Invisalign® Aligners FAQ

Invisalign is a teeth-straightening system designed to provide patients with a discreet option for straightening their teeth. Today, due to advancements in the material used to create Invisalign’s teeth-straightening aligners, orthodontic issues that could only be addressed with traditional braces can now be corrected using the Invisalign system.

During treatment with Invisalign, the patient wears a series of custom-made, clear aligners. These aligners are removable, so there are no wires or brackets to contend with. Also, since the aligners are taken out while eating, the food restrictions linked to wearing traditional metal braces do not apply to Invisalign’s teeth-straightening system.

Keeping your aligners clean is very important because if you do not, the enamel, which is the protective coating on your teeth, could sustain damage. Once this coating is damaged, the tooth is likely to begin to decay, resulting in a cavity. It is the bacteria on the aligner that damages the tooth enamel.

• Keep up with your dental hygiene by flossing once and brushing your teeth at least twice a day, once when you get up in the morning and then again before you go to bed. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a fluoride toothpaste that has the ADA’s seal of approval. Each of your brushing sessions should last for two minutes. Keeping your teeth clean helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque on your aligners.
• Be careful as you brush. Brushing your teeth every time you remove your aligners or put them in is preferred; however, overzealous brushing can scratch your teeth, so do not use a lot of pressure while brushing.
• Each time you remove your aligners, you need to rinse them under running water. Using running water allows you to rinse away saliva, food particles, and bacteria; however, do not use hot water to rinse your aligners. Hot water can warp your aligner. If this happens, a new aligner will need to be created.
• You can use a clear, fragrance-free antibacterial soft soap to clean your aligners. By using this type of soap, you will be able to remove plaque buildup and eliminate any bacteria that have accumulated on your aligner.
• Soak your aligners regularly with Invisalign’s Cleaning Crystals. These cleaning crystals are designed to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria from your aligners; This soak is quick, only taking about 15 minutes.

First, you need to make an appointment with one of the experienced Invisalign doctors at Craig and Streight Orthodontics. During this complimentary initial consultation, you will meet the doctors, X-rays, and photos will be taken. Once the information gathered is reviewed, the experienced Invisalign doctor will make a recommendation. Please feel free to ask questions. If you decide to move forward with treatment, your Invisalign doctor will create a personalized treatment plan. This digital treatment plan is designed to meet your specific needs. Once you approve of the treatment plan, your custom-designed aligners are created. Each set of aligners is worn 20 to 22 hours a day. Your aligners are changed out every week or two. Every set of aligners gently shifts your teeth into the proper place.

For the most part, braces and Invisalign are comparable in price. After your initial consultation with an experienced Invisalign doctor at Craig and Streight Orthodontics, the doctor can give you a quote on how much your treatment will cost. Once you have a quote, ask about the payment options available at Craig and Streight Orthodontics.

Straightening your teeth with Invisalign requires minimal adjustment. Since Invisalign’s plastic aligners are so thin, your speech should not be affected. The only limitations are that you should avoid eating, drinking, chewing gum, and smoking while wearing your aligners. Otherwise, your aligners can develop an undesirable odor or become more visible due to staining.

For optimal results and to keep treatment time on track, you should wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. They should only be removed to clean the aligners and while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Since your aligners are removable, there are no restrictions related to food when you choose the Invisalign teeth-straightening system to straighten your teeth. Just remember to brush your teeth before you put your aligners back in.

Yes, although both orthodontists and dentists specialize in working with issues related to the mouth, each has different goals. Your orthodontist aligns your jaw and addresses issues like crooked teeth. Your dentist focuses on keeping your mouth healthy.

Invisalign has helped more than 8 million people attain the smile they have always wanted. This FDA-approved teeth-straightening system’s track record in relation to results, safety, and comfort is flawless. During your free initial consultation at Craig and Streight Orthodontics, you can view testimonials of people who had dental issues similar to yours that Invisalign was able to correct. Furthermore, your experienced Invisalign doctor can determine if this is the best teeth-straightening option for you.