep?

There is very little chance that your aligners will ever fall out, regardless of what you do: sleep, talk, laugh, etc. There should be no concern about this since Invisalign clear aligners sit snugly against your teeth.

What’s the best way to clean my aligners?

You should clean your aligners at least once a day, and more if possible. The best way to clean them is to brush and floss them, just like you would your normal teeth. You can also use a special aligner cleaning solution that you can buy from your orthodontist or online. Be sure to rinse your aligners well after cleaning them.

What if I lose or break an aligner? What should I do?

If you lose or break an Invisalign aligner, immediately let your Invisalign Doctor know. Your Invisalign Doctor will work with you to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan, which may involve wearing a previous set of aligners, your next set of aligners, or ordering replacements aligners.