Can I get the same results with Invisalign as I can with braces?
Absolutely! If you are dedicated at wearing your Invisalign, then in most cases you can obtain the same excellent smile at the end. If for any reason we think that you cannot get the same results, we will let you know this during your free consultation.
How many hours per day should I be wearing my Invisalign? Can I just wear them while I sleep?
You need to be wearing your aligners 20 – 22 hours per day for your teeth to move effectively. They should be worn at all times, except while eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing / flossing. Unfortunately, they cannot be worn just while you sleep!
Will Invisalign treatment be painful?
Invisalign treatment does not usually hurt that much and it is definitely more comfortable compared to traditional braces. For most people, the main discomfort is during the first week of treatment while you are getting used to them. During treatment you will feel pressure when you move onto each new aligner, which in turn might cause your teeth to be sore for a day or so, but this is totally normal. Consider this a sign that your Invisalign is working, and you can take over-the-counter pain medication if you wish (Ibuprofen / Advil works the best).
Will wearing Invisalign affect my speech?
Like all orthodontic treatments, aligners may temporarily affect speech resulting in a mild lisp. This usually goes away after a few days. During this time more saliva production is also normal.
Will I be finished with my treatment when I get to my last tray?
Almost all patients require 1 – 2 rounds of aligners to perfect their bite. But don’t worry, this is all part of the plan and does not cost any extra! After you have been scanned for a new set, please wear your current aligners only at night until the new ones arrive.
Are there any food restrictions during Invisalign treatment?
No! Because you are able to remove your aligners, there are no food restrictions during treatment. It is very important, however, that you never eat, or drink anything other than cold water with your aligners in your mouth. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal, but if you are unable to do so, simply rinse your mouth thoroughly with water before re-inserting your aligners.
What’s the best way to clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is to brush them with a toothbrush and either toothpaste or hand soap at least twice a day. You should always use cold or lukewarm water when cleaning them. Hot water can melt or deform the aligners!
Will Invisalign work if I currently have veneers?
Invisalign is a great option for orthodontic treatment if you have large fillings, multiple crowns or veneers. Trying to attach braces to crowns and veneers can be problematic.
Will Invisalign work if I have bridges or dental implants?
Most patients with bridges or dental implants will have no problems undergoing orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. Usually your Invisalign treatment plan can be designed around these bridges or implants, and is actually a more superior option as compared with traditional braces.
How long do I have to wear Invisalign for?
The amount of time that you’ll need to wear Invisalign is different for everyone and depends on the severity of your bite and the amount of crowding that you have. Most patients wear Invisalign for about 9 – 18 months, but it may be shorter or longer for you. If you are interested in decreasing your total treatment time, please ask about our Propel VPro+ vibration device that we offer. Using this easy device for 5 minutes per day can help reduce treatment time by as much as 40%. We highly recommend this device for patients that have significant dental crowding. Click here to read more about Propel VPro+.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign will vary depending on how complicated your treatment is. We do understand the importance of keeping the cost of your treatment within an affordable range, and thus we will work with you to help make this a possibility. We always offer in-house financing (no interest charged to you) to all of our patients, and it is also possible to extend payment plans longer than your actual treatment time if this will help with your budget.
Do Invisalign aligners contain Bisphenol-A (BPA)?
No. Invisalign aligners do not contain Bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticizers. The aligners are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, and polyurethane resins. Extensive tests have been conducted to determine the biocompatibility of these materials. It has been shown that they are biocompatible and pass all applicable regulatory requirements and thresholds for humans to wear in the mouth. It is always a good idea, however, to clean / rinse your new aligners before inserting them.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us today (203) 288-0900 to discuss your many options!
You won’t believe how quickly you can see a change in your smile with the appropriate treatment.
