Invisalign FAQs

This series of custom-fitted clear aligners helps to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. 

Using advanced 3D computer imaging technology at the beginning of the process, we will develop a treatment plan based on your unique smile. 

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

As your treatment continues, Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to shift 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 specific needs will determine the duration of your treatment.

Your specific needs will be determined by your dentist, who will decide the duration of your Invisalign treatment. 

Factors that could influence the duration of your treatment include the shape of your bite, the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, and the amount of movement needed to correct the problem. 

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

Invisalign aligners will need no adjustments or tightening. You'll just change to a new set of aligners every two weeks. Your dentist will schedule short appointments with you every 4 to 6 weeks. 

At these appointments, your dentist will take the opportunity to review your progress and overall oral health, answer any questions you may have, and adjust your treatment as needed. 

The features of Invisalign include:

• A low-profile, discreet appearance
• Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
• Do not require appointments for adjustment
• Smooth construction for enhanced comfort

The cost of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by the severity of your case. For example, the more severe your malocclusion, the more aligners you'll require and the more your treatment will cost. 

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

Invisalign may fit very comfortably into your day-to-day routine. 

Since you can take your aligners out to eat, drink, brush and floss, you'll have absolutely no dietary restrictions. Brushing and flossing will also be just as easy as ever. 

You can remove Invisalign aligners to eat. As a result, you'll have no dietary restrictions with your treatment - you can keep eating all the foods you love! 

To keep from staining your aligners, we recommend removing them when you drink beverages such as coffee, dark sodas 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'll 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. 

These days, more and more adults are deciding to receive orthodontic treatment, largely due to options like Invisalign entering the market. 

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

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

They also arrive with eruption tabs, which leave space for second molars and prevent the teeth from growing in crooked. 

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

• Each time you remove your aligners, you should rinse them to wash away plaque and dry saliva, which can cause bad breath and dental decay. 
• Using denture cleaner, the official Invisalign cleaning crystals, or Retainer Brite, soak your aligners. 
• Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Excellent oral hygiene is critical to maintaining healthy teeth and preventing decay and cavities. Failing to brush and floss properly may trap bacteria and food debris between your aligners and teeth, raising your risk of dental issues and bad breath. 
• Cleaning your aligners with clear, anti-bacterial soft soap is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free of harmful bacteria. 
• Gently brush your aligners so you don't scratch them before rinsing off the soap. Now you're done!

Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can play sports without worrying about damaging your aligners. 

Just keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be worn for a minimum of 22 hours each day, so schedule your time carefully. 

You'll also want to protect your teeth by investing in a sports mouth guard, since orthodontic treatment may 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 aligners so you can practice playing your instrument, and pop them back in when practice is over. 

Your Invisalign aligners will arrive with a clear plastic case. This is where you should store your aligners whenever you remove them to keep them safe.