Invisalign FAQs

This series of clear, custom-fitted aligners straightens your teeth without metal wires or brackets. 

Using advanced 3D computer imaging technology at the beginning of the treatment process, we'll create a treatment plan based on your unique smile. 

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

As your treatment progresses, Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth by small increments. You will wear each aligner for about two weeks before replacing it with the next one in the series. 

The 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.

Based on your specific needs, your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment.

Factors that could influence 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.

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

Invisalign aligners require no adjustments or tightening – you just switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks. Your dentist will see you briefly every 4 to 6 weeks. 

During these appointments, your dentist will review your progress and general oral health, answer your questions, and adjust your treatment as required.

The features of Invisalign include:

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

Cost depends on the severity of your case and duration of your treatment. For example, 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 compares to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).

Many patients find that Invisalign fits very comfortably into their day-to-day lives.

Aligners are removable for whenever you need to eat, drink, brush or floss. This means you'll have absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever.

Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat. As a result, you'll have no 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 sodas.

The severity of your misalignment determines the answer to this question.

Only your dentist can provide you with an accurate estimate of how many aligners you will need, based on a careful evaluation 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 choosing to have orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because options like Invisalign have become available.

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 the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help teens stay on track with their treatment.

They also feature eruption tabs that provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked.

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

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

Soak your aligners using Retainer Brite, denture cleaner, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.

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. 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!

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.

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

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.