Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign Questions & Answers

Read the answers to the questions we receive most frequently.

• What are Invisalign clear aligners?

  Invisalign offers a system of clear, custom-fitted aligners that can straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.

  In the initial consultation, advanced 3D computer scanning and imaging technology are used to create a treatment plan based on your unique smile.

  Once your new smile is designed, a series of custom Invisalign clear aligners is then manufactured to fit your teeth during each stage of the treatment process.

• How does Invisalign work?

  Your teeth are moved by tiny increments at each stage of the Invisalign treatment process. Every two weeks or so, you will switch aligners to the next one in the series.

  This process continues until your teeth are in their corrected positions. The duration of treatment is determined by your dentist based on the amount of movement required in your teeth and your smile goals.

• How long does Invisalign treatment take?

  Factors that may impact 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.

  As you work with your dentist to design your new smile, he or she will determine the duration of treatment required. More complex cases may require more time.

• What material is used in Invisalign aligners?

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

• How many times will I have to visit the dentist?

  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 - 6 weeks or so.

  During these appointments, your dentist will take the opportunity to review your progress and general oral health, answer your questions, and make adjustments to your treatment as required.

• What are the primary features of Invisalign?

  There are several unique features that Invisalign aligners can offer:

  • No adjustment appointments
  • A more discreet solution than traditional braces
  • Smooth construction for enhanced comfort
  • Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
• What is the cost of Invisalign?

  In many cases, the cost of Invisalign may be comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces). However, the cost of your unique Invisalign treatment will depend on the severity of your case and the duration of your treatment. For instance, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners you'll need and the more your treatment will cost.

• How will Invisalign impact my lifestyle?

  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 or brush and floss your teeth. That means little dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing can be just as easy as ever.

• Are there any food or drink restrictions?

  Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out to eat. As a result, there are few dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can continue to eat all the foods you love!

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

• Does Invisalign work for both adults and teens?

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

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

  And teens can certainly be candidates for Invisalign. 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 which may prevent them from growing crooked.

• How are Invisalign aligners cleaned?

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

  You can also clean your Invisalign aligners using a 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 can be 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!

• Can I play sports with Invisalign?

  Invisalign aligners are removable. This means you can take them out to play sports and avoid causing damage to your aligners.

  Do, however, keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day.

  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 susceptible to damage.

• Can I play my instrument with Invisalign?

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

• How do I store my aligners?

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