How does Invisalign Treatment Work?
Your Invisalign® clear aligners are custom-made for you. The aligners are virtually invisible and fit snugly over your teeth.
Each aligner shifts your teeth slightly, moving them horizontally and vertically and even rotating them when needed. Your aligners are engineered to use the right amount of force in the right place at the right time.
When you change to the next set of aligners (typically every week) your teeth gradually move into position, following a custom treatment plan mapped out by your doctor.
Only Invisalign clear aligners are made of proprietary, multilayer SmartTrack® material to gently shift your teeth into place. |
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From consultation to confident new smile, you’ll know what to expect every step of the way.
1-Your first consultation
Choosing Invisalign treatment is an important dental and financial decision, so it’s essential that you find the right doctor for you. You may want to meet with several experienced Invisalign-trained doctors to find the one you feel most comfortable with.
At your initial consultation, your doctor will discuss your needs and evaluate whether Invisalign treatment is right for you.
2-Your custom treatment plan
Your doctor will use a scanner such as the iTero® digital scanning system to create fast, precise 3D digital images of your teeth. (Some doctors will take physical impressions.)
Then your doctor will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth and how long your treatment will be. You’ll even get to see how your teeth will move and preview your new smile.
3-Your Invisalign clear aligners
Your custom-made aligners will be made of our proprietary SmartTrack® material. They’re virtually invisible, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Wear your Invisalign clear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results, taking them out to eat and to brush and floss.
4-Your progress
As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth will gently and gradually shift into place. Your doctor may recommend that you begin wearing a new set of aligners every week and schedule check-ups every six weeks or so.
At every stage you’ll be able to see your progress and imagine how far your new smile will take you.
5-Taking care of your new smile
When your treatment is complete, ask your doctor about a Vivera® retainer. Vivera retainers are custom-made using the same state-of-the-art technology as Invisalign clear aligners.
Is Invisalign® treatment appropriate for you? For the majority of cases, the answer is yes. Invisalign treatment is clinically proven to be effective for a broad range of teeth straightening cases, from mild to complex. And, we’re continuously innovating to expand that range and get even better results.
These are some common concerns doctors treat with Invisalign clear aligners:
Gapped Teeth
Gaps between teeth can occur with abnormal continued growth of the jawbone. Missing teeth can also cause the surrounding teeth to shift due to the extra space, creating gaps in your teeth. Spacing issues and gaps between teeth can lead to gum problems (due to lack of protection by the teeth), periodontal pockets and increased risk of periodontal disease.
Overbite
Overbite occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. It’s typically caused by genetics, bad oral habits, or overdevelopment of the bone that supports the teeth. This can lead to gum problems or irritation, and/or wear on the lower teeth, and can cause painful jaw and joint problems.
Underbite
Underbite can occur when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It’s usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth. This can prevent the normal function of front teeth or molars, which can lead to tooth wear. It can also cause painful jaw and joint problems.
Open Bite
Open bite often occurs when some teeth are unable to make physical contact with the opposing teeth for a proper bite. Most often caused by a genetic abnormal jaw structure or excessive thumb-sucking, an open bite can cause poor or painful chewing, and even speech impairment. It can also lead to greater issues like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
Overly Crowded
Teeth crowding occurs when there is simply a lack of room within your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally. When left untreated, overly crowded teeth can get worse over time, and result in severely crooked teeth. This crowding can lead to plaque accumulation, tooth decay and an increased chance of gum disease.
Crossbite
Crossbite can occur when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned. It causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, and can happen on both the front and the sides of the mouth. This can cause wear of the teeth, gum disease and bone loss.
One of the best things about Invisalign® treatment is the minimal impact it has on your everyday life. Since the aligners are so comfortable, you should be able to wear them for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day without much effort. Here are some comments from people going through treatment:
Maintain Oral Hygiene
The aligners are easily removable, so you can continue to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. Cleaning your aligners is just as easy with the Invisalign cleaning kit. Or you can simply brush and rinse them in lukewarm water. That’s it! Achieving that great smile couldn’t be easier!
Eating
You’ll also remove the aligners each time you eat. This means you can continue to eat all the foods you love without any restrictions or worrying about food getting stuck in your wires and brackets. With other teeth-straightening methods, the simple act of eating can often be troublesome.
Playing Sports
For those who are active in contact sports, Invisalign clear aligners let you play without the worry of sharp brackets cutting your mouth. If your sport requires wearing a protective mouthguard, simply remove your aligners and you’re good to go!
Easy Cleaning
Your bedtime routine can continue as before, with the simple addition of cleaning your aligners. You won’t be struggling with trying to floss and brush in between brackets and wires, which can be time-consuming.
