Invisalign FAQs

This series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that straighten your teeth - minus brackets or metal wires. 

At the beginning of the process, we use advanced 3D computer imaging technology to develop a treatment plan based on your unique smile. 

A series of custom clear aligners will be created to fit your teeth precisely during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process. 

As your treatment continues, Invisalign aligners are designed to move your teeth in small increments. You will wear each aligner for about two weeks before replacing it with the next one in the series. 

This process will continue until your teeth are in their correct positions. Your dentist will determine how long your Invisalign treatment should be based on your specific needs. 

Your specific needs will help your dentist determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment. 

Factors that may impact the duration of your treatment include the shape of your bite, the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, and the amount of movement required to correct the problem. 

Invisalign aligners are made with BPA-free, USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight polyurethane resins. 

Invisalign aligners need no tightening or adjustments – you'll just switch to a new set of aligners every 2 weeks. Every 4 to 6 weeks, you'll see your dentist for brief appointments. 

These appointments will provide your dentist the opportunity to review your progress and general oral health, answer your questions, and adjust your treatment as needed. 

The features of Invisalign include:

• A discreet, low profile appearance
• Do not require adjustment appointments
• Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
• Enhanced comfort due to smooth construction
   

The duration of your treatment and severity of your case will determine the cost of your treatment with Invisalign. For example, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners you'll require and the more your treatment will cost. 

In many cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to the cost of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces). 

You may find that Invisalign fits comfortably into your daily life. 

You'll be able to remove your aligners whenever you need to eat, drink, brush or floss. This means you'll have absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever. 

Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can take them out to eat. As a result, you'll have no dietary restrictions with Invisalign, so you can keep eating all the foods you love! 

To keep from staining your clear aligners, we recommend removing them when you consume beverages such as dark sodas, coffee or wine. 

The severity of your misalignment will determine the answer to this question. 

Only your dentist can provide an accurate estimate of how many aligners you will require, based on a careful evaluation of your bite at the beginning of the process. 

Yes! Anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign. 

Many adults choose to have orthodontic treatment. And treatment options like Invisalign are designed with their needs in mind.

Yes! Teens can be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has created a line of aligners to meet the unique needs of teenagers. 

Invisalign Teen aligners have compliance indicators on them (tiny blue dots which fade away after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help teens remain on track with their treatment. 

You'll also notice they have eruption tabs that leave space for second molars to keep them from growing in crooked. 

Most patients switch to their next set of aligners every 2 weeks or so. Your dentist will explain exactly how often you should change your aligners. 

Each time you remove your aligners, rinse them to wash away plaque and dry saliva, which can lead to bad breath and dental decay. 

Soak your aligners using Retainer Brite, denture cleaner, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals. 

Before putting your aligners back in, brush and floss your teeth. Excellent oral hygiene is critical to maintaining healthy teeth and preventing decay and cavities. Failing to brush and floss correctly may trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and aligners, raising your risk of dental issues and bad breath. 

Clean your aligners with a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap. This soap is an inexpensive and excellent way to keep your aligners fresh, clear, and free of harmful bacteria. 

Brush your aligners gently so they don't become scratched, then rinse off the soap. Now you're done! 

Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you can play sports without worrying about causing damage to them. 

Remember that the aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully. 

We also recommend that our patients invest in a sports mouth guard to protect their teeth. Orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they move into their new positions, and this can make them more vulnerable to damage.

Yes! Just remove your Invisalign aligners to practice playing your instrument, then pop them back in when you're done.

You will receive a case with your Invisalign aligners. This is where you should store them whenever you take them out to keep them safe from dirt, debris and damage.