The 10 most frequently asked questions when people consider Invisalign clear aligners

Invisalign clear aligners work by using a series of custom-made, removable aligners to gradually move teeth into their desired position. The aligners are made of a smooth, clear plastic material that is virtually invisible when worn.

During the treatment, patients typically receive a new set of aligners every two weeks, with each set slightly adjusting the position of their teeth. This process continues until the teeth are in their final, desired position.

Invisalign can be as effective as traditional braces in many cases, but the effectiveness can depend on the severity of the dental issue being corrected. Invisalign is particularly effective in treating mild to moderate dental problems such as minor crowding or spacing issues. However, more severe dental problems such as large gaps or significant bite issues may require traditional braces or other orthodontic treatment.

Overall, the effectiveness of Invisalign largely depends on the patient’s commitment to wearing the aligners as instructed by the orthodontist. The aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours per day and changed out every two weeks for the treatment to be successful. Additionally, patients must also maintain good oral hygiene throughout the treatment to ensure optimal results.

As with all healthcare solutions, nothing applies to everyone. A ‘One Fits All’ solution simply doesn’t exist. Invisalign clear aligners offer several advantages and disadvantages compared to other teeth straightening options. Some of these include:

It is important to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign with your dentist to determine whether it is the right option for your specific dental needs.

The cost of Invisalign treatment can vary depending on several factors, including the length of the treatment, the severity of the dental issue being corrected, and the geographic location of the orthodontist.

Insurance coverage for Invisalign also varies, and it is important to check with your local dental insurance provider to see if they cover the treatment. Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign, while others may not cover it at all. Additionally, some dentists or orthodontists may offer financing options or payment plans to help make Invisalign more affordable.

It’s important to keep in mind that while Invisalign may be a little bit more expensive than traditional braces, it offers significant benefits, such as improved aesthetics and increased comfort, which may make it worth the investment for some patients. Additionally, untreated dental problems can lead to other dental issues and may end up being more costly in the long run.

The duration of Invisalign treatment can vary depending on the severity of the dental issue being corrected, as well as the patient’s individual treatment plan. In general, the treatment can take anywhere from 6 months to 18 months, with the average treatment time being around 12 to 14 months.

The aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours per day throughout the treatment to achieve the desired results. Patients typically change to a new set of aligners every two weeks, and regular check-ups with the orthodontist are usually scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks to monitor the progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

It’s important to follow the dentist’s / orthodontist’s instructions carefully throughout the treatment to ensure that it is successful and to avoid any delays in achieving the desired results. Additionally, patients should take good care of their aligners, keeping them clean and storing them properly when not in use, to ensure that they last throughout the treatment period.

While Invisalign aligners could cause some initial discomfort, they are generally more comfortable to wear than traditional braces. When you first start wearing a new set of aligners, you may experience some pressure or soreness as your teeth adjust to the new position. However, this discomfort typically subsides within a few days.

Additionally, Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth plastic material that is less likely to cause irritation or sores in your mouth compared to the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. The aligners are also custom-made to fit your teeth, which helps to improve their comfort level.

If you experience discomfort during the Invisalign treatment, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers or talk to your dentist or orthodontist about other pain management options. It’s important to follow all instructions for wearing and caring for your aligners to help minimize any discomfort and ensure the best possible results.

You can eat and drink normally while using Invisalign, but there are some important guidelines to follow to ensure the best possible results and to avoid damaging the aligners.

When eating or drinking, the aligners should be removed to prevent them from becoming stained or damaged. It is recommended that you rinse your mouth with water before putting the aligners back in after eating or drinking to help prevent food particles from getting trapped between your teeth and the aligners. It is also important to brush your teeth and floss before reinserting the aligners to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to prevent bacteria buildup.

Additionally, it is recommended that you avoid drinking sugary or acidic drinks while using Invisalign, as they can cause damage to the aligners and increase the risk of tooth decay. It is also recommended that you avoid chewing gum or smoking while using Invisalign, as they can cause the aligners to become discoloured and damaged.

Following these guidelines will help to ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of damaging the aligners during treatment. Your dentist or orthodontist will provide you with more detailed instructions on how to care for your aligners and maintain good oral hygiene during the Invisalign treatment.

During Invisalign treatment, you will need to see your dentist or orthodontist regularly to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. The frequency of these appointments may vary depending on your individual treatment plan and the severity of your dental issue.

In general, most patients will have appointments with their dentist or orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks throughout the treatment. During these appointments, the dentist or orthodontist will check the progress of the treatment, make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, and provide you with the next set of aligners.

It is important to attend all of your scheduled appointments with your dentist or orthodontist to ensure that your treatment progresses smoothly and to avoid any delays in achieving the desired results. If you experience any issues or concerns during the treatment, it is important to contact your dentist or orthodontist right away to address them and prevent any complications.

Invisalign can correct many common teeth alignment issues, including overcrowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. However, there may be some cases where traditional braces are a better option for correcting more complex dental issues.

For example, traditional braces may be more effective for correcting severe bite issues or teeth that need to be rotated significantly. Traditional braces also allow for greater control and precision over tooth movement, which may be necessary for certain complex cases.

Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to assess your dental issue and determine whether Invisalign is a suitable treatment option for you or whether traditional braces would be more appropriate. In some cases, a combination of Invisalign and traditional braces may be used to achieve the desired results.

It’s important to work with an experienced and qualified dentist or orthodontist who can provide you with the best possible treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.

Proper care and maintenance of your Invisalign aligners are essential to ensure the best possible results and prevent damage to the aligners.

The frequency of aligner replacement will vary depending on your individual treatment plan and the severity of your dental issue. In general, a new set of aligners will be provided every 1-2 weeks, and you will need to wear each set for approximately 1-2 weeks before moving on to the next set.

It is important to follow your dentist’s or orthodontist’s instructions for wearing and caring for your aligners to ensure the best possible results and avoid any complications during treatment.

After completing your Invisalign treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to help maintain the new position of your teeth. This is an important step to ensure that your teeth do not shift back to their original position after treatment.

Retainers can be either removable or fixed, and your orthodontist will recommend the best option for you based on your individual needs and goals.

Removable retainers are similar to Invisalign aligners and are custom-made to fit your teeth. They are typically worn for a certain period of time each day, and gradually reduced until they are only worn at night.

Fixed retainers, also known as lingual retainers, are thin wires that are bonded to the back of your teeth to hold them in place. They are usually placed on the lower front teeth, where teeth have the highest tendency to shift.

It is important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing and caring for your retainer to ensure the best possible results and prevent any complications. You will also need to attend regular follow-up appointments with your orthodontist to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your retainer.

In summary, wearing a retainer is an important part of the overall treatment process to ensure the long-term stability of your new smile.