Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign is a discrete orthodontic treatment consisting of a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.

Thanks to iTero advanced 3D computer imaging technology during the consultation process, we will create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique smile.

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

Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth incrementally as your treatment progresses. All you need to do is wear each aligner for about two weeks before swapping it out for the next one in your treatment series.

You will continue this process until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions.

Your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your smile's specific needs.

A number of factors determine the duration of your treatment including the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, the shape of your bite, and the amount of movement required to correct the issues.

The aligners are created from USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight polyurethane resins. Invisalign aligners are BPA free.

Invisalign aligners require no adjustments or tightening – you simply switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks. Your dentist will only need to see you for brief appointments every 4 - 6 weeks to monitor your overall oral health and treatment progress. 

These appointments give your dentist the opportunity to adjust your treatment if required.

The features of Invisalign include:

• Clear, low profile appearance
• Smooth and comfortable
• No need for frequent adjustment appointments
• Removable for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing

How much your treatment will cost depends on the severity of your misalignment issues and the duration of your treatment.

For example, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners you'll need and the more your treatment will cost.

The cost of Invisalign is often comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).

You will likely find that Invisalign fits very comfortably into your busy day-to-day life.

Thanks to the low profile appearance, many people won't even notice you are straightening your teeth, so the impacts on your social life are very minor.

You can also take your aligners out whenever you need to eat, or brush and floss your teeth. That means absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever.

You will remove your Invisalign aligners whenever you are about to eat. As a result, there are no dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can continue to enjoy all of the foods you love!

To help keep your aligners clean, clear, and free from stains we recommend removing them whenever you consume beverages such as wine, coffee, or dark sodas.

The number of aligners required to correct your orthodontic issue will depend on the severity of your misalignment.

Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how many aligners you will need, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during your initial consultation.

Yes! Potential candidates for Invisalign only need to have healthy teeth and gums.

Orthodontic treatments that provide a discrete way to straighten teeth, (such as Invisalign), are making orthodontic treatment for adults more and more common.

Yes! Teens can certainly be ideal candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has created a line of aligners to meet the unique needs of teenagers.

Invisalign Teen aligners have compliance indicators on them to help teens stay on track with their treatment.  Compliance indicators are small blue dots on the backs of the aligners which gradually fade away over the course of two weeks. When the dots disappear teens know that it's time to move to the next set of aligners in their series.

Invisalign for teens also features eruption tabs that provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked.

Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions as part of your custom treatment plan however, most patients change to their next set of aligners every two weeks or so.

You should always rinse your aligners each time they are removed to wash away dry saliva and plaque. Neglecting to rinse your aligners could result in dental decay and bad breath.

Use denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals, soak your aligners daily.

Before returning your aligners to your mouth, remember to brush and floss your teeth. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent cavities and decay. Proper brushing and flossing prevent food debris and bacteria from becoming trapped between your teeth and aligner, reducing the risk of dental problems.

Simply by using an anti-bacterial soft soap and a soft brush, you can gently clean your aligners. Avoid harsh scrubbing to prevent scratching them. This is an inexpensive and effective way to keep your aligners clear, clean, and free from harmful bacteria.

Absolutely! Invisalign aligners are removable so you can play sports without worrying about damaging to your aligners.

However, keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be worn 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! When needed, simply remove your aligners to play your instrument, then replace them when you are done. Be sure to safely store your aligners in their case when they are out of your mouth.

Your Invisalign aligners will come with a case. Use the case to protect your aligners whenever you need to take them out.