Invisalign FAQs

This series of clear, custom-fitted aligners will straighten your teeth — minus brackets or metal wires. 

We will use advanced 3D computer imaging technology during the consultation process to develop a treatment plan based on your unique smile. 

A series of custom clear aligners will then be manufactured to fit your teeth specifically during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process. 

As your treatment progresses, Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth by small increments. Each aligner should be worn for about 2 weeks before you replace it with the next one in the series. 

This process will continue until your teeth are in their corrected prescribed positions. Your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific needs. 

Based on your specific needs, your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment. 

Factors that may impact the duration of your treatment include the shape of your bite, the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, and the amount of movement needed to correct the problem. 

Invisalign aligners are constructed with BPA-free, USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight polyurethane resins. 

Invisalign aligners do not require any adjustments or tightening — you will just switch to a new set of aligners every 2 weeks. Your dentist will book brief appointments with you every 4 to 6 weeks. 

At these appointments, your dentist will review your progress and overall oral health, answer your questions and adjust your treatment as needed. 

Invisalign's features include:

• Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
• Smooth construction for enhanced comfort
• Do not require adjustment appointments
• A discreet, low profile appearance 

Cost will vary depending on the severity of your case and the duration of your treatment. For example, the more severe the misalignment (malocclusion), the more aligners you'll require and the more your treatment will cost. 

In many cases, Invisalign's cost is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces). 

You may find that Invisalign will very comfortably fit into your daily life. 

You will be able to take your aligners out when you need to eat, drink, brush and floss. That means absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing will be as easy as ever. 

Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out to eat. As a result, 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 sodas.

The answer to this question will depend on the severity of your misalignment.

Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how many aligners you will need, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during an initial consultation.

Yes! Anyone who has healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.

More and more adults are deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because options like Invisalign have become available.

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 compliance indicators on them (small blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) 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.

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.

Rinse your aligners each time you remove them to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can result in dental decay and bad breath.

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!

Invisalign aligners are removable so you can play sports without worrying about causing damage to 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.

You'll also want to invest in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, as orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they shift into their new positions, and this can make them more susceptible to damage.

Yes! Simply remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and pop them back in when you're done.

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.