Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about Invisalign clear aligners from Greenbank Hunt Club Dental in Ottawa.
Invisalign FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
- What are Invisalign clear aligners?
Invisalign clear aligners are a system of clear, custom-made plastic aligners that straighten your teeth in a series without relaying on metal wires or brackets.
3D computer imaging technology is used during the consultation process in order to create a customized treatment plan for your smile based on its unique needs.
A series of custom-made clear aligners will be manufactured to precisely fit your teeth at each stage of the Invisalign treatment process.
- How does the Invisalign process work?
Invisalign's clear, plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth little by little to their prescribed positions throughout your treatment process. You will have to wear each aligner for about 2 weeks before replacing it with the next in the series.
This process will continue until your teeth reach their final corrected positions. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist based on your unique needs.
- How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific needs.
Factors that may determine the duration of your treatment include the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, the shape of your bite, and the amount of movement required to correct the problem.
- What are Invisalign aligners made of?
Invisalign clear aligners are made of USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. They are also BPA free.
- How often do I have to visit the dentist?
Since Your Invisalign clear aligners don't require any adjustments or tightening, your dentist will only need to schedule short checkups with you every 4 - 6 weeks.
At these appointments, they will review the progress of your clear aligners and overall oral health. Your dentist will also be able to answer your questions and make any adjustments to your treatment plan as required.
- What are the primary features of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are:
- A more discreet solution than some traditional braces
- Smooth construction that many people report is more comfortable
- Do not require adjustment appointments
- Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
- How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend on how severe your specific case is. For example, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners you'll need and the more your treatment will cost.
In many cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).
- How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?
You may find that Invisalign fits very comfortably into your day-to-day life.
You can take your aligners out whenever you need to eat, or brush and floss your teeth. That means absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever.
- Are there any food or drink restrictions?
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 soda beverages.
- How many sets of aligners will I need?
The answer to this question will depend on the severity of your misalignment.
Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how long your treatment will take, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during an initial consultation.
- Can adults use Invisalign?
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.
- Can teenagers use Invisalign?
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.
- How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?
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.
- How do I clean my aligners?
Rinse your clear aligners with water each time your remove them in order to wash away dried saliva and plaque which would otherwise cause bad breath or tooth decay.
Use the official Invisalign cleaning crystals, denture cleaner, or Retainer Brite to soak your aligners.
Before putting your clear aligner back into your mouth, make sure to diligently brush and floss your teeth. Good oral hygiene is the key to maintain good oral health during your Invisalign treatment. And, failing to properly floss and brush may allow food debris or bacteria to become trapped between your teeth and clear aligners. This can increase your risk of dental health issues.
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!
- Can I play sports with Invisalign?
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.
- Can I play my instrument with Invisalign?
Yes! Simply remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and pop them back in when you're done.
- How do I store my aligners?
Your Invisalign clear aligners will come with a case. This is where you should keep them whenever you remove your aligners from your mouth, in order to keep them safe.
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Get in touch. We'd be glad to answer any other questions you may have.