Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign is a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners designed to discreetly straighten your teeth without the use of brackets or metal wires.

We will use advanced 3D computer imaging technology during the consultation process to create a treatment plan based on your requirements.

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

Invisalign's clear plastic aligners are designed to shift your teeth in tiny increments as you progress through treatment. 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 Invisalign treatment based on your specific requirements.

Your dentist will consider your specific needs when determining how long the Invisalign treatment process should take.

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

USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight polyurethane resins are used to manufacture Invisalign clear aligners. Your clear aligners will also be BPA-free.

Invisalign aligners won't need any adjustments or tightening – you will just switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks. Your dentist will schedule brief appointments with you every four to six weeks.

During these appointments, your dentist will take the opportunity to review your progress and your general oral health. You'll have an opportunity to ask questions and your treatment will be adjusted as required.

The features of Invisalign include:

• A discreet, low-profile appearance
• Smooth construction for more comfort
• Potentially less time spent in our office for adjustments
• Removable aligners for eating, brushing and flossing

The cost of your treatment with Invisalign will depend on the severity of your case and the duration of your treatment. For instance, the more severe your misalignment, the more aligners you'll need and the more your treatment will cost.

Often, the cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).

You may find that you're able to integrate Invisalign comfortably into your everyday life.

You will be able to take your aligners out whenever you need to eat, drink, brush or floss. That means no dietary restrictions. You'll also be able to brush and floss thoroughly and consistently.

You will be able to take your removable Invisalign aligners out to eat, which means you won't have any dietary restrictions during your treatment. You can continue to eat all the foods you love!

We recommend removing your clear aligners when you consume beverages such as dark soda, coffee or wine to avoid staining them.

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

Only your dentist will be able to evaluate your bite during an initial consultation and give you an accurate estimate of how many clear aligners you will require.

Yes! Anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.

More and more adults are now choosing to undergo orthodontic treatment, in large part due to options like Invisalign becoming available.

Yes. Teens may be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has developed a line of aligners that cater to their unique needs. 

These aligners have compliance indicators (small blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help your teen remain on track with their treatment. 

Invisalign aligners also come with eruption tabs that leave space for second molars and prevent them from growing crooked. 

You'll need to switch to your next set of aligners every two weeks or so. Your dentist will let you know exactly how often you should change your aligners. 

When you remove your aligners, rinse them to wash away plaque and dry saliva that can lead to bad breath and dental decay. 

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

Brush and floss before putting your aligners back in. Excellent oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. In contrast, not brushing and flossing properly can trap food debris and bacteria between your aligners and your teeth, increasing your risk of dental problems and bad breath. 

Once a day, clean your aligners with a clear, antibacterial soft soap. This is an effective but inexpensive way to keep your aligners fresh, clear, and free of harmful bacteria. 

Brush your aligners gently so you won't scratch them, then rinse off the soap. Now you're done!

You can remove your Invisalign aligners to play sports, so you won't have to worry about damaging them during your practice or game. 

However, remember that Invisalign aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours a day, so we encourage you to plan your time carefully. 

You'll also want to invest in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, since orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they shift into their new positions, making them more susceptible to damage.

Yes! Just remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and put them back in your mouth when you're done.

Your Invisalign aligners will come with a case where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them safe.