Invisalign Questions Answered: The Ultimate Invisalign FAQs

1. What is Invisalign?

Let’s begin with the fundamentals. Your teeth are covered by comfy, smooth, BPA-free Invisalign clear braces as they gradually move your teeth into the right position over time. Since your dentist can accurately create a 3-D representation of your teeth using X-rays, digital photos, and impressions, creating Invisalign clear aligners is comparatively simple. This implies that in order to function properly, your new Invisalign braces will fit comfortably and securely.

2. How does Invisalign work?

Your new, ideal smile is created with a series of transparent aligners by Invisalign. You’ll first visit your local dentist, who will take some scans of your present teeth. A model of your teeth will then be created using the sophisticated 3D smile scanning software. Once this is complete, your dentist can design a strategy for progressively moving each tooth to give you the smile of your dreams.

The treatment plan is then transmitted to the Invisalign laboratory, where your series of aligners will be made if the patient and dentist are satisfied. Every pair of aligners will get a little bit closer to the final appearance we want for your teeth. We’ll switch you to the next set of aligners as your teeth shift into position for the first set, and so on until your new smile is established.

3. How invisible is Invisalign?

As long as you aren’t up close, Invisalign is hardly detectable and practically invisible. To give you an idea of how discrete-looking the aligners are, here is an image of how they appear.

4. How long should I wear my clear Invisalign aligners each day?

Wearing your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day is advised. In order to remove them while eating and cleaning or flossing your teeth, you have adequate time. You’ll probably need more treatment duration if you decide to wear the aligners for a shorter period of time, so you’ll need to be disciplined.

5. How long does it typically take to complete an Invisalign treatment?

The length of your particular treatment with Invisalign will have a significant impact on the average treatment time. Invisalign Go can be utilized to get results more quickly if the level of movement is minimal. On average, it is likely to take 6 to 18 months.

6. What age range is Invisalign suitable for?

Any age group can use Invisalign as long as their entire set of adult teeth have erupted. For youngsters who don’t want to wear fixed braces, there is an Invisalign Teen option. Additionally, adults can receive routine Invisalign treatment, which will have little to no impact on their existing way of life and help them reach their ideal smile.

7. What types of corrections are possible with Invisalign?

A wide range of changes, from underbites to gapped teeth, can be made using Invisalign. View the list of corrections that Invisalign can help with below.

  • Crossbite: When one or more of your bottom teeth are positioned outside of your upper teeth rather than in their normal place (inside the top teeth)
  • Open bite: When your top and bottom teeth do not touch when your mouth is fully closed, either at the front or the back
  • Spacing: When there are gaps in between your teeth that are not desirable.
  • Crowding – When there is not enough room in the jaws for the teeth to line up properly and in their right locations.

8. What does wearing Invisalign look like?

When worn, Invisalign seems practically unnoticeable to the naked eye. Check out this patient wearing retainers as an example. If they had transparent aligners in, you would have to be very close to even notice!

9. Invisalign prices – what are they?

The price of Invisalign varies widely and is based on multiple factors. For instance, if your case of misaligned teeth is minor and only needs a few months to be fixed, the cost will probably be less than for someone who needs a significant movement over the course of 18 months. In a similar fashion, patients who just need one arch straightened will be charged less than those who need both the top and bottom to be fixed.

10. Can I continue getting Invisalign while I’m pregnant?

If you’re pregnant, you might be asking if Invisalign is a safe option for you. Continue with your Invisalign treatment as long as your x-rays and scans are taken before to pregnancy. Ensure by consulting your dentist.

11. How frequently will I visit the dentist after getting Invisalign?

If you’re an adult Invisalign patient, you should visit the dentist about once every six weeks. A skilled cosmetic dentist’s watchful eye will make sure that everything is headed in the right direction

12. Does Invisalign cause pain?

When you initially start wearing a new pair of aligners, you can experience some minor discomfort. This is a positive development and evidence that your teeth are being moved by the aligners. The discomfort, which might be characterized as a little pressure, subsides after a few days.

