Invisalign FAQs

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

During the consultation process, we use advanced 3D computer imaging technology to create a treatment plan based on your unique smile.

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

As your treatment continues, Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth by tiny increments. 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. Your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment 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 shape of your bite, the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, 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. 

You just switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks – Invisalign aligners require no adjustments or tightening. Every 4 to 6 weeks, your dentist will schedule brief appointments with you.

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 needed.

The features of Invisalign include:

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

Cost will depend on the duration of your treatment and the severity of your case. For instance, the more severe the misalignment, 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 conventional orthodontic treatment (braces).

You may find that Invisalign works very well with your day-to-day routine.

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

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

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

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

Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how many aligners you will need, based on a careful examination 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 opting to undergo orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because options like Invisalign have entered the market.

Yes! Teens can definitely be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has created 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 have eruption tabs that provide space for second molars to prevent them from growing in crooked.

Every two weeks ago, most patients change to their next set of aligners. You can find out exactly how often you should switch out your aligners from your dentist.

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

Use denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystal to soak your aligners.

Before putting your aligners back in, brush and floss your teeth. Excellent oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. Not brushing and flossing properly can trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and aligner, raising your risk of dental problems and bad breath.

Use a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap to clean your aligners. Clear anti-bacterial soap is a fantastic 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. 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 you'll need to plan your time carefully, as Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day.

We also recommend investing 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 your lesson has finished.

When you take your Invisalign clear aligners out, you should store your aligners in the case they come in to keep them safe.