Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign is a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that straighten your teeth. Plus: you get to avoid wearing metal brackets or wires. 

Using advanced 3D computer imaging technology during 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 specifically during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process.

Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth by small increments as your treatment continues. You will 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. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist based on your specific needs.

Your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific individual requirements.

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

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

Because Invisalign aligners do not require any adjustments or tightening – you just change to a new set of aligners every two weeks – your dentist will schedule short 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 needed.

The features of Invisalign include:

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

Cost will depend on the severity of your case and duration of your treatment. 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 traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).

You may find that Invisalign fits very comfortably into your day-to-day routine and lifestyle.

You can take your aligners out whenever you need to brush, floss, eat or drink. That means positively no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever.

Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out to eat. As a result, there are no dietary restrictions during your Invisalign treatment, 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 coffee, wine, or dark sodas.

The answer to this question will depend on the severity of your misalignment and the duration of your treatment.

Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how many aligners you will need, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during your initial consultation.

Yes! Anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.

Many adults make the choice to undergo orthodontic treatment. And treatment options like Invisalign are designed to fit with their needs. 

Yes! Teens can absolutely 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 a patient has worn the aligners 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 keep them from growing in crooked.

Most patients change to their next set of aligners every two weeks or so. Your dentist will tell you precisely how often you should change your aligners.

Each time you remove them, rinse your aligners to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can lead to 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 putting your aligners back in. Great oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. Failing to brush and floss properly may 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 fresh, clear, and free from harmful bacteria.

Brush your aligners gently so they don't get scratched, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!

Invisalign aligners are removable so you can play sports without worrying about your aligners getting damaged.

However, keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for at least 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully.

You'll also want to invest in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth. Orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they move into their new positions, and this can leave them more susceptible to damage.

Yes! Simply remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and put them back in when practice is over.

Your Invisalign aligners will arrive with a case. Keep your aligners safe by storing them here whenever you take them out.