Invisalign is a type of clear aligner that can be used to correct a wide variety of orthodontic problems. If you are considering Invisalign, you probably have a lot of questions about the treatment. What are the benefits? How long does it take? What will it cost? In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions and give you a comprehensive overview of the Invisalign treatment process!
Braces vs. Invisalign
There are two main types of orthodontic treatments: braces and Invisalign. Both treatments use a similar system to move teeth into their correct positions. However, there are some key differences between the two treatments.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a popular treatment choice for adults and teens who want to improve their smile without the conspicuousness of traditional braces. Invisalign aligners are made of clear, smooth plastic that is virtually invisible when worn. This means that you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing!
In addition, Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can eat whatever you want and brush and floss your teeth with ease. With traditional braces, food restrictions and difficulty maintaining oral hygiene are common complaints.
Invisalign is also a comfortable treatment option. The smooth plastic aligners will not irritate your gums or cheeks the way that metal brackets and wires can.
We have many people enquire about teeth straightening methods, and there are many who are curious about Invisalign as clear aligners have become popular over the last few years! We compile some of the most frequently asked questions just for you!
How long does Invisalign take?
The length of your Invisalign treatment will depend on the severity of your orthodontic problem. Most patients will complete treatment within 12 months, but some may need to wear aligners for up to 18 months.
Your dentist will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of how long your treatment will take after they have had a chance to examine your teeth.
Are traditional braces faster than Invisalign?
The short answer is: it depends. In general, Invisalign can be used to treat a wider range of orthodontic problems than traditional braces. This means that Invisalign may be the only treatment option for some patients.
For other patients, traditional braces may be the best option depending on the severity of their orthodontic problem. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best treatment option for your individual case.
Is Invisalign as good as braces?
There is no right answer to this question because the best treatment option for you will depend on your individual orthodontic needs. Invisalign may be a good choice for you if you are looking for a more discreet treatment option that is comfortable to wear. However, traditional braces may be the best choice for you if you have a more severe orthodontic problem. Ultimately, the best way to find out which treatment is right for you is to consult with a qualified orthodontist.
What is the Invisalign treatment process?
The first step in the Invisalign treatment process is to schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist. During your consultation, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and discuss your treatment options with you.
If you decide to move forward with Invisalign, your orthodontist will take impressions of your teeth and use them to create a custom treatment plan for you. Once your treatment plan is approved, your aligners will be fabricated and shipped to your orthodontist’s office.
You will then be scheduled for your first appointment, during which you will receive your aligners and be given instructions on how to care for them. You will need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day and replace them every two weeks.
You will also need to visit your orthodontist for regular appointments so that they can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Common concerns before getting Invisalign
How effective is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an effective treatment option for a wide range of orthodontic problems. The majority of patients who use Invisalign will achieve their desired results within 12 months.
However, the length of treatment will vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of their orthodontic problem. If you follow your orthodontist’s instructions to keep them on for 20-22 hours a day, the process will usually be smooth and fuss-free!
Does Invisalign work for crowded teeth?
Invisalign can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic problems, including crowding. If you have mild to moderate crowding, Invisalign may be a good treatment option for you.
However, if you have severe crowding, your orthodontist may recommend traditional braces as the best treatment option.
Can Invisalign close missing tooth gap?
Invisalign can be used to close gaps between teeth. However, depending on the size of the gap, you may need to wear your clear aligners for a longer period of time to achieve desired results.
Can Invisalign fix crossbite?
A crossbite is a type of malocclusion, or a misalignment of teeth, where upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. If you have mild to moderate crossbite, Invisalign may be a good treatment option for you. However, more sever cases of crossbite might require traditional metal braces.
Can Invisalign fix a gummy smile?
A gummy smile is when teeth appear to be too small because the gum tissue around them is showing. Invisalign can be used to fix a gummy smile by gently moving the teeth into their desired position. However, this depends on the cause behind your gummy smile and not all causes are suitable to be fixed by Invisalign.
Can Invisalign fix buck teeth?
Buck teeth is a term used to describe teeth that protrude outwards from the mouth. Invisalign can be used to fix buck teeth by gently moving the teeth into their desired position. This is dependent on the severity of your buck teeth and not all cases are suitable to be fixed by Invisalign.
Can Invisalign treat overbite?
An overbite is a type of malocclusion, or misalignment of teeth, where the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. Invisalign can be used to treat an overbite by gently moving the upper teeth back. Again, everyone’s teeth and gums are different, and the efficacy of Invisalign depends on if the severity of your overbite.
