FAQs About Invisalign: Everything You Need to Know Before Treatment

Teeth-straightening with Invisalign® aims to improve your bite and smile. Straight teeth are more stable and easier to maintain. You can also reap many benefits in your career and social life with straighter teeth. Understanding the process can prepare you well for your first day of treatment. Here are some Invisalign FAQs to ask your dentist during the consultation.

What is involved in the treatment?

Research reveals that Invisalign has been an effective teeth-straightening system for about 25 years. It can also improve other mild to moderate dental issues. The patient will wear a set series of aligners to gradually position the teeth into their proper places. These near-invisible aligners will change every week or two. The average treatment period is 12 to 18 months.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

Invisalign clear aligners are almost invisible. The smooth plastic material makes them comfortable to wear. These aligners are effective in treating mild to moderate bite issues, dental spacing, and crowding. They are removable, which makes eating and dental cleaning easier. Cleaning the aligners separately can also reduce the number of bacteria that stay between the aligners and teeth.

Who is the ideal candidate for Invisalign?

This treatment is for individuals who feel uncomfortable about getting traditional metal braces. The clear aligners are not glued to the teeth. This makes it ideal for people who want to get better dental health while going through teeth straightening. Invisalign is also for those who have the discipline to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. Individuals who can care for the aligners well and will not misplace them can get the treatment. Adults and teens who want a discreet way of aligning teeth are ideal candidates for this teeth-straightening system.

Are there food restrictions while wearing the clear aligners?

Clinical studies show that the treatment does not impact one’s lifestyle and diet. This allows the patient to eat anything while experiencing the Invisalign system. Removing the aligners is necessary before eating. This will prevent food particles from sticking to them. It will also prevent heavy staining. Brushing one’s teeth and cleaning the aligners are necessary.

What will happen if the patient accidentally breaks an aligner?

This issue is not a cause for panic. The dentist will send for a new clear Invisalign aligner from the lab. There will be a small fee for the order. The lab needs the serial number of the broken aligner to match one of the newly-ordered aligners. This will be a rare problem since the aligners are made of durable materials.

How does one clean the clear aligners?

There are a few ideal options to clean the aligners. An Invisalign cleaning system is available from the dentist or online. The patient can also use toothpaste and a toothbrush with some clean, lukewarm water. Do not use hot water because the aligner could warp and ruin the fit.