Invisalign® FAQs
Invisalign is an invisible treatment that straightens teeth using clear plastic aligners instead of brackets and wires.
Absolutely! Many adults are choosing Invisalign over braces because it fits better into their lifestyles.
Yes they can! Invisalign Teen is a product designed specifically for teens who want a more convenient, less noticeable treatment.
Invisalign fixes mild to moderate issues, including crowding, gaps, and protruding teeth. It is also effective in treating some bite issues.
The most obvious benefit is the clear plastic trays used in treatment are much less visible than braces. Oral hygiene is easier since you remove the aligners for brushing and flossing, and you can eat whatever you want since you also remove the aligners while eating.
Because Invisalign is removable, it is a more flexible treatment type than braces, which are attached to the teeth. It is also less visible than braces. However, it is unable to treat the most severe orthodontic issues like braces can.
After your initial consultation, if Invisalign is the best treatment option for you, you will receive several sets of clear plastic trays designed specifically for your teeth. You will wear each set for one to two weeks, during which time your teeth will be gradually shifting to fit the shape of the aligner. You will continue to wear sets of trays until they have moved your teeth into their proper positions.
To ensure your Invisalign treatment is on track and no adjustments need to be made, we schedule appointments every 2 to 4 months.
For the optimal result, Invisalign aligners should be worn at least 22 hours each day and should only be removed for eating, drinking (other than water), and brushing and flossing.
Cleaning Invisalign trays is simple. When you brush your teeth, use a second toothbrush with a little clear handsoap to brush your aligners and rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water. We don’t recommend using toothpaste to clean your aligners because it may discolor them or make them look cloudy instead of clear.
Treatment with Invisalign can take anywhere from 2 to 28 months, depending on the issues being corrected and the number of aligners that need to be worn before your teeth are straight and properly spaced.
Invisalign has become increasingly more effective in treating different orthodontic issues since it was introduced. To see if Invisalign could correct your overbite, schedule a free exam at our office.
The cost of treating just the top teeth with Invisalign will depend on how crooked or crowded your teeth are. Schedule a free exam at our office to find out what the exact cost would be.
Being able to do orthodontic treatment at home seems convenient and cost-effective, but we highly recommend working with an orthodontist who can diagnose underlying issues DIY braces don't fix and will continue to monitor your progress and watch for issues throughout your treatment.
Invisalign aligners are made from soft plastic that fits around your teeth, making them very comfortable to wear. As with any orthodontic treatment, you may experience a little discomfort for a couple days when you start wearing your first aligner or change to subsequent aligners, but it can easily be managed and will quickly subside.
