Invisalign® FAQs

Invisalign®: A Comfortable and Convenient Alternative to Braces

• How is Invisalign® Different From Traditional Braces?
• How Does Invisalign® Work?
• How long will I need to wear Invisalign®?
• What About Special Occasions or Playing Sports?
• Is Invisalign® treatment painful?
• Can I eat with Invisalign® in?
• What foods can I not eat with Invisalign®?
• How often should I clean my Invisalign® aligners?

Straighten your teeth with clear aligners that are virtually invisible.

How is Invisalign® Different From Traditional Braces?

Invisalign® straightens your teeth just as effectively as traditional metal braces, but using a modern approach that is best suited for an active and social lifestyle. The clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible, so no one has to know they are there. And unlike traditional braces, they are removable! This makes it possible to brush and floss your teeth without the interference of brackets that can contribute to tooth decay. You can pop these clear braces out to eat and drink whatever you like with no food restrictions. Traditional braces use wires and metal that can poke and irritate your gums. Invisalign® is made of smooth plastic that is comfortable to wear. The convenience of Invisalign® appeals to people in all stages of life. Enjoy the significant benefits of improving your smile with minimal impact on how you look and feel.

How Does Invisalign® Work?

Invisalign® effectively corrects a wide variety of dental problems, including teeth that are widely gapped, overly crowded, or somewhere in between. Invisalign® treatment begins with a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate and to answer all of your questions. Not all dentists or orthodontists work with Invisalign®. We are specially trained providers who will develop an individualized treatment plan for your best results.

We’ll start with x-rays and impressions of your teeth to create a 3-dimensional image. Using this, we can map out the exact movements of your teeth and create a virtual image for you of how your teeth will look. Based on your individualized plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners are made specifically for you. The aligners are made of BPA-free clear plastic and fit easily over your teeth. They are smooth and should be comfortable to wear. You can remove them to clean your teeth and to eat and drink. About every two weeks you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, progressing you through to your treatment goals. To make sure things are going well, you will have a check-up in the office every six weeks or so to monitor your progress.

How long will I need to wear Invisalign®?

Once your customized aligners are ready, you should wear them 20-22 hours a day. Then, you will need to use a new set of aligners every 7 to 10 days. In general, treatment time is 12-18 months, but the length of the digital plan we map out for you depends on your specific goals and how much you wear your aligners. Each set of aligners will gently move your teeth into place and transform your smile.

What About Special Occasions or Playing Sports?

Since Invisalign® is designed to be removable, it is perfectly fine to take out your aligners for a special night or event. Or if you play a contact sport that requires a mouth guard, you can simply replace your aligners with the mouth guard while you play. If your contact sport does not require a mouth guard, an extra advantage to Invisalign® is that it allows you to continue to wear your aligners without worrying about sharp brackets or wire ends cutting your mouth.

More than One Million Patients Worldwide Have Been Treated with Invisalign®. Call us for an appointment to get the smile you want without having to change a thing!

Is Invisalign® treatment painful?

Since Invisalign® moves your teeth, our patients often feel a small bit of pressure the first day or 2 of wearing a new set of aligners. Thankfully, the pain is minimal, and they control the slightest discomfort with over-the-counter medications.

Can I eat with Invisalign® in?

No. It’s important to take your aligners out when you eat, drink, brush, and floss, and if necessary, for special occasions. But don’t forget to put them back in when you’re finished because, for optimal results, you need to wear them 20-22 hours a day. The benefit to having to take your aligners out to eat is that you are then free to eat whatever you want without any restrictions.

What foods can I not eat with Invisalign®?

When it comes to traditional metal braces, there are many foods you cannot eat. But Invisalign® is a completely different story. Clear aligners are removable, so you are able take them out at any time and eat whatever foods you choose.

How often should I clean my Invisalign® aligners?

It is important to brush your teeth and your aligners after every meal to keep them from becoming stained. To do this, simply clean them with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and lukewarm water. Water that gets too hot can potentially warp the plastic.