Invisalign FAQs

This series of clear, custom-fitted aligners works to straighten teeth without brackets or metal wires. 

Using 3D computer imaging technology at the beginning of the process, we will create a treatment plan based on your unique smile and needs. 

A series of custom clear aligners will be manufactured to fit your teeth precisely at each stage of the process.

As your treatment continues, your Invisalign aligners will move your teeth gradually in small increments. You will wear each aligner for approximately two weeks before replacing it with the next one in the series. 

This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions. Your dentist will determine the duration of your treatment based on your specific needs.

Your dentist will base the duration of your Invisalign treatment on an assessment of your individual needs. 

Factors that may impact the duration of your treatment include the shape of your bite, the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, and the amount of movement needed to correct the problem.

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

Invisalign aligners need no adjustments or tightening – just switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks. Your dentist will schedule brief appointments with you every 4 to 6 weeks. 

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

The features of Invisalign include:

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

The cost of your treatment will depend on the duration of your treatment and the severity of your case. 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 is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces). 

You may learn that Invisalign fits very comfortably into your daily life. 

Because you can remove your aligners whenever you need to eat, drink, brush or floss, you'll have absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever.

You can remove your aligners to eat. As a result, there are no dietary restrictions to remember with Invisalign - you can keep eating all the foods you love!

To avoid staining your clear aligners, we recommend removing them when you drink beverages such as wine, coffee, or dark sodas.

The severity of your misalignment will determine the answer to this question. 

Only your dentist can provide an accurate estimate of how many aligners you will require, 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 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, there is a line of Invisalign 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 remain on track with their treatment.

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

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

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

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

Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Excellent oral hygiene is essential 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 damaging your aligners.

However, keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for at least 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 put them back in when you're done.

Your Invisalign aligners will arrive with a case, and this is where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them safe from damage.