Invisalign FAQs

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

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

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

As your treatment progresses, Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth in small increments. You'll wear each aligner for about two weeks before replacing it with the next one in the series. 

This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions. Your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific needs.

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

Factors that may determine the duration of your treatment include the shape of your bite, the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, and the amount of shifting needed to correct the problem.

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

Since Invisalign aligners require no tightening or adjustments  – you just change 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:

• Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
• Do not require adjustment appointments
• A lower profile appearance than braces
• Smooth construction

Cost will depend on the duration of your treatment and the severity of your case. For instance, the more severe the misalignment issue, 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 discover that Invisalign fits very comfortably into your day-to-day life.

You can take your aligners out whenever you need to eat, drink, brush or floss. That means no dietary restrictions while straightening your smile.

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

We recommend removing your clear aligners when you consume beverages such as coffee, wine, or dark sodas, to avoid staining them.

The severity of your misalignment will determine the answer to this question. 

Only your dentist will be able to provide you with 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.

More and more adults are deciding to correct orthodontic issues left untreated in their childhood.In large part this is because options like Invisalign offer a lower profile orthodontic treatment method compared to traditional braces.

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

Invisalign Teen aligners come 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, which provide space for second molars to help 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 exactly how often you should switch out your aligners.

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

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

Brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back in. Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and preventing 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!

Since 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 kept in 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 move 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 finished.

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