Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign is a series of clear, custom-fitted orthodontic aligners that straighten your teeth without conventional braces.

At the beginning of your treatment, we use 3D computer imaging technology to create a treatment plan based on your smile.

A series of custom clear aligners will then be produced to fit your teeth during each stage of your treatment.

Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth by small increments during treatment. You will wear each aligner for 20 to 22 hours a day for approximately two weeks or more before replacing it with the next one in the series.

This process will continue until your teeth are in their correct positions. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist based on your specific case.

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 and the amount of movement required to resolve your issue.

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

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

During these appointments, you and your dentist will review your progress and general oral health. Your questions will be answered and your treatment will be adjusted as required.

The plastic aligners are clear and discreet for a low profile appearance. They are not invisible, but many people won’t notice them in normal conversation. They are removable for eating, brushing and flossing so that your teeth stay clean.

The cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend on the severity of your case and your treatment length. For instance, the more severe the malocclusion, 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).

Most patients find that Invisalign fits very comfortably into their day-to-day life.

You can take your aligners out whenever you need to eat, drink, brush and floss, which means there are absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever. Just be sure to wear them for the required 20 to 22 hours every day.

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 keep eating and drinking everything you love!

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

The number of sets of aligners you'll need will depend on the severity of your misalignment.

Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how long treatment will take based on a careful evaluation of your bite during an initial consultation.

Yes! 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 low-profile options like Invisalign have entered the market.

Yes! Teens can absolutely be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has created a line of aligners to help make the orthodontic process easier for 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 as they grow in.

Generally, patients change to their next set of aligners every two weeks or so. Your dentist will explain exactly how often you should switch out your aligners.

If you find your current method of cleaning your aligners isn't working well enough, here is a process you can try:

• Rinse your aligners each time you remove them. This will help wash away dry saliva and plaque that can cause bad breath and dental decay.
• 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. This will help in removing trapped food debris and bacteria which get stuck between your teeth and aligner. This can increase your risk of dental problems and bad breath.
• Excellent oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. 
• Clean your aligners with a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap to keep them free of harmful bacteria. Clear anti-bacterial soap is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear and fresh.
• Brush your aligners gently so they don't become scratched, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!

You can remove your Invisalign aligners to play sports without worrying about causing them damage.

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

Some patients also invest in a sports mouth guard to protect their teeth, as orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they move into their new positions, and this can make them more susceptible to damage.

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

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