Invisalign FAQs

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

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

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

Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth by tiny increments as your treatment progresses. 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 needs.

Your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific 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 these appointments, your dentist will take the opportunity to review your progress and general oral health, answer your questions, and adjust your treatment as required.

The features of Invisalign include:

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

Cost will depend on the severity of your case and duration of your treatment. For instance, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners you'll need 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 fits very comfortably into your day-to-day life.

You can take your aligners out 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 clear aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out to eat! Because of this, there aren't any dietary restrictions during Invisalign treatment. You can continue to eat all the foods that you love. 

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 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.

Anyone who has healthy teeth and gums is a possible candidate for Invisalign. 

More and more adults are making the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment in recent years. This is largely because options like Invisalign have become readily 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.

Most patients will change from one set of Invisalign clear aligners to the next every two weeks. Your dentist will be able to tell you how often you should switch out your aligners. 

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 clear aligners are removable, so you are able to play sports without worrying about damaging them in the process. 

Keep in mind, however, that Invisalign clear aligners have to be kept in your mouth for a minimum of 22 hours each day, so make sure to plan your time carefully.

You may also want to invest in a sports mouth guard in order to protect your teeth, since orthodontic treatment can cause them to slightly loosen as they shift into their new positions in your mouth. 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 case, which you should use to store them whenever to take them out of your mouth for safekeeping.