Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign is a series of custom-fitted and clear plastic aligners that can straighten your teeth without relying on wires or brackets. 

Using 3D computer imaging technology during the consultation process, we will create a treatment plan based on your smile.

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

Invisalign clear aligners are designed to move your teeth in small increments as your treatment goes on. You will generally wear each aligner for about 2 weeks before replacing it with the next one in the series. 

This process will continue until your teeth have reached their corrected positions as prescribed by your dental professional. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist based on your specific needs.

Your dentist will be able to assess your smile and determine an estimate of the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your oral health needs. 

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

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

Since Invisalign aligners require no adjustments or tightening – you just switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks – your dentist will schedule brief appointments with you every 4 to 6 weeks.

During each of these appointments, your dentist will take some time to review your progress and overall oral health, answer any of your questions, and adjust your treatment as-needed. 

The features of Invisalign include:

• A discreet and clear appearance
• Smooth plastic construction
• Do not require adjustment appointments
• Removable for eating, brushing and flossing

The cost of your Invisalign treatment will generally depend on the severity of your case and the duration of your treatment. For example, the more severe your malocclusion, the more aligners you will need and the more that your treatment will likely cost.

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

Many people report that Invisalign treatment actually fits relatively comfortably into their day-to-day life. 

You can take your aligners out whenever you need to eat, drink, brush and floss. That means no dietary restrictions, and you'll be able to brush and floss thoroughly and consistently.

Invisalign clear aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat. Because of this, there are no dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign like there are with traditional braces. You will be able to continue to eat all of the foods you love, so long as you pay attention to your oral health.

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

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

Only your dentist will be able to provide your with a proper estimate of how many aligenrs you will need for your Invisalign treatment based on an evaluation of your bite and oral health at your initial consultation. 

Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how many aligners you will need, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during an initial consultation.

Absolutely! Anyone with good oral health, healthy teeth and healthy gums is a possible candidate for Invisalign. 

More and more adults are deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because options like Invisalign have become available.

Yes! Teens can certainly 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 (small blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help teens stay on track with their treatment.

They also come with eruption tabs that provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked.

Many patients will change from one set of aligners to the next every two weeks. Your dentist will be able to tell you how often you should be switching from one set of aligners to the next in the series. 

Rinse your aligners each time you remove them to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can result in dental decay and bad breath.

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

Brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back in. Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. Failing to brush and floss properly can trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and aligner, increasing your risk of dental problems and bad breath.

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

Brush your aligners gently so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!

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 clear aligners will come with a special case. This is where you should place them when they aren't in your mouth in order to help keep them safe.