Do you remember to put your aligners back in regularly? If you’re prone to forgetting, Invisalign frequently asked questions may not be the best treatment for you.

Crooked teeth can lead to many health-related issues in the future. If you’re interested in straightening your teeth without the hassle of metal braces, contact us to schedule a consultation today!

What is Invisalign?

The Invisalign treatment uses clear aligners to correct the alignment of your teeth. The aligners are made of smooth, BPA-free plastic that is comfortable to wear and will gradually shift your teeth into a straighter position over time.

During treatment, you will need to wear your aligners on a daily basis, except for when you are eating or drinking. You should also clean your aligners on a regular basis to remove food debris, bacteria and other impurities that collect in the trays.

Invisalign can help fix various bite issues such as overcrowding, deep bite and edge-to-edge bite. The customised trays are designed to shift the teeth in an optimised sequence to achieve the desired results.

How does Invisalign work?

If you are a good candidate, your dentist or orthodontist will use digital images or impressions to create a 3D model of your teeth. This will be used to create a customized Invisalign treatment plan for you.

The timeline for Invisalign will depend on several factors, including your dedication to wearing the trays. If you tend to forget to wear your trays or have trouble keeping them clean, you will likely need more time than those who diligently follow the instructions.

Other factors can also influence your Invisalign timeline, such as if you have large gaps that need to be closed. These types of issues can take more time to correct than minor ones.

How long will Invisalign take to work?

It’s important to keep in mind that Invisalign works differently for each patient. The length of time your treatment takes depends on how often you wear your clear aligners and the extent to which they shift your teeth into alignment. It also depends on how consistently you follow your dentist’s guidelines, such as removing the aligners for eating and drinking.

If you have a habit of forgetting to wear your aligners, it may take longer for them to work, so make sure to stick with wearing them at least 20-22 hours per day. Additionally, patients with gum disease may not be able to use Invisalign, so you should discuss this option with your doctor before getting started.

Will Invisalign hurt?

Invisalign can cause some discomfort while wearing the aligners, but it will vary by patient. It is more pronounced during the first few days with a new set of trays and will improve over time. If you experience pain for more than a day or two, contact our orthodontist office.

A cold compress (such as a frozen washcloth) can help reduce pain, as well as drinking very cold water or sucking on an ice cube (just don’t chew on it!). It’s also important to wear your aligners at least 22 hours a day. Otherwise, you’ll experience even more pain! For extra comfort, you can use orthodontic wax.

Can I switch to braces if I don’t like Invisalign?

Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners to straighten your teeth. You will wear each set for about 22 hours a day. Each aligner is slightly different than the previous one, causing your teeth to move gradually over time.

You can remove the aligners before eating, allowing you to enjoy a wider range of foods than you would with traditional braces. You do need to keep track of the number of aligners you lose, and you will have to return for regular appointments.

Invisalign is typically most suitable for teenagers and adults. Younger teens or those with impacted permanent teeth or second molars may be better candidates for traditional braces.

Can I get Invisalign at my dentist’s office?

Invisalign isn’t available at all dental offices. Choosing an orthodontist that has experience with the treatment can ensure you receive a thorough examination and a comprehensive treatment plan.

Your dentist will also be able to answer any questions or concerns you have about the procedure. For example, if you are concerned about how Invisalign will look when it is finished, your dentist can show you digital images of your smile to give you an idea of the results.

Invisalign can correct a variety of issues including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, and underbites. However, if you have severe alignment problems, fixed braces may be a better option for you.