Invisalign FAQs

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

3D computer imaging technology is used during the consultation process to create a treatment plan based on your unique smile. 

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

As your treatment progresses, Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to shift your teeth in small increments. You'll wear each aligner for approximately two weeks before replacing it with the next one in the series. 

The process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions. Your dentist will determine your specific needs, then decide the duration of your Invisalign treatment. 

Based on your specific needs, the dentist will decide how long your Invisalign treatment should take. 

Factors that may influence this determination include the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, the shape of your bite, and the amount of movement needed to correct the issue. 

Your Invisalign clear aligners will be made from BPA-free, USP VI medical grade, high-molecular-weight polyurethane resins. 

With Invisalign, you won't need any appointments for adjustments or tightening. You'll just switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks or so. You'll need to attend short appointments with your dentist every 4 to 6 weeks. 

At these appointments, you and your dentist will review your progress and overall oral health. You'll have an opportunity to ask questions and your treatment will be adjusted as required. 

The features of Invisalign include:

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

The severity of your case and treatment duration will determine the cost. 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 treatment is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces). 

You may notice that Invisalign will fit comfortably into your daily life. 

You can remove your aligners whenever you need to eat, drink, brush or floss. This translates to absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing are as easy as ever. 

You'll be able to remove Invisalign clear aligners to eat. As a result, there won't be any dietary restrictions with Invisalign. This allows you to continue eating all the foods you love. 

To prevent staining on 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 will be able to provide an accurate estimate of how many aligners you'll require, based on a detailed evaluation of your bite during your initial consultation. 

Yes! Anyone with healthy teeth and gums may be a candidate for Invisalign.

These days, more adults are deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment, in large part because options like Invisalign have entered the market. 

Yes! Invisalign can certainly help many teens. A line of Invisalign aligners has been created to meet their unique needs. 

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

You'll also notice eruption tabs, which provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing crooked. 

Every two weeks or so, most patients will switch to their next set of aligners. Your dentist will let you know precisely how often you should switch out your aligners. 

Each time you remove your aligners, rinse them to wash away plaque and dry saliva that may result in dental decay and bad breath. 

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

Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. Failing to brush and floss correctly can trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and aligners. This increases your risk of oral health issues and bad breath. 

Use clear, anti-bacterial soft soap to clean your aligners. This clear soap is an excellent, inexpensive method of keeping your aligners clear, fresh and free from harmful bacteria. 

Gently brush your aligners so as not to scratch them, then rinse the soap off. 

Invisalign aligners are removable so you can play sports without worrying about causing damage to your aligners.

However, keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully.

You'll also want to invest in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, as orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they shift into their new positions, and this can make them more susceptible to damage.

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

Your Invisalign aligners will come with a case, and this is where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them safe.