Ultimately, the best way to find out if Invisalign is right for you is to consult with a qualified orthodontist. They will be able to examine your teeth and make a recommendation based on your individual needs.
Does Invisalign damage teeth?
No, Invisalign does not damage teeth. As long as you follow your orthodontist’s instructions on how to care for your aligners and visit them for regular appointments, you should not experience any damage to your teeth during treatment. While you may experience some discomfort as your teeth is being gently moved into position, that is just your gums getting used to the pull and push.
Is Invisalign permanent?
Invisalign is not a permanent solution, but rather a treatment that will gradually move your teeth into their desired position over time. The average treatment time is 12 months, but this varies from patient to patient.
If you want to maintain your results after treatment, you will need to wear a retainer as instructed by your orthodontist. Wearing a retainer will hold your teeth in their new position and prevent them from moving back to their original position.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Overall, Invisalign should not hurt. However, you may feel soreness or discomfort for the first few days as your teeth adjust to the new aligners. If you experience any sharp pain or significant discomfort, be sure to consult with your orthodontist.
How long does it take to get used to Invisalign?
You should start to get used to Invisalign within a few days. However, it may take a week or two for your mouth to fully adjust.
How much is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment typically costs between $3000-$8000. The exact cost will depend on the severity of your case and how long you need to wear the aligners.
If you are considering invisalign, be sure to consult with a qualified orthodontist to see if it is the right treatment option for you. They will be able to give you an estimate of how much invisalign will cost and how long your treatment will take.
You may view a price list for WeSmile Dental’s teeth straightening treatments here. Do drop us a call, email or arrange for a consultation to get a more accurate quote.
Food, Drinks & Vices with Invisalign
Can you eat with Invisalign?
Throughout the duration of your treatment, you may eat whatever foods that you want. However, you should not eat while still wearing the Invisalign. Simply remove them before consuming any food and snap them on after!
Can you eat lollipops with Invisalign?
Yes, you can eat lollipops with Invisalign. However, we do not recommend it as the hard candy can damage your aligners.
Can you drink tea with Invisalign?
While you can drink with clear aligners on, stick to clear liquids like water and avoid drinks that can stain your aligners like coffee and tea.
Can you drink soda with Invisalign?
You can drink soda with Invisalign, but we do not recommend it as the sugar and acidity in soda can damage your Invisalign.
How to drink alcohol with invisalign?
You can drink alcohol with invisalign, but we recommend that you remove your aligners before doing so. Drinking alcohol with invisalign on can increase the risk of staining and damage to your aligners.
Can u smoke with invisalign?
You should not smoke with invisalign as the nicotine in cigarettes can cause stains on your aligners.
FAQs for those new to Invisalign
Can chewies speed up Invisalign?
Chewies are not necessary to speed up invisalign, but they can help the aligners fit better and prevent them from slipping.
How to take out Invisalign easily with attachments?
To remove Invisalign with attachments, first, use your thumb and forefinger to push down on either side of the attachment. Next, wiggle the aligner back and forth until it pops off.
What if i only wear my Invisalign at night?
If you only wear Invisalign at night, you may not see the results that you want as invisalign needs to be worn for at least 20-22 hours per day to be effective. Your teeth needs time to move and get used to its new position. Without the clear aligners holding them in place throughout the day, your teeth may shift back to their original position and cause you to lose progress in your treatment.
How to clean stained Invisalign?
You should brush your Invisalign after every meal and before putting them back in your mouth. You can use a soft toothbrush and clear soap to gently scrub your Invisalign. You should also rinse your aligners with lukewarm water before putting them back in.
For a deeper clean, you can soak your Invisalign in denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals. Soak them for about 15 minutes and then brush them gently with a soft toothbrush. Rinse with lukewarm water before putting them back in your mouth.
You should also clean your Invisalign case regularly. Simply rinse it out with warm water and soap, and then dry it off with a clean towel.
How to clean your Invisalign retainer?
You should brush your Invisalign retainer with a toothbrush and clear soap everyday. You can also soak it in denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals for a deeper clean.
So, is Invisalign the best option for you?
In conclusion, Invisalign is a great treatment option for those looking to straighten their teeth without metal braces. However, it is important that you consult with an orthodontist to get professional advice on whether Invisalign is the best option for you.
We hope that this article has helped to answer some of your questions about Invisalign! If you have any other questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us.
We would be happy to help you on your journey to a straighter, healthier smile!
