Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign clear aligners are plastic trays that fit over your teeth to try and straighten them without traditional metal braces.

At the outset of treatment, advanced 3D computer imaging technology will be used to create a treatment plan based on your unique needs.

Based on this plan, a series of custom clear aligners will be made to fit your teeth during each stage of your treatment process.

Invisalign clear aligners are designed to move your teeth in tiny increments as your treatment progresses. You will wear each aligner for about two weeks before it is replaced by the next one in the series.

This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions. The duration of your treatment will be determined based on your specific needs.

It depends. Most cases can be completed within 12-18 months. The exact duration of your treatment will be 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.

The aligners are made of flexible plastic, specifically USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. They are BPA-free.

Since Invisalign clear aligners require no adjustments or tightening, your dentist will schedule brief appointments with you every four to six weeks, approximately.

During these appointments, your dentist will review your progress and answer any questions you may have.

Invisalign clear aligners should be:

• Discreet when worn
• Smooth and comfortable
• Removable for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing

The cost of treatment with Invisalign depends on the severity of your case and the duration of your treatment. Ultimately, the cost of treatment with Invisalign should be comparable to that of traditional metal braces.

Use our Payment Calculator to get an idea of how much your treatment will cost on a weekly basis. But please note that only your dentist can give you an accurate idea of how much treatment will cost.

You will probably find that Invisalign fits comfortably into your daily life.

Because of the low profile appearance, many people shouldn't even notice you're undergoing orthodontic treatment, so the impacts on your social life should be minor.

You can also take your aligners out whenever you need to eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth. That normally means no restrictions on your diet and oral hygiene routines.

The number of sets of aligners you need will depend on the severity of your misalignment. Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how long treatment will take, 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 lower-profile options like these have become available.

Invisalign for Adults

Yes! Teens can certainly be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, there are Invisalign clear aligners designed just for teenagers.

Invisalign for Teens

Most patients change to the next set of aligners every two weeks or so. Your dentist will tell you exactly how often you should switch your aligners.

• Rinse your aligners each time you remove them to wash away saliva and plaque that can result in dental decay and bad breath.
• Soak your aligners using denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals.
• Brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back in. 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 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 clear aligners are removable so you can play sports without worrying about causing damage to your aligners.

However, keep in mind that the aligners must be kept in for about 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully.

You may 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 come with a case, and this is where you should keep them whenever you take them out.