Invisalign FAQs
Read answers to some of Hog's Back Dental Centre's most commonly asked questions about Invisalign below.
Invisalign FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
What are Invisalign clear aligners?
Invisalign clear aligners are a series of custom fitted, clear plastic aligners which straighten your teeth without relying on metal wires and brackets.
Advanced 3D computer imaging technology is used in the consultation process to create a treatment plan based on your unique smile.
We will manufacture a series of custom aligners to fit your smile during each stage of its repositioning process.
How does the Invisalign process work?
Invisalign's clear plastic aligners move your teeth in tiny increments by design over the course of your treatment process. You will wear each aligner for around 2 weeks before moving on to the next.
This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist based on your specific needs.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific needs.
There are many factors which can determine the duration of your treatment, These can include the shape of your bite, the misalignment of your jaw or teeth and the amount of movement that will be required to address those issues.
What are Invisalign aligners made of?
The Invisalign aligners are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. They are BPA free.
How often do I have to visit the dentist?
Since Invisalign clear aligners don't require any tightening or adjustments, you will only need to visit your dentist briefly every four to six weeks for checkups.
During these appointments, we will review your treatment progress and general oral health as well as answer any questions you might have an make adjustments to your treatment.
What are the primary features of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are:
- A more discreet solution than traditional braces
- Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
- Smooth construction for enhanced comfort
- Do not require adjustment appointments
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend on its duration and your specific case. The more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners will be needed and the more the treatment will cost.
In many cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).
How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?
You may find that Invisalign fits very comfortably into your day-to-day life.
You are able to remove your aligners whenever you need to brush, floss or eat. This means there aren't the same dietary restrictions imposed on you as with traditional braces and your can keep up your regular oral health routine.
Are there any food or drink restrictions?
You are able to remove your clear aligners for brushing, flossing, eating and drinking. Because of this, there are no dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can continue to eat all the foods you love!
To avoid staining your clear aligners, we recommend removing them when you consume beverages such as wine, coffee, or dark soda beverages.
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 give you an accurate estimate of how long your treatment will take, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during an initial consultation.
Can adults use Invisalign?
Yes! Anyone who has healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.
More adults than ever are opting to undergo orthodontic treatment, mostly because of the availability of discreet options like Invisalign clear aligners.
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 have small blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn for 2 weeks (called compliance indicators) to help teens stay on track with their treatment.
They also come with eruption tabs that provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked.
How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?
Most patients change to their next set of aligners every two weeks or so. Your dentist will tell you exactly how often you should switch out your aligners.
How do I clean my aligners?
Rinse your aligners each time your remove them. This will wash away dried saliva and plaque buildup which can harm your teeth.
Soak your aligners using denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back in. Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. Failing to brush and floss properly can trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and aligner, increasing your risk of dental problems and bad breath.
Clean your aligners with a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap. Clear anti-bacterial soap is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria.
Brush your aligners gently so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!
Can I play sports with Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are removable so you can play sports without having to worry about damaging your aligners.
However, keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully.
It would be wise to also invest in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth too. Orthodontic treatment like Invisalign can cause your teeth to loosen during the treatment process as they shift to their new positions.
Can I play my instrument with Invisalign?
Yes! Simply remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and pop them back in when you're done.
How do I store my aligners?
Your Invisalign aligners will come with a case, and this is where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them safe.
Can't find the answer you're looking for?
Get in touch. We'd be glad to answer any other questions you may have.