Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign is a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that straighten your teeth without the metal wires or brackets that come with braces.

At the beginning of treatment, advanced 3D computer imaging technology is used to create a treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Based on this plan, a series of custom clear aligners will then be manufactured to fit your teeth precisely during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process.

Invisalign aligners are designed to move your teeth by small increments throughout your treatment. You will wear each aligner for about 20 to 22 hours per day over two weeks before replacing it with the next one in the series.

This process will continue until your teeth are in their correct positions. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist based on your specific case.

The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist based on your individual needs. 

Factors that can influence 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.

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

As Invisalign aligners require no adjustments or tightening (you just switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks) your dentist will book brief appointments with you every 4 to 6 weeks.

During these appointments, your dentist will review your progress and general oral health with you, answer your questions, and make changes to your treatment if required.

The features of Invisalign include:

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

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

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

You may find that Invisalign fits very comfortably into their daily life.

Since you can take your aligners out to brush, floss, eat or drink, there are no oral hygiene or dietary restrictions. Brushing and flossing are just as easy as ever. Just be sure to wear them 20 to 22 hours per day.

There are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign since you can take them out to eat. Therefore, you can continue to eat all the foods you love. 

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

The severity of your misalignment will determine the answer to this question. Only your dentist has the ability to provide an accurate estimate of how many aligners you will need, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during an initial consultation.

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

In large part because more options like Invisalign have become available, more and more adults are deciding to have orthodontic treatment.

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

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

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

Every two weeks or so, most patients change to their next set of aligners. Your dentist will tell you precisely how often your aligners should be switched.

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

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

Before putting your aligners back in, brush and floss. Excellent oral hygiene is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities. 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 carefully so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!

You can play sports without worrying about causing damage to your Invisalign aligners, as they are removable.

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

You'll also want to invest in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, as orthodontic treatment may 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 put them back in when practice is over.

Your Invisalign aligners will arrive with a case, and this is where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them from getting damaged.