Invisalign FAQs

What is Invisalign ?

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic braces treatment that makes use of clear, removable trays (called aligners) to straighten the patients teeth. These straightening trays or aligners are custom-made for every individual patient and work by gradually shifting the patients teeth into their proper straight positions. Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces because the aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. The treatment typically takes between 6 to 18 months, depending on the severity of the case. Invisalign is suitable for most people, but it’s important to consult with an orthodontist to determine if it’s the right treatment option for you.

How long does Invisalign take ?

The length of time that Invisalign takes varies depending on the individual case. The average treatment time for Invisalign is about 12 to 18 months, but some cases may take as little as 6 months, while others may take up to 2 years.

The duration of Invisalign braces treatment is dependent on a number of different factors, these include for example – the complexity of the orthodontic issues being addressed for the patient, the patient’s physical age, and also their overall compliance with wearing the straightening aligners as directed by their Invisalign dentist. A patient is instructed to usually wear the straightening trays (or aligners) for 20 to 22 hours every day, only removing them brush, eat and also floss. Failure to wear the aligners as directed can result in treatment taking longer than anticipated.

During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and determine the estimated length of treatment required to achieve your desired results with Invisalign. Regular checkups with your orthodontist throughout the treatment process will also help ensure that your progress is on track and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

How does Invisalign work ?

Invisalign works by using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for each patient. The aligners are made of a comfortable, smooth plastic that is virtually invisible when worn. Each aligner is worn for a period of about 1 to 2 weeks before being replaced with the next one in the series.

The aligners are designed to gradually shift the teeth into their proper positions over time. The exact movements that the aligners will make are planned out in advance using 3D imaging technology, allowing the patient to see a virtual representation of their treatment plan before it even begins.

During treatment, the patient will wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss. As each aligner is replaced with the next one in the series, the teeth will gradually shift into their desired positions. Patients typically receive a new set of aligners every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on their individual treatment plan.

Throughout the treatment process, the patient will have regular checkups with their orthodontist to monitor their progress and ensure that the treatment is progressing as planned. Once treatment is complete, the patient will typically wear a retainer for a period of time to help maintain their newly aligned teeth.

Is Invisalign worth it ?

Invisalign can be a great option for people looking to straighten their teeth without the use of traditional metal braces. However, whether or not Invisalign is worth it depends on the individual’s specific needs and goals.

Invisalign can typically be less expensive than traditional braces, so the lower cost may be a consideration for some patients. Many people find the added convenience and aesthetics of Invisalign to be well worth it.

Invisalign can also be a good option for people who need to straighten their teeth but want to maintain a professional appearance, as the clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn. In addition, the ability to remove the aligners for eating, brushing, and flossing can make oral hygiene easier during treatment.

It’s important to keep in mind that Invisalign braces may not always be the best treatment option for every patient. In cases where significant tooth movement is needed, traditional braces may be a more effective option. It’s important to consult with an orthodontist to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment option for your specific needs and goals.

Does Invisalign work ?

Yes, Invisalign can be an effective treatment option for many orthodontic issues. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for each patient to gradually shift the teeth into their proper positions over time.

Invisalign can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including overcrowding, gaps between teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and more. The treatment can be tailored to address the specific needs of each individual patient.

While the effectiveness of Invisalign may depend on the individual case, studies have shown that Invisalign can be as effective as traditional braces for many types of orthodontic issues. In addition, the convenience and aesthetics of Invisalign may make it a more attractive option for some patients.

It’s important to note that the success of Invisalign treatment depends on the patient’s compliance with wearing the aligners as directed by their orthodontist. A patient needs to wear straightening Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day and only remove them for eating, brushing and flossing. Failure to wear the aligners as directed can result in treatment taking longer than anticipated or being less effective.

Does Invisalign hurt ?

Invisalign treatment may cause some discomfort or soreness, particularly in the first few days after beginning treatment or when transitioning to a new set of aligners. However, the level of discomfort is typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Some patients may also experience minor irritation or soreness on their tongue, cheeks, or lips as they adjust to wearing the aligners. This discomfort can often be alleviated by using orthodontic wax to cover any rough edges on the aligners.

In general, Invisalign is considered to be less uncomfortable than traditional metal braces because the clear aligners are smooth and do not have any brackets or wires that can cause irritation or soreness in the mouth.

It’s important to remember that any discomfort or soreness experienced during Invisalign treatment is typically temporary and should improve as the patient becomes accustomed to wearing the aligners. If the discomfort is persistent or severe, it’s important to consult with your orthodontist to ensure that there are no underlying issues.

Can Invisalign fix overbite ?

Yes, Invisalign can be used to correct an overbite, which is a common orthodontic issue where the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth. Invisalign can gradually shift the position of the teeth and jaw to improve the overbite.

During Invisalign treatment for an overbite, the aligners are designed to apply gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth to gradually move them into their proper positions. In some cases, attachments may be added to the aligners to help guide the teeth more effectively.

In more severe cases of overbite, additional orthodontic appliances such as elastics or rubber bands may be used in conjunction with Invisalign to achieve the desired result.

It’s important to consult with an orthodontist to determine if Invisalign is the appropriate treatment option for your overbite, as the severity of the issue and other factors may impact the success of the treatment.

How to clean Invisalign ?