When considering Invisalign or braces, before and after pictures can be an important part of the decision-making process. If you’re curious about how effectively Invisalign can treat your case, take a look at a few success stories of previous Invisalign patients. Each of these individuals had their own unique orthodontic and dental issues that were successfully treated with Invisalign.
Overly Crowded
Patient’s Chief Concern
This-26-year old female believed there wasn’t enough room within her jaw for all of her teeth to fit normally. Her doctor told her that when left untreated, overly crowded teeth can cause dental decay, and increase in the chances of gum disease, and can prevent the normal function of teeth. She was treated with Invisalign over the course of approximately 10 months.
 Before After |
Crossbite
Patient’s Chief Concern
This 27-year-old female was unhappy that her upper and lower jaws seemed to be misaligned. This caused her upper teeth to bite on the inside of her lower teeth, and she could tell it was causing excessive wear. Her doctors told her this issue could also cause gum disease and bone loss. Her Invisalign treatment lasted approximately nine months.
 Before After |
Gapped Teeth
Patient’s Chief Concern
56-year-old male was concerned that his teeth were abnormally spaced and very far apart. His doctor told him that, while this might just seem unattractive, spacing issues in teeth can also cause some periodontal diseases. His Invisalign treatment lasted approximately 10 months.
 Before After |
Overbite
Patient’s Chief Concern
38-year-old female was concerned that her upper teeth overlapped her lower teeth too much. Not only is this a cosmetic issue, but it can lead to health problems later in life, so she was anxious to get it fixed. She was treated with Invisalign in approximately 20 months.
 Before After |
Studies show that without retainers straight teeth can gradually shift back towards their initial position. This is a common occurrence with all orthodontic treatment, but is one that can easily be overcome. Wearing Vivera retainers after traditional braces or Invisalign treatment means you are keeping your teeth in their new position and protecting your smile and investment.
Why Choose Vivera Retainers
Vivera retainers are custom made for you with the same state-of-the-art technology used to make Invisalign aligners. Because the retainers are custom made from an impression or scan of your teeth, you will benefit from a precise fit and therefore more comfortable fit.
Vivera’s proprietary material is 30% stronger*, which helps maintain your teeth in the desired position. It also reduces the risk of the retainer cracking or breaking, which means a more durable retainer that you can count on.
How to Order Vivera Retainers
If you are about to finish treatment, tell your doctor that you choose Vivera retainers.
For new Vivera patients:
- He/She will take an impression or scan of your teeth
- Your doctor will order new sets of retainers and give you a call when they have been delivered
For existing patients who wish to order new sets of Vivera Retainers:
- Make an appointment with Dr Vargis
- A new impression or scan may or may not be required to determine if your teeth have shifted
- Your provider will order new sets of retainers and give you a call when they have been delivered
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It’s important to keep your retainers clean. Cleaning them helps prevent plaque build-up and discoloration.
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Looking for Answers?
Whether you’re considering Invisalign® or already in treatment, it’s important to understand how Invisalign works. Please use this section to find answers to common questions. Then schedule an appointment with an experienced Invisalign provider to obtain details tailored to your specific needs
Thinking About Getting Invisalign?
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What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?
The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to teeth-whitening trays. A series of Invisalign aligners are custom-made for you, to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor.
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How do the aligners straighten teeth?
Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with a series of aligners. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by your doctor, specifically for your situation. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.
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How will Invisalign effectively move my teeth?
Through the use of our patented thermoplastic design, Invisalign aligners move your teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force. The main difference is that Invisalign not only controls the force, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements are determined by your doctor as he or she maps out your unique Invisalign treatment plan.
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What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. No one may even notice that you’re wearing them, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle. Invisalign aligners are removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. There are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, an advantage over traditional braces. Plus, since your office visits during treatment don’t involve metal or wire adjustments, you’ll likely spend less time in the doctor’s chair. Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straightened teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Instead of imagining how much better it can be, you’ll be able to see it for yourself.
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How long will treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case and can only be determined by your doctor; however, the average case takes about 12 months for adults. The length of time necessary for a teen patient may vary and can be determined by your doctor.
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How do I get started with Invisalign?
It’s simple — first take our
Smile Assessment to see if Invisalign is right for you. Next make an appointment with an Invisalign Provider. Many doctors offer free initial consultations. For the best experience, take the time to find the “right” doctor, one whom you feel comfortable with, and who has experience treating cases like yours. As with other important medical decisions, sometimes it is worthwhile to seek out a second or even third opinion. Use our
Find a Doctor feature to find the most experienced Invisalign-trained Provider near you. Make sure you trust your smile to an experienced doctor who uses the latest techniques.
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Can I go to any dentist to be treated with Invisalign?
All dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign must attend and complete specialized instructional sessions to become trained Invisalign Providers. In addition, doctors must regularly submit treatment results for review and complete ongoing clinical training classes to earn the designation “Preferred Provider.” Use our
Find a Doctor feature to find the most experienced Invisalign Provider near you. Doctors designated as Premier Preferred Providers have a greater level of case experience. Those labeled Elite Preferred Provider have the highest level of case experience.
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How often must I wear my aligners?
We find that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.
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How often must I see my Invisalign doctor?
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
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My provider mentioned “attachments”. What are they and why would I need them for my Invisalign treatment?
Depending on your specific treatment, some of the movements may require either “attachments” or “ridges” to help the aligner grip the teeth. These bumps, or wells, are where the aligner grips the attachment the doctor places on your teeth. The attachments are actually small pieces of enamel-colored composite the doctor affixes to your teeth that are then gripped by bumps on your aligners. The ridges are slim indentations in your aligners. Your doctor will use one or both of these features to attempt to achieve the desired tooth movement.
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What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. No one may even notice that you’re wearing them, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle. Invisalign aligners are removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. There are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, an advantage over traditional braces. Plus, since your office visits during treatment don’t involve metal or wire adjustments, you’ll likely spend less time in the doctor’s chair. Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straightened teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Instead of imagining how much better it can be, you’ll be able to see it for yourself.
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Will Invisalign treatment be painful?
While Invisalign moves your teeth without the pain and anxiety metal braces can cause, some people experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It’s also a sign that Invisalign is working, as it moves your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.
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How long will treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case and can only be determined by your doctor; however, the average case takes about 12 months for adults. The length of time necessary for a teen patient may vary and can be determined by your doctor.
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Can I just wear the aligners while I sleep?
No. The aligners must be in place a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day for the treatment to be effective.
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Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
Similar to other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.
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Are there restrictions as to what I can eat while in treatment?
No. Thanks to the removable nature of the aligners, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment. In fact, you’re required to remove your aligners to eat and drink. So, unlike when undergoing traditional treatment using wires and brackets, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks unless you are instructed otherwise by your doctor. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to reinserting your aligners to maintain fresh breath and proper hygiene.
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Will smoking stain the aligners?
We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discolored.
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Can I drink alcohol with the aligners in?
Because of the high sugar content in alcohol, a moderate amount would be fine to consume, as long as care is taken to clean the teeth and the aligners soon after so as not to trap sugar between them. The same applies for any sugary beverage.
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Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?
No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.
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How often must I wear my aligners?
We find that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.
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How often must I see my Invisalign doctor?
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
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Can the aligners slip off while I’m asleep?
It is very unlikely that your aligners would ever fall out, no matter what you were doing at the time: sleeping, talking, laughing, etc. The aligners are designed to fit firmly on the teeth, so this should not be a cause for concern.
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How many patients have been treated with Invisalign?
More than 4 million patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. The number of Invisalign smiles grows daily.
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What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?
The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to teeth-whitening trays. A series of Invisalign aligners are custom-made for you, to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor.
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Do Invisalign aligners contain Bisphenol-A (BPA)?
No. Invisalign aligners and Vivera Retainers do not contain Bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticizers. These aligners and retainers are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. Tests have been conducted to determine the biocompatibility of these materials, and show that they are biocompatible and pass all applicable regulatory requirements and thresholds for human wear in the mouth. Of course, as with any medical device, you should consult with your health professional about your aligner or retainer treatment and any applicable risks of use.
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How old is the company?
Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997.
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Has the FDA cleared Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are classified as Class II medical devices by the FDA, and Align Technology, Inc., received the necessary 510K clearance from the FDA to be able to sell and market the Invisalign system in 1998.
What’s the best way to clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is to use the Invisalign Cleaning system. As a secondary method, however, your aligners can also be cleaned by brushing them and rinsing them in lukewarm water.
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Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?
Most doctors recommend that anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment, whether braces or Invisalign treatment, use a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back towards their initial position. Because every case is different, please speak to your doctor to confirm if you need post-treatment retainers, and if they are needed for both upper and lower teeth.
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What type of retainer should I use?
While there are many different types of retainers, we recommend
Vivera® retainers. Vivera’s proprietary material is 30% stronger than other leading clear retainer materials, which helps maintain your teeth in the final position. Because the retainers are custom made from an impression or scan of your teeth using the same state-of-the-art technology as Invisalign clear aligners, you will benefit from a more precise and comfortable fit.
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What is the cost of Vivera® retainers?
The price is established by your Invisalign provider and may vary based on your geographic location. You will receive a set of four retainers, so you can have an extra pair in case they are lost and/or misplaced.
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How do I order Vivera retainers?
Vivera retainers can be ordered through your Invisalign provider. Click
here to learn more.
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I am currently wearing braces. Can I make the switch to Invisalign?
