Invisalign FAQ

Does Invisalign work? 

Absolutely. The Invisalign system was carefully thought out to be adaptable to the situation of each unique patient. When you begin the process, a 3D scan will be made of your mouth and teeth. This will allow for the creation of your unique aligners that fit the individual contours of your mouth and teeth.

How much will Invisalign cost me?

The answer varies, depending upon your individual situation. Certain types of dental problems may take longer to straighten out than others. And the longer the treatment, the greater the cost.

In the end, patients typically find that getting clear aligners works out to about the same cost as traditional braces. And Invisalign is a far more comfortable and less obtrusive treatment option.

How often will I need to change my aligners?

Patients typically need to have their aligners swapped out for a new set every two weeks or so. The precise amount of time depends upon the specifics of your unique treatment plan.

How long before I notice results?

You may begin noticing results as soon as your first set of trays are swapped out for the second set. Your teeth should have already begun shifting during this time. Just rest assured that Invisalign is always working in your mouth to shift your teeth into their appropriate positions every day.

Is Invisalign really invisible?

Nothing is truly invisible, but Invisalign comes really close. The clear aligners that you are wearing are translucent and virtually undetectable. Someone would have to be standing very close to you to notice anything is different. Wearers typically find that no one knows that they are being treated unless they opt to tell them.

Is it true that I don't really need to worry about what I eat with Invisalign?

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is completely removable. If you need to eat something, just remove the aligners and pop them back in when you are done eating.

This doesn't mean that you can go wild, and eat and drink sugary foods and snacks without any health repercussions, however. Your teeth and gums are still subject to tooth decay and gum disease if you do not practice sound oral hygiene.

Invisalign wearers love the way that they can eat hard and sticky foods without worrying about them sticking to their appliances. Along with virtual invisibility, this is a major selling point for most  Invisalign patients.

Can Invisalign be used for a more limited type of treatment?

Most patients prefer to undergo a comprehensive Invisalign treatment process to completely align their teeth, bite and jaw. However, this is not always necessary, so limited treatment is definitely something that you should consider.

One benefit of undergoing a limited treatment is that your goals can be achieved in a quicker time frame than if you would have had a more comprehensive treatment. This may be appropriate for those who simply want to enhance their smile, although a degree of coordination between you and your regular dentist may be necessary in certain cases.

So limited treatment is an option, but it is not always right for a given patient's individual situation. This is nothing to stress over; you and your provider will discuss all of this and more during your initial consultation.

Does Invisalign make a good choice for teens and children?

Although the original intent for Invisalign was adults, its rapid success led to development of something called Invisalign Teen, which has certain features that make it uniquely ideal for adolescents:

• Additional features accommodating growing teen teeth

• "Power ridges" assisting the roots of teeth to grow into the correct spots

• Complementary replacements for lost or damaged aligners

Plus, the fact that Invisalign is a virtually invisible system makes it perfect for teenagers who are often somewhat self-conscious about their appearance during their awkward teen years.

Is Invisalign right for me?

There is no one solution for every individual. Each person is different and has a unique set of challenges and goals. Ultimately, the determination of whether Invisalign is right for you will be made at your initial consultation. Having said that, Invisalign makes a great choice for the large majority of patients.

Your Invisalign Consultation

Are you ready to begin your Invisalign journey toward straightening your teeth and enhancing your smile and self-esteem? We invite you to contact us today to book your initial Invisalign consultation.