Invisalign: Frequently Asked Questions

When your pearly whites suffer from misalignment it can be difficult to smile brightly. If you’ve been feeling self-conscious about the way that your teeth look but don’t want to go the route of traditional wire-and-bracket braces, you might want to look into Invisalign. This treatment option is a discreet way of achieving the properly aligned smile you’ve always wanted.

Is Invisalign a Good Alternative to Braces?

Invisalign is an excellent alternative to receiving traditional braces. This innovative system of clear, plastic aligners allows you to straighten out your teeth without unsightly braces. In addition, the aligners are removable so that you can eat and drink whatever you want. Made out of a flexible kind of plastic called SmartTrackⓇ, Invisalign aligners work to gradually straighten the teeth by gently pushing them into proper alignment. In addition to being less noticeable, they are also comfortable!

Who Can Benefit from Invisalign?

Adults and teenagers are typically the best candidates for successfully undergoing Invisalign treatment. Invisalign can be utilized to address common orthodontic issues like gapped teeth, crowded teeth, underbites, and overbites. Patients with severe orthodontic problems may not be able to resolve their issues with Invisalign treatment. In these cases, you may be prescribed traditional braces or headgear.

If you’re wondering whether or not you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, you should consider the following points:

• Invisalign isn’t typically recommended for young teens and small children. This is because their teeth and jaws are still experiencing growth. This can cause some difficulty in effectively treating orthodontic issues via customized aligner trays.
• Your aligners should be worn from 20 to 22 hours every day. When you take them out, you have to remember to put them back in. If you fear that you might forget to do this, you may feel more comfortable with a semi-permanent treatment solution such as braces.
• If you’re concerned about the way that braces look visually, then Invisalign treatment may be right for you.

Of course, your dentist will have the final say when it comes to whether or not you can receive this treatment option. To learn more about whether or not you would make a good candidate for Invisalign, contact our office to schedule a consultation with our team today.

What Is the Process Like for Receiving Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment consists of first seeing a dentist who can properly give you treatment with Invisalign aligners. You will first meet with your dentist for a consultation. Once it has been determined that you will be able to receive this type of treatment, your dentist will develop a fully customized treatment plan that will help you to achieve your orthodontic health goals.

A mold will then be taken of your teeth. This mold is utilized in creating your aligner trays. You wind up with several sets of trays that you will need to swap out every one to two weeks. The trays will slowly shift your teeth into the desired position.

The exact amount of time that you will need to use the trays will depend on the complexity of your case, the results you would like to achieve and how well you follow your dentist’s instructions. The majority of patients tend to finish their treatment in 12 to 18 months. Patients typically visit the dentist every four to six weeks when they are undergoing Invisalign treatment. This allows for your dentist to track your progress.

How Will Invisalign Affect My Life?

Once you’ve received your aligners, you may find that there isn’t much of a change in your daily life. Since the trays are removable, you will be able to eat and drink whatever you desire. You should be sure to take your aligners out whenever you brush your teeth. Remember that it is important to maintain good oral health in order to stay on track with your Invisalign treatments. You should also avoid smoking and chewing gum while your aligners are in.

You might notice a slight amount of pressure whenever you swap out aligners. This is because the aligners are working to shift the teeth in the desired direction. This discomfort will disappear after a few days.

When you first get your Invisalign aligners, it will most likely take you a few days to become adjusted to them. Once two or three days have passed you should be able to speak normally. Since the aligners are made to perfectly fit the contours of your mouth, you will find little to no difference in the way that you speak.

Most people probably won’t even realize that you are receiving orthodontic treatment of any kind. This is especially true when you are speaking to people from a distance. While the aligners are not 100% invisible, they still won’t be clearly noticeable even when you’re speaking to someone up close. Additionally, you can always remove your aligners for brief periods of time. Just make sure you keep them in for approximately 20 hours a day.

What Happens When I’m Done with Invisalign Treatment?

Once your doctor has decided that you’ve reached the end of your treatment, all you will have to do is take out your aligner tray for the last time. Some patients may be required to wear a retainer after they are done with treatment. A retainer will ensure that the results that you achieve through Invisalign treatment will remain permanent.

Can a Local Dentist Give Me Invisalign?

Before you receive Invisalign, you need to see a dentist or orthodontist who has been properly trained in this system of treatment. If you want to achieve an absolutely stunning smile, schedule a consultation with our highly experienced team of dental and orthodontic professionals. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful smile.