Invisalign Clear Aligners FAQs

Have questions about Invisalign? Our FAQ section features answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, you can submit your question below.

Click on the questions below to see the answers.

• What are Invisalign clear aligners?

  Invisalign clear aligners are clear plastic aligners that are customized to fit over your teeth, straightening them without metal wires or brackets.

  We will design a treatment plan based on your specific case, as well as the results from our 3D computer imaging technology.

  We will then create a series of customized Invisalign aligners, designed to fit precisely at each stage of your treatment process according to your plan.

• How does Invisalign work?

  Invisalign clear aligners continually adjust the positions of your teeth throughout your treatment. Each individual aligner in the series is worn for about two weeks before being replaced with the next one. This will continue until your teeth are in their corrected position.

• How long does treatment take?

  Considerations that will determine the length of your Invisalign treatment include the degree of misalignment in your teeth or jaw, your bite, as well as how much movement is necessary to achieve the final results.

• What is Invisalign made of?

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

• How often do I need to see my dentist?

  Your aligners don't require tightening or adjustments; you'll just switch to new aligners every two weeks. This means your dentist will only need to see you for brief appointments every 4 to 6 weeks to monitor your progress.

  During your visits, your dentist will assess your progress, review your general oral health and answer any questions you may have. If need be, modifications to your treatment plan will be made based on your progress.

• What are Invisalign's primary features?

  Invisalign clear aligners are:

  • Subtle and low profile
  • Smooth and comfortable when worn
  • Easily removable for eating, brushing, and flossing
  • Do not require adjustment appointments
• How much do clear aligners cost?

  Your specific misalignment case will be the primary factor that determines the cost of the treatment. More severe corrections require more aligners to achieve the desired result, contributing to treatment costs.

  In general, the cost of Invisalign treatment is similar to that of traditional methods of orthodontic treatment such as braces.

• How will Invisalign affect my lifestyle?

  Most of our patients find that their Invisalign aligners fit into their daily life with minimal effort.

  Because they are transparent, Invisalign aligners are hard to detect when worn. As a result, any impact on your work or social life would be very minor as most people will be unaware that you're correcting your teeth.

  Invisalign aligners are easy to insert and remove, so you can take them out to brush, floss and eat. There are no eating restrictions, and caring for your oral health is no more difficult than brushing and flossing as usual.

• Are there dietary restrictions?

  Because Invisalign aligners are removed to eat, there are no dietary restrictions during your treatment. That means you won't need to give up the foods you love!

  It is recommended to remove your aligners prior to drinking beverages such as coffee, wine, or dark sodas to avoid staining them.

• How many sets of aligners are required?

  Your specific case will determine how many aligners will be needed. More severe misalignments will require more aligners.

  Based on your assessment in the initial consultation, your dentist will be able to approximate the length of treatment and the number of aligners you will need.

• Can adults use Invisalign?

  Absolutely! Anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for clear aligners.

  Adults are choosing orthodontic treatment more now than ever with the advancement of low-profile options such as Invisalign.

• Can teenagers use clear aligners?

  Yes! Not only can teens be potential candidates for Invisalign, but Invisalign has created Invisalign Teen for their unique needs.

• How often do I have to replace my aligners?

  Your dentist will tell you exactly how often to change your Invisalign aligners based on your customized treatment plan, but you can expect to replace them every two weeks on average.

• How do I clean my aligners?
  • You should always rinse your aligners every time you remove them to clean off any dried saliva and plaque, otherwise, they may encourage dental decay and bad breath.
  • Using denture cleaner or Invisalign crystals, soak your aligners regularly.
  • Continuing good oral hygiene habits is important in maintaining a healthy mouth and teeth, so be sure to brush and floss before putting your aligners back in. Otherwise, food debris and bacteria can become trapped between your teeth and the aligner, increasing the risk of cavities and decay, as well as bad breath.
  • Keep your aligners clean with a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap. This is an inexpensive and effective way to ensure your Invisalign aligners remain clear, clean, and free from bacteria.
  • When cleaning your aligners, brush them gently to avoid scratching the surface. Rinse off the soap and you're done!
• Can I play sports with Invisalign?

  Yes, you can continue a healthy lifestyle with an Invisalign treatment plan as they are removable. This allows you to play sports without concerns of damaging your aligners.

  Please keep in mind, however, that the aligners must be worn about 22 hours a day to be effective, so consider this when you are planning your time.

  It is also a good idea to invest in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth. As orthodontic treatment causes your teeth to loosen slightly while shifting into their new position, they are more vulnerable to damage and should be protected while playing sports.

• Can I play my instrument with clear aligners?

  Yes, Invisalign can be conveniently removed while playing your instrument, then replaced when you're done.

• How do I store Invisalign?

  Whenever you need to take your aligners out for an extended period of time, use the case they came in to protect them while you aren't wearing them.