13. Can I transfer from another kind of brace to Invisalign?

Yes, a variety of braces are used to treat numerous people. You have the option of choosing this, without a doubt.

14. I previously got braces but neglected to wear my retainers. Is Invisalign able to help me?

Every week, we receive numerous cases with this particular scenario. When you were younger, you had braces, and over time, you may have even lost your retainers. Your teeth begin to shift back to their original position over time (ooh bad!). But do not worry; Invisalign is ideal for conditions just like yours!

15. While using Invisalign clear aligners, what foods am I allowed to eat?

The fact that Invisalign has little to no effect on your lifestyle is one of its best features. Yes, that means you can continue to enjoy all of your favorite meals while working for your smile.

However, you must take out the aligners before enjoying your preferred snack. Water is the only food or beverage that you can consume while still wearing your aligners. Additionally, you must maintain good oral hygiene. After eating, brush and floss your teeth, and then put your aligners back in.

16. Which cleaning method is best for my Invisalign aligners?

With this, you’ve got a few choices. The Invisalign Cleaning System, which is available online or directly from your dentist, is the most effective method. If you would prefer to avoid doing that, all you need to do is use a spare toothbrush, some toothpaste, and lukewarm water. It’s important to avoid using hot water because it can cause the plastic to melt and deform!

17. How do fixed braces like Six Month Smiles and Invisalign differ from one another?

These two methods of teeth alignment are truly poling apart from one another. While Six Month Smiles employs fixed transparent brackets to straighten your teeth, Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners. The main distinction between Invisalign and Six-Month Smiles is their fixed nature.

How does this affect you? In general, Six-Month Smiles will straighten your teeth considerably more swiftly, but the brace is less transparent than Invisalign, albeit still discreet. You have to choose between those two things. Would you rather the brace moves more quickly or more invisible?

18. What occurs if I damage my Invisalign aligners?

Do not worry if your aligner breaks! Simply inform your dentist of the situation, and for a little price, they will be able to order a fresh set of aligners from the labs. Your aligners will include a serial number that can be used to identify which ones need to be ordered again for you to continue receiving treatment. However, because Invisalign aligners are so strong, you are not likely to have this situation.

19. How long do retainers need to be worn after Invisalign treatment?

After your teeth are straightened, you must wear your retainers for at least a year. After that time, you might be allowed to lessen how often you wear them. In order to avoid the trouble of having to remember to wear your retainers, Tara Hills Dental offers a fixed, lingual retainer that fits over the back of your teeth and maintains your teeth precisely aligned.

20. Who is a suitable candidate for Invisalign?

Many people throughout the world have adopted Invisalign as their go-to solution for straightening their teeth. If you have crowded or gapped teeth, whether you are an adult or a teen, Invisalign can help. If you actually do have very serious alignment problems, it will be up to your local Invisalign dentist to examine you and determine whether or not you are a good candidate.

21. Does Invisalign offer choices for monthly payments?

Depending on the dentist you choose to get your Invisalign aligners from, this will vary. Invisalign is available with 0% financing at Tara Hills Dental Dental packages last up to 24 months. Therefore, you can perfectly afford to pay for your smile on a monthly basis.

22. Will using Invisalign impact the way I speak?

In general, your speech shouldn’t be altered, though some people may experience a little difference in their speech for a few days as they become used to wearing the aligners.

23. Can I consume gum while using Invisalign?

No, you cannot chew gum while using aligners.

24. How can I book an Invisalign consultation with Tara Hills Dentals?

Absolutely, every adult patient considering Invisalign at Tara Hills Dental is presently entitled to a FREE* consultation. Want to make a reservation? Send us a note, and we’ll get you started on the path to a new smile.

You can call 510-724-7474 or email us directly here and we’ll send you all the details. What is the cost of the treatment? Everything is available in the website’s Prices section.