Invisalign® FAQ
When you visit us for your complimentary consultation, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Invisalign treatment!
In the meantime, here are some Invisalign FAQs to help familiarize you with the process. If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
What is Invisalign made of?
Invisalign is made from a high-quality plastic, engineered exclusively for Invisalign. It’s called SmartTrack®! They’re specially designed for comfort and easy removal.
These clear aligners are FDA-approved, BPA-free, BPS-free, latex-free and gluten-free. They won’t irritate your cheeks or gums, and they’re safe to wear through the day and night.
Every set of clear aligners you receive is custom-designed and made just for your smile.
How do Invisalign aligners work?
Invisalign works in a series of clear aligner sets. Each set of aligners is custom-designed to guide your teeth one step closer to their beautiful end position.
Your clear aligners apply gentle but persistent pressure to your teeth to guide them into alignment.
We will give you multiple sets of aligners at once. Every 1 to 2 weeks (depending on your custom treatment plan), you’ll replace your current set of aligners with a new set.
At your check-in appointments, Dr. Andrews will assess your progress to ensure that you’re on track with your treatment plan. During these appointments, we’ll determine how often you need to switch out your aligners and whether we need to make any adjustments to your treatment plan moving forward.
How long is treatment with Invisalign?
We’ve found that the greatest results come from a completely personalized treatment plan. Your Invisalign treatment length will be determined on an individual basis, based on the severity of your condition and your compliance in wearing your aligners each day.
Dr. Andrews will give you an estimated treatment length at your complimentary consultation, after we take your x-rays and diagnostic photos.
Generally, the average treatment time with Invisalign is anywhere from 6 to 24 months, but your treatment may be longer or shorter depending on your circumstances.
Does Invisalign hurt?
No, Invisalign does not hurt! Similar to braces, you may experience some tenderness or soreness the first few days after beginning a new set of aligners. You shouldn’t experience ‘pain’ at all throughout your treatment process.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, like Tylenol or Advil, can help ease the soreness whenever necessary. Once your teeth and gums get used to the pressure of your aligners, the soreness will subside.
Dr. Andrews will give you an estimated treatment length at your complimentary consultation, after we take your x-rays and diagnostic photos.
Generally, the average treatment time with Invisalign is anywhere from 6 to 24 months, but your treatment may be longer or shorter depending on your circumstances.
What do I do if an Invisalign attachment falls off?
As long as your trays are still fitting snugly and you’re not using any rubber bands on that particular attachment, there’s no need to rush in and get it replaced. Just keep following your treatment plan, and if you have any concerns, feel free to give us a call.
What do I do if I lose one of my trays?
If you lose a tray, try to move to your next tray. If it fits nicely and stays put, great! But if it doesn’t fit or stay in place, please get in touch with us. We want to make sure that you stay on track with your treatment.
How often do I wear my clear aligners?
Invisalign requires compliance. You must wear your aligners through the day and night, for at least 22 hours, for them to be as effective as they’re designed to be.
You can remove your aligners to eat food, drink beverages (other than water), brush your teeth and floss your teeth. You can take them out temporarily as you need throughout the day, as long as you keep them in for a total of 22 hours.
If you can’t commit to wearing your aligners this often, we recommend braces!
Can you get Invisalign with crowns?
Yes, crowns shouldn’t pose a problem. Invisalign isn’t bonded to your teeth; it sits on top of your teeth. This means your aligners won’t pull on your crowns and they aren’t adhered to your crowns.
If you have dental crowns and you’re considering Invisalign treatment, we encourage you to reach out to us! Every case is unique, so it’s difficult to tell whether your crowns will affect your Invisalign treatment until you visit us for your complimentary exam.