Invisalign FAQs
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Read on for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign clear aligners from our Belleville Dental Care dentists.
Invisalign FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
What are Invisalign clear aligners?
The Invisalign clear aligner system is a series of custom-fitted and clear plastic aligners which straighten your teeth without having to rely on metal wires or brackets.
During our consultation process, we use 3D computer imaging to craft a treatment plan based entirely on your unique smile.
A series of custom clear aligners will be manufactured to fit your teeth precisely during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process.
How does the Invisalign process work?
Invisalign's 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.
The treatment process will continue until your teeth have reached their prescribed and corrected positions. The length of your Invisalign treatment will be determine by your dentist based on your unique needs.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific needs.
Factors such as the misalignment of your teeth, how far your teeth will have to travel, the shape of your bite, and the misalignment of your jaw will all influence the precise duration of your treatment.
What are Invisalign aligners made of?
The Invisalign aligners are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. They are BPA free.
How often do I have to visit the dentist?
Since Invisalign clear aligners don't need tightening or adjusting throughout the treatment process, you simply switch from one set of aligners to the next every 2 weeks, your dentist will only need to schedule brief appointments with you every 4 -6 weeks.
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?
Invisalign aligners are:
- A more discreet solution than traditional braces
- Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
- Smooth construction for enhanced comfort
- Do not require adjustment appointments
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend on the severity of your case and the length of the treatment. The more severe the malocclusion being treated, for example, the more aligners will be required throughout the treatment and so, the more that treatment will cost.
In many cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).
How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?
You may find that Invisalign fits very comfortably into your day-to-day life.
You can remove your aligners whenever you need to eat, drink, floss or brush your teeth. This means there aren't any dietary restrictions with Invisalign clear aligners and flossing and brushing your teeth is 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 no dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can continue to eat all the foods you love!
In order to avoid staining your clear aligners, we advise that your remove them when consuming beverages like dark sodas, wine and coffee.
How many sets of aligners will I need?
The answer to this question will depend on the severity of your misalignment.
Only your dentist will be able to give you a proper estimate of how long your treatment should take based on a careful evaluation of your bite during the initial consultation appointment.
Can adults use Invisalign?
Yes! Anyone who has healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.
More and more adults are opting to undergo orthodontic treatment in recent years, largely because of the availability of treatment options like Invisalign.
Can teenagers use Invisalign?
Absolutely! Teens are able to be candidates for treatment with Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has created a variety of clear aligners designed 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.
How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?
Most of our patients change from one set of aligners to the next every 2 weeks. Your dentist will be able to tell you exactly how often you should switch out aligners.
How do I clean my 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!
Can I play sports with Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are removable so 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 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.
Can't find the answer you're looking for?
Get in touch. We'd be glad to answer any other questions you may have.