Invisalign: Frequently Asked Questions

Have your teeth made you stop smiling in social situations? Having crooked teeth can affect your confidence. While you’ve probably considered orthodontic treatment, you may dread the idea of getting braces. However, there’s no need for everyone to know you’re straightening your teeth if you choose Invisalign’s inconspicuous clear aligner trays.

Invisalign is a modern and virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth that has become very popular with adults and teens looking to correct mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Placed by specially trained dental professionals, Invisalign could be the answer to getting the perfectly straight and shining smile you’ve always wanted. Call our office for more information!

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an alternative to braces. Instead of using brackets and wires, Invisalign uses transparent aligner trays to shift teeth. Instead of a dentist tightening the wires on braces to move teeth gradually, people switch out their aligner trays every two weeks. Unlike braces, you can remove your Invisalign aligner trays to eat and take care of your dental hygiene needs. Virtual invisibility is the primary reason patients choose Invisalign.

Invisalign is a brand name of clear aligner trays. There are others, but Invisalign is the oldest, and they done the most research into creating effective, comfortable and secure aligners. For example, Invisalign researched the material they use to make the aligners for eight years, testing hundreds of materials to find the best one. The aligners are made from SmartTrack, Invisalign’s latex-free and BPA-free, patented, flexible plastic, which makes them strong, yet easy to slip on and off.

Who Can Get Invisalign?

Invisalign is often the ideal teeth straightening solution for adults and older teens whose teeth have stopped growing. The aligner trays can shift crooked teeth, fix gaps and correct overbites, underbites and cross bites. Invisalign may not be able to correct complex or severe issues; your dentist may recommend metal braces instead.

If you or your teen wants Invisalign, you should consider the following questions:

1. Are you disciplined enough to wear the aligner trays for 22 hours a day? Since they are removable, it’s very tempting to take the trays out more often than absolutely necessary. Not wearing your Invisalign can delay treatment, since the trays only work when they are in your mouth. It can also cause discomfort when you put the tray back in if its been out for hours.
2. Do you or your child take part in activities where you can’t wear your aligners?
   If you or your child participate in contact sports where a sports mouth guard is a requirement, you’ll have to remove your Invisalign tray for practice and games. This may leave you little time to eat and brush with the tray out and still achieve a full 22 hours a day of having the trays in place.
3. Will you or your child carry a travel toothbrush?
   It’s essential to brush after every meal before putting the aligner tray back in. Will your teen brush at school or while they are out with friends at the mall? Do you have time during your lunch break at work to eat and brush your teeth?

How Do I Get Started?

1. The first step is to find a qualified Invisalign dentist. We’re proud to offer the system to our patients. If you would like a consultation to see if Invisalign is right for you, please call us.
2. Our dentist will plan your treatment if Invisalign is right for you. He or she will explain the process thoroughly since it is a major investment. You’ll learn how long treatment is expected to take and what type of results you can expect.
3. Your dentist will take a digital scan of your teeth for the lab so they can create your aligner trays. When they are ready, you’ll receive your first sets and make your subsequent appointment to return for additional sets.

What Will My Life Be Like With Invisalign?

Invisalign will barely affect your day-to-day life. Keep in mind:

1. You will have to brush after every meal or snack. You need to take your aligner tray out to have anything but clear liquids. Before you put your tray back in, you have to brush your teeth. If not, the plaque and bits of food are trapped against your teeth where they can cause decay and gum disease. Patients normally carry a travel toothbrush with them wherever they go.
2. You have to wear your aligner trays 22 hours out of every 24. You can’t forget to put them back in or take them out for long periods. If you do, it will delay your treatment.
3. You will lisp at first. An aligner tray, like braces, is a foreign object. It will cause you to lisp for a day or two after getting your first set of trays. This is normal.
4. Women usually can’t have very long fingernails as they may chip taking the trays out at least three times a day.
5. You will probably snack less as you won’t want to take your aligner out for every snack you would normally eat.

Patients typically feel these minor inconveniences are more than made up for by Invisalign’s advantages.

Do I Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign?

Yes, just like you would if you had braces instead of clear aligner trays. Your dentist will help you choose the best style retainer to meet your needs; many patients choose a retainer which looks like the trays they are already used to wearing. If you don’t wear the retainer as your dentist directs, your teeth will revert to their former position.

Can I Get Invisalign Near Me?

Yes, our Invisalign qualified dentists would be happy to consult with you and see if you are a good candidate for the system. We offer caring, compassionate care to our patients in a warm, welcoming setting. We look forward to helping you get the straight, confident smile you deserve.