Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign FAQs
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What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that straighten your smile without the need for metal wires or brackets.
During the consultation process, advanced 3D computer imaging technology will be used to create a treatment plan based on your teeth.
A series of custom clear aligners will be constructed to precisely fit your teeth during each step of the Invisalign treatment process.
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How does the Invisalign process work?
Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to gradually shift your teeth in tiny increments as your treatment progresses. You receive a series of aligner sets and wear each set for approximately two weeks before replacing them with the next one in the series.
This process is repeated until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be based on your individual needs, determined by your dentist.
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How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Your dentist will calculate the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific needs.
Factors that can determine the length of your treatment include the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, the shape of your bite, and the amount of movement it will take to correct the issue.
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What are Invisalign aligners made of?
The Invisalign aligners consist of USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight polyurethane resins. They are also BPA free.
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How often do I have to visit the dentist?
Invisalign aligners require no adjustments or tightening, meaning you simply 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 provide feedback on your progress and general oral health, answer any questions, and adjust your treatment as required.
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What are the primary features of Invisalign?
The features of Invisalign include:
- Discreet, low-profile look
- Smooth construction for a more comfortable fit
- No adjustment appointments required
- Removable for brushing, flossing, and eating
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How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost will vary based on the severity of your case and the duration of your treatment. For instance, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners you'll need, increasing the cost of your treatment.
The cost of Invisalign is often comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).
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What financing options do you offer?
We offer financing options to support your Invisalign treatment journey. Speak with your dentist or click here to learn more.
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How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?
You may find that Invisalign fits comfortably into your day-to-day life.
You can take your aligners out whenever you need to drink, eat, floss and brush. That means you don't have to worry about dietary restrictions, and you'll be able to consistently take care of your oral hygiene.
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Are there any food or drink restrictions?
Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out to eat. As a result, there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign, so you can continue eating all your favourite foods!
To avoid staining your clear aligners, we recommend taking them out while consuming beverages such as coffee, wine, or dark sodas.
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How many sets of aligners will I need?
The answer to this question will depend on the severity of your misalignment.
Only your dentist can provide an accurate estimate of the number of aligners you will need, based on a careful assessment of your bite during the initial consultation.
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Can adults use Invisalign?
Absolutely! Anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.
An increasing number of adults are deciding to receive orthodontic treatment these days, largely because options like Invisalign have become available.
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Can teenagers use Invisalign?
Yes! Teens can certainly be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has created a line of aligners to meet the unique needs of teenagers.
Invisalign Teen aligners come with compliance indicators added to them (small blue dots that fade away once the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help teens stay on top of their treatment.
They also contain eruption tabs that provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked.
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How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?
Most patients swap to their next set of Invisalign aligners every two weeks or so. Your dentist will tell you exactly how frequently you should switch out your clear aligners.
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How do I clean my aligners?
Rinse your aligners every time you take them out to wash away dry saliva and plaque. This prevents dental decay and bad breath from developing.
Soak your aligners using a denture cleaner such as Retainer Brite or use the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Good oral hygiene is key to preserving healthy teeth, as well as avoiding cavities and decay. Failing to properly brush and floss can trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and aligners, increasing your risk of dental problems and bad breath.
Clean your aligners with a clear, antibacterial soft soap. Clear antibacterial soap is an excellent and inexpensive solution for keeping your aligners fresh, clear, and free from harmful bacteria.
Brush your aligners gently to avoid scratching them, and rinse off the soap. Then you're done!
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Can I play sports with Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can compete in sports without worrying about damaging your aligners.
However, it is important to note that Invisalign aligners must be worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so plan your time cautiously.
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 corrected positions, and this can make them more prone to damage.
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Can I play my instrument with Invisalign?
Yes you can! Just remove your aligners to play your instrument, and then pop them back in afterwards.
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How do I store my aligners?
Your Invisalign clear aligners come in a case. To keep them safe, this is where you should keep them whenever they are taken out.
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