Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign is a series of custom-fitted, clear aligners which are designed to straighten teeth, without metal wires or brackets.

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

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

Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to shift your teeth by tiny increments as your treatment continues. You will wear each aligner for about two weeks before it is replaced by the next one in the series.

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

Your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific requirements.

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 needed to correct the problem.

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

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 about every 4 to 6 weeks.

During these appointments, your dentist will review your progress and general oral health, answer your questions, and adjust your treatment as needed.

The features of Invisalign include:

• Do not require adjustment appointments
• Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
• A discreet, low-profile appearance
• Smooth construction which some patients find more comfortable than traditional braces 

The severity of your case and duration of your treatment will determine cost. For instance, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners you'll require and the more your treatment will cost.

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

You may find that Invisalign meshes very comfortably with your day-to-day life.

You can remove your aligners whenever you need to eat, drink, brush and floss. That means absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever.

Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat. As a result, there are no dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can keep eating all the foods you love!

We recommend removing your clear aligners to avoid staining 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 can carefully evaluate your bite during a consultation, and give you an accurate estimate of how many aligners you will need.

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

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

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

Invisalign Teen aligners arrive with 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 keep them from growing in crooked.

Most patients change to their next set of aligners approximately every two weeks. Your dentist will tell you precisely how often you should change your aligners.

Rinse your aligners each time you remove them to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can lead to 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. Excellent 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 issues 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 free, fresh, and clear of harmful bacteria.

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

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

However, keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be worn 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 vulnerable to damage.

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

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