Cleaning your Invisalign aligners is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene during treatment. We have listed below some tips on how to clean your Invisalign aligners:

1. Rinse the aligners with warm water every time you remove them to help remove any food particles or saliva.
2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the aligners with clear, anti-bacterial soap or mild dish soap. Avoid using toothpaste as it can be too abrasive and scratch the aligners.
3. Soak the aligners in a cleaning solution recommended by your orthodontist, such as the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, once or twice a week to help remove any build-up or staining. Follow the instructions provided with the cleaning solution carefully.
4. Avoid using hot water to clean the aligners as it can cause them to warp or become misshapen.
5. Do not use mouthwash to clean the aligners as it can discolor them.
6. Always store the aligners in their case when they are not in your mouth to prevent them from being lost or damaged.

Following these simple steps can help keep your Invisalign aligners clean and in good condition throughout your treatment. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and attending all scheduled check-ups with your orthodontist.

Can you drink with Invisalign ?

While wearing Invisalign aligners, you can drink cool water or clear liquids without any issue. However, it’s important to avoid drinking hot beverages or sugary or colored drinks, as they can damage or stain the aligners.

Drinking hot beverages such as tea or coffee can cause the aligners to warp or lose their shape, which can affect the fit and effectiveness of the treatment. Sugary or colored drinks such as soda, sports drinks, or fruit juices can also stain the aligners and promote bacterial growth, which can lead to bad breath and dental problems.

If you do need to drink hot beverages or sugary or colored drinks, it’s best to remove the aligners and rinse your mouth and the aligners thoroughly with water before placing them back in your mouth.

It’s important to follow the guidelines provided by your orthodontist to ensure that your Invisalign treatment progresses smoothly and effectively.

Can you vape with Invisalign ?

It is not recommended to vape or smoke while wearing Invisalign aligners, as it can cause discoloration or damage to the aligners. Vaping or smoking can also affect oral health by increasing the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems.

The heat and chemicals from vaping can cause the aligners to warp or become discolored, which can affect the fit and effectiveness of the treatment. In addition, the nicotine and other chemicals in vaping can cause staining or discoloration of the teeth, which can make it harder to achieve the desired results with Invisalign.

If you must vape or smoke, it’s best to remove the aligners and thoroughly rinse your mouth and the aligners with water before placing them back in your mouth. It’s important to follow the guidelines provided by your orthodontist to ensure that your Invisalign treatment progresses smoothly and effectively.

Can you eat with Invisalign ?

It is possible to eat your usual foods while undergoing Invisalign treatment, but it is important to follow some guidelines to avoid damaging or staining the aligners. When eating, it is recommended to remove the aligners to prevent food particles from getting trapped between the aligners and teeth, which can lead to bad breath and dental problems.

It is important to remember that Invisalign aligners are not as strong as traditional braces, and certain foods can cause them to warp or become damaged. Some foods to avoid while wearing Invisalign include:

1. Hard or crunchy foods such as apples, carrots, and popcorn.
2. Chewy or sticky foods such as gum, caramel, and taffy.
3. Foods that can stain or discolor the aligners, such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
4. Sugary or acidic foods that can promote bacterial growth and tooth decay.

To eat with Invisalign, simply remove the aligners before eating, and store them in their case. After eating, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water before placing the aligners back in your mouth.

Following these guidelines can help prevent damage or staining to your Invisalign aligners and maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.

Is Invisalign better than braces ?

Whether Invisalign is better than braces depends on your specific orthodontic needs and preferences. Both Invisalign and braces can effectively straighten teeth and improve oral health, but they differ in some ways that may make one option more appealing than the other.

Here are some factors to consider when comparing Invisalign to braces:

Appearance: Invisalign aligners are clear and virtually invisible, while braces are made of metal or ceramic brackets and wires that are more noticeable. If you are concerned about the appearance of your orthodontic treatment, Invisalign may be a better option.

Comfort: Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic and do not have any wires or brackets that can cause discomfort or irritation. Braces may require adjustments and can cause soreness or discomfort for the first few days after each appointment.

Treatment time: Invisalign treatment can take less time than traditional braces, especially for mild to moderate orthodontic issues. However, severe or complex cases may require longer treatment with Invisalign.

Lifestyle: Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can eat and drink what you want and brush and floss your teeth normally. Braces require dietary and oral hygiene restrictions, as well as regular adjustments from your orthodontist.

Cost: Invisalign cost and braces cost can vary depending on your location and specific treatment needs. In general, Invisalign may be more expensive than traditional braces.

In summary, Invisalign may be a better option for those who prioritize appearance, comfort, and lifestyle flexibility, while braces may be a better option for those with more complex orthodontic issues or who prefer a lower cost option. It is important to discuss your treatment options with an orthodontist to determine which option is best for you.

What does Invisalign look like ?

Invisalign aligners are made of clear, medical-grade plastic material and are custom-designed to fit snugly over your teeth. They are virtually invisible when worn and do not have any metal wires or brackets like traditional braces.

The aligners are made using 3D computer imaging technology to create a series of custom-fit aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners is designed to be worn for approximately 1-2 weeks before being replaced with the next set in the series.

The aligners cover the entire arch of teeth and are designed to apply gentle pressure to the teeth to gradually move them into alignment. The aligners are typically worn for 20 to 22 hours per day, and should only be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Overall, Invisalign aligners are designed to be discreet, comfortable, and effective in straightening teeth and improving oral health.