Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

If you are like many people who want straight teeth, you are considering Invisalign but probably have questions about these invisible braces. Fortunately, more than 6 million people have used Invisalign, so many of the most frequently asked questions have already been answered.

Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a treatment that straightens teeth and improves bite issues, without the use of metal brackets and wires. Invisalign is a series of clear, removable plastic trays that gradually straighten your teeth. You will receive each tray in the mail, and wear it for 20 to 22 hours each day for 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by your dentist. The aligners apply gentle pressure to your teeth, and this pressure moves your teeth to the desired location.

What are the trays made from?

Invisalign uses a patented thermoplastic FDA-approved material called SmartTrack®, a type of plastic that is free from BPA, BPS, latex, and gluten.

How does Invisalign straighten teeth?

Your dental care professional will create a unique, digital treatment plan that maps out where your teeth will move. Each Invisalign tray gradually shifts your teeth each day until you reach your new smile.

Do I leave the Invisalign aligners in all of the time?

You will leave your aligners in for 20 to 22 hours every day, and take them out only when you eat, drink, and brush or floss your teeth.

What foods or drinks should I avoid while wearing Invisalign?

Always remove your Invisalign before eating and drinking any foods or beverages, as doing so may damage or stain the aligner. Be sure to brush your teeth before putting your Invisalign back into your mouth.

While undergoing Invisalign treatment, avoid eating food that might push your teeth out of alignment. Stay away from uncooked carrots, for example, and avoid caramel that can pull on teeth. Avoid beverages that can stain your aligners, such as coffee, tea, and wine. Do not drink hot beverages while wearing Invisalign, as high temperatures can warp the aligner.

How long will Invisalign treatment take?

Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months on average, although you may see results in just weeks.

What is the Invisalign process?

The Invisalign process begins with a trip to your dentist or orthodontist, who can help you decide if Invisalign is right for you. Your dental health professional will discuss your teeth-straightening goals with you and examine your teeth and bite. They will also discuss how long you might be using Invisalign, and ways to improve your results.

Once you approve the plan, a laboratory will make your aligners and send them to you in the mail every week or two. You will wear each aligner for the predetermined amount of time – usually one to two weeks. Throw away the old aligner and start wearing the new one as scheduled.

Is Invisalign uncomfortable?

Tooth movement can cause discomfort, particularly during the first few days of wearing each aligner. Invisalign is very comfortable compared with the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces, largely because of the smooth plastic materials from which the aligners are made. Furthermore, Invisalign aligners are trimmed to remove any rough edges that may cause discomfort.

What are buttons?

Buttons are tiny tooth-colored brackets onto which you will attach small rubber bands, which increases the gentle pressure applied to the teeth. Buttons help the Invisalign aligners move teeth better than the aligners can do by themselves. Your dentists can tell you if you will need buttons to improve the teeth-straightening effects of Invisalign.

How do I get started with Invisalign?

Make an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist. Your dental health professional can help you decide if Invisalign can give you the smile you have always wanted.

For more information on Invisalign, contact Langley Dental Care. Our team has the tools and advanced training needed to help transform your smile with Invisalign.