Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
If you don’t like how your smile looks, Invisalign is an innovative and convenient way to straighten your teeth. Below are some Invisalign FAQ that we often receive about Invisalign.
What Is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign uses the latest technology to digitally map your teeth, create custom plastic aligners that fit over your teeth, and apply gentle pressure to move them into place. You remove the aligners to eat, drink, and brush.
Why Choose Invisalign?
As the name suggests, Invisalign is virtually invisible, and you can remove the aligners before you eat, drink, or play sports, eliminating the common restrictions of braces.
Invisalign aligners are custom-fit to your teeth and are more comfortable than braces. Additionally, Invisalign can straighten your teeth faster and with less pain and discomfort.
What Is the Invisalign Treatment Process?
At your initial consultation, Dr. Harris will take a 3D x-ray as well as a digital scan of your teeth. From these images, he digitally creates a treatment plan that consists of several sets of aligners. These are custom-made to gently move your teeth to achieve a perfect smile.
The gentle pressure you feel during the first week of wearing the plastic aligners is a sign that the treatment is progressing. After a week or two, you will become accustomed to the feeling and not even notice it. Your treatment is complete when your teeth are in the proper position, and you are in love with your new smile.
How Do I Care for My Invisalign Aligners?
Caring for your aligners is simple. When removing the aligners, rinse them thoroughly before placing them in the case. Clean your aligners with just a toothbrush and lukewarm water. After eating or drinking, brush and rinse your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
Invisalign is a wonderful option for people with busy schedules! It switches the burden from patients having to come into the office every six weeks to Dr. Harris, who does most of the work behind the scenes! Invisalign is a tool that is only as effective as the hands that use it, and Dr. Harris has incredible experience in developing treatment plans that create gorgeous smiles. He even travels throughout the country to teach other Orthodontists how to use the Invisalign system effectively.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The length of your Invisalign treatment depends on your specific needs. On average, most patients complete their treatment in 12 to 18 months. However, simpler cases might take as little as 6 months, while more complex issues could require a longer timeline. During your free consultation, Dr. Harris will provide a personalized estimate for your unique smile journey.
What does Invisalign cost, and do you offer payment plans?
We believe a beautiful smile should be affordable. The cost of Invisalign varies based on the complexity of your treatment plan. We provide a clear cost breakdown during your complimentary consultation, so there are no surprises. To make treatment fit your budget, we offer flexible, customizable payment plans with 0% interest in-house financing. Our team will also help you maximize any insurance benefits you may have.
Are there any food or drink restrictions with Invisalign?
No! One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that you can continue to enjoy all your favorite foods and drinks. Simply remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. After your meal, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in to keep both your teeth and your aligners clean.
What happens if I lose or break an aligner?
Don’t worry, it happens! If you lose or break an aligner, please call our office right away for instructions. Depending on where you are in your treatment plan, we might advise you to wear your previous set of aligners or move on to the next set. It’s important to contact us quickly so we can keep your treatment on track.
How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners?
For the best results, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. Consistent wear is key to ensuring your teeth move as planned. You should only remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
Can Invisalign fix complex issues like overbites or underbites?
Yes, absolutely. Invisalign technology has advanced significantly and can effectively treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and crowded or gapped teeth. Dr. Harris uses the latest techniques to create a personalized plan that can correct even complex cases, giving you a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.
Common Invisalign Misconceptions Debunked
There are many myths about Invisalign clear aligners. Let’s clear up a few common ones so you can make an informed decision about your smile.
Misconception 1: “Invisalign is only for minor cosmetic fixes.”
This is one of the most common but outdated beliefs about Invisalign. While it’s great for small adjustments, modern Invisalign technology can effectively treat a wide range of complex orthodontic issues. This includes severe crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. The key is having an experienced provider who can create a personalized treatment plan to tackle your specific needs.
Misconception 2: “Invisalign is always more expensive than braces.”
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on your individual needs, not just the tool used. In many cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional braces. At your free consultation, we will provide a clear breakdown of all costs. We also offer flexible financing and payment plans to ensure that a beautiful, healthy smile is within reach for your budget.
Misconception 3: “Invisalign treatment is less effective than braces.”
Invisalign is a highly effective tool for straightening teeth. When designed by a skilled orthodontist and worn as directed (20-22 hours per day), clear aligners can achieve the same excellent, lasting results as traditional braces. The advanced software allows for precise, predictable movements, and the custom-fit aligners are designed to apply consistent, gentle pressure to guide your teeth into their ideal positions.
Misconception 4: “Invisalign is only for adults.”
Not at all! Invisalign is an excellent option for teenagers, and there’s even a specific system—Invisalign Teen—designed just for them. These aligners include features like compliance indicators (small blue dots that fade with wear) to help track use and eruption tabs to make space for teeth that haven’t fully grown in. It’s a popular choice for teens who want a discreet way to straighten their smile without the restrictions of metal braces.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment is a big decision. Both Invisalign and traditional braces can give you a beautiful, healthy smile, but they work in very different ways. This comparison can help you decide which option best fits your lifestyle.
| Feature | Invisalign Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces |
| Appearance | Virtually invisible. The clear plastic aligners are discreet and hard for others to notice. | Noticeable. Metal or ceramic brackets and wires are visible on the teeth. |
| Comfort | Smooth, custom-fit plastic aligners are generally more comfortable, with no sharp edges to irritate cheeks or gums. | Brackets and wires can sometimes cause irritation or sores inside the mouth, especially after adjustments. |
| Treatment Time | Often comparable to braces, typically ranging from 12 to 18 months, but can be faster for some cases. | Varies depending on the case, but generally averages between 18 and 24 months. |
| Maintenance | Easy. Simply remove the aligners to brush and floss your teeth as usual. Aligners should be cleaned separately. | More complex. Requires careful brushing and flossing around brackets and wires to prevent plaque buildup. |
| Food Restrictions | None. You can remove your aligners to eat and drink whatever you like. | Yes. You need to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage the brackets and wires. |
| Cost | The cost is often similar to traditional braces, depending on the complexity of your treatment plan. | The cost varies based on individual needs. We offer flexible payment plans for both options. |