If you are searching for a discreet, comfortable way to align your teeth, Invisalign® may be your ideal solution.
Many patients are curious about Invisalign and want to know more before making a treatment decision. To help you understand this innovative orthodontic system, we have compiled the top 10 questions and answers about Invisalign, geared toward helping you make an educated treatment decision.
Top 10 Invisalign Questions and Answers
1. How does Invisalign work?
This system uses removable aligners made of clear medical-grade plastic to gradually shift teeth. Your dentist designs your treatment using highly detailed digital scans and then sends the designs to the Invisalign laboratory.
When your aligners return from the lab, you will wear each one in the series for one to two weeks, then change to the next. You will visit the dentist approximately every four to six weeks to check your progress and correct any issues.
2. Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
Adults and teens with good oral health and excellent hygiene skills are the best candidates. To receive Invisalign, you need healthy teeth and gums with no untreated gum disease or tooth decay. If you have any missing teeth, you may need a different orthodontic solution.
3. How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The duration of treatment depends on the severity of your alignment issues. The Invisalign process generally takes about 12 to 18 months, though some patients see results in as little as six months.
4. Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?
If your insurance covers orthodontic care, it may also cover Invisalign. Please consult with your insurer to determine your eligibility.
5. Does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign is significantly more comfortable than traditional braces. It has no sharp-edged brackets or wires to irritate tender oral tissues, and there are no adjustment appointments. You may feel minor discomfort when you switch to the next aligner in the series, but this sensation should pass quickly.
6. Can I eat and drink while wearing my aligners?
You must remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating or drinking with them can easily damage or stain them.
7. How do I maintain my aligners?
Clean your aligners daily using either branded cleaning crystals or clear, antibacterial liquid soap, rinsing well. Avoid hot water or abrasive toothpaste, as these can warp or scratch your aligners.
8. Is Invisalign appropriate for all ages?
Invisalign is an excellent choice for treating adults and teens. The system works best when patients have all their permanent teeth.
9. Are there dietary restrictions with Invisalign?
With Invisalign, you can eat anything you like as long as you clean your teeth thoroughly before replacing your aligners. You do not need to avoid crunchy, sticky, and chewy foods, as traditional braces patients must.
10. Do I have to wear a retainer after finishing my treatment?
A retainer allows your teeth to settle in permanent positions. If you do not wear your retainer as directed, your teeth will drift back to their original positions, and you will lose your investment in your smile.
Call Dental Associates
If you have any additional questions or concerns about Invisalign, please call our Farmington, CT, office at 860-677-8666. We would be glad to schedule a consultation with one of our expert doctors.