Invisalign: Frequently Asked Questions

Are you self-conscious about your smile? Crooked teeth or an overbite can make you hesitate to smile as often as you like or go out of your way to be friendly. It's only natural, but if you're like most people, the idea of braces with brackets and wires is just as bad. Fortunately, there's a discrete way to fix orthodontic issues with Invisalign. You can have the smile you want with minimal inconvenience to your life. Most people won't even notice you're wearing Invisalign.

What's Invisalign?

Invisalign is an alternative to braces with brackets and wires. The technology consists of a series of transparent aligner trays that you switch out approximately every two weeks. They look like retainers except they are specially made to fit your teeth perfectly, so they are barely noticeable. Each new tray moves your teeth gradually to a new position, so at the end of treatment, your teeth are in their final position. Treatment can last from 12 to 18 months, although it depends on your individual needs.

Invisalign's main advantage over braces, besides their invisibility, is that they are removable. You can take out your aligner tray to eat and brush your teeth. You don't have any dietary restrictions like you would with braces and oral care is easier. While you can take your Invisalign tray out easily, you have to wear it for 22 out of every 24 hours or it won't be effective. You need discipline or you'll waste your investment in time and money.

Who Is Likely to Benefit From Treatment With Invisalign?

Older teenagers whose teeth have stopped growing, and adults are usually suitable candidates for Invisalign. It can correct many misalignment issues, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, crossbites, overbites and underbites. Dentists will recommend metal braces for patients with severe misalignment issues as Invisalign has its limitations. If you call for a consultation for you or your teenager, one of our experienced dentists will let you know if Invisalign is an option for you.

If you are wondering whether to get braces or Invisalign for yourself or your teen, ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you have the discipline to wear the aligner trays for 22 hours a day?

   Since the aligner trays are removable, it takes discipline to keep them in except to eat, brush your teeth and for special events, like photographs. Two hours isn't much time to eat three meals and snacks and to brush and floss.

2. Will you or your teen brush after every meal?

   You can take your aligner tray out to eat or drink anything but water, but you have to brush your teeth afterward. You'll have to carry a travel toothbrush with you, since you can't skip this step.

3. Is invisibility important?

   Most people who choose Invisalign over braces do so because the aligner trays are barely visible. With so many different people now sporting metal and ceramic braces, you may not care if your dentist says braces may be a better choice for you.

How Do I Get Invisalign From a Dentist?

1. You'll start with a consultation with one of our specially trained Invisalign dentists. He or she will determine if Invisalign can correct your misalignment after performing an exam and taking x-rays.
2. Assuming you're a good candidate, you'll discuss your treatment goals and walk away with a clear understanding of how long your treatment will take. Your dentist will go over how Invisalign works and what you need to do to get the most out of your investment.
3. Our dentist will create an impression of your teeth using putty or a digital scan and send it to the Invisalign lab so they can fabricate your aligners.
4. You'll return to get your first set of aligners and schedule your first visit in four to six weeks so your dentist can check your progress and supply you with new sets of aligner trays.

Please call us today if you're ready to get started.

How Will Invisalign Effect My Day-to-Day Life?

Invisalign causes nothing but minor inconveniences in your life. They are much easier to live with than braces. You should know:

1. You will be brushing your teeth much more often in a week, and that's if you don't have any snacks. It's essential to brush after you eat, even after having a small snack or a cup of coffee. You will need to carry a toothbrush with you wherever you go.
2. When you put your first aligner tray in, you may lisp as your mouth gets used to having a foreign object in it. This would also happen if you had chosen braces. The lisp goes away after a day or so.
3. Patients often worry about kissing. You can kiss without worrying your aligner trays slipping, but in can feel strange at first.
4. You can't linger over a long dinner in an upscale restaurant without planning for it first. No sipping coffee all morning either.
5. If you play contact sports, you must take your aligner out to put in a sports mouth guard.

What Happens at the End of Treatment?

To keep your beautiful new smile, you will need to wear a retainer. Teeth are likely to move into their previous position, especially because it is more spacious. Your dentist can provide you with a clear retainer that you wear as directed. You won't need to wear it as often as you wore the aligner trays, and you gradually taper off using it so you may only wear it a few days a week a year after treatment. Every patient's timeline is different, depending on the complexity of their treatment.

Can I Get Invisalign From a Local Dentist?

At our dental practice, we have dentists specially trained to use Invisalign to treat orthodontic problems. Our team excels at providing personalized, compassionate care. Please contact us if you would like a consultation to find out if Invisalign is right for you.