Doctors are treating a significant number of patients with a combination of braces and Invisalign. Consult your Invisalign doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
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Since having my braces removed, my teeth have shifted. Can Invisalign fix this?
A number of Invisalign patients have undergone a previous treatment involving braces at some point in their past, often during their youth. Adults can usually have the shifting that occurs after braces corrected, without having to go through the trauma and social awkwardness of wearing metal braces.
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I currently have veneers. Will Invisalign aligners work with them?
Please consult with your Invisalign Provider about any special orthodontic cases, such as veneers.
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I currently have bridgework on several teeth. Will Invisalign still work?
Because bridgework involves the connection of a tooth to surrounding teeth, it would be difficult for the aligners to work effectively. The aligners are designed to move each tooth separately, following the exact movements that your orthodontist will map out for you when creating your custom-made aligners.
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How much does Invisalign cost?
We know cost is a big question for anyone considering orthodontic work. In most cases, Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces. However, as with other medical treatments, only your Invisalign-trained doctor can determine the cost, based on your specific needs. Other factors may include your treatment goals, the difficulty of your case, how long you are in treatment, where you live, and additional factors determined by your dentist or orthodontist. Also, check your dental insurance plan—Invisalign treatment is covered by many dental insurance policies. And many doctors can offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans as well.
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Will my insurance cover Invisalign?
Because medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, you should review your personal coverage plan. However, in general, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.
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What payment options are available for Invisalign?
Most doctors will help you find options to make your treatment affordable. Many offices offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans. Many doctors also offer financing through CareCredit. Specifically designed for health-care expenses, CareCredit is a third-party patient financing program that makes it easier for you to get the treatment or procedures you want and need.
Already an Invisalign Patient?
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How often must I wear my aligners?
We find that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.
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How often must I see my Invisalign doctor?
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments, usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
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How long will treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case and can only be determined by your doctor; however, the average case takes about 12 months for adults. The length of time necessary for a teen patient may vary and can be determined by your doctor.
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Sometimes when I remove my aligners, my teeth feel loose. Is that common?
Yes. As your aligners gradually shift your teeth into their proper position, your gums are re-forming around each tooth as it moves. Once your treatment is complete and your teeth are evenly spaced, your gums will adhere snugly to the teeth in their new positions.
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Are there restrictions as to what I can eat while in treatment?
No. Thanks to the removable nature of the aligners, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment. In fact, you’re required to remove your aligners to eat and drink. So, unlike when undergoing traditional treatment using wires and brackets, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks unless you are instructed otherwise by your doctor. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to reinserting your aligners to maintain fresh breath and proper hygiene. Remember that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.
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Will smoking stain the aligners?
We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discolored.
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Can I drink alcohol with the aligners in?
Because of the high sugar content in alcohol, a moderate amount would be fine to consume, as long as care is taken to clean the teeth and the aligners soon after so as not to trap sugar between them. The same applies for any sugary beverage.
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Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?
No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.
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How often must I wear my aligners?
We find that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.
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How often must I see my Invisalign doctor?
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments, usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
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How long will treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case and can only be determined by your doctor; however, the average case takes about 12 months for adults. The length of time necessary for a teen patient may vary and can be determined by your doctor.
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I went on a trip and forgot to take my aligners with me. Will my aligners still fit?
The answer depends on how long you’ve gone without wearing them. If for a short period of time, the aligners should still be able to fit over your teeth. You might feel slight discomfort as your teeth readjust to the aligners. If the lapse in time is significant, please consult your Invisalign Provider. He or she will be best prepared to respond to your unique situation.
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What’s the best way to clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is to use the Invisalign Cleaning system
, available for order at www.invisalignstore.com. As a secondary method, however, your aligners can also be cleaned by brushing them and rinsing them in lukewarm water.
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If I have food residue (like blueberries or pasta sauce) in my mouth when I put my aligners back in, can they become stained?
Yes. That’s why it’s important to brush after every meal, before placing the aligners back in your mouth.
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I dropped my aligners in an unsanitary place. Do I need to sterilize them after I clean them?
It is very important to always ensure your aligners are clean and hygienic before placing them in your mouth. That’s why Invisalign offers its Cleaning System with special Cleaning Crystals. They keep your aligners clean, hygienic and clear. And as an added bonus, the Cleaning Crystals also quickly remove plaque, in as little as 15 minutes. Please do not use hot water at any time on your aligners as this may cause irreparable warping of the plastic.
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One of my aligners has cracked. What should I do?
Please contact your Invisalign Provider. A cracked aligner will not be able to provide the necessary amount of pressure for proper tooth movement, so the aligner will need to be replaced. You should act on this as soon as possible so as not to cause your teeth to shift back into their old position while a replacement aligner is created for you.
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Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?
Most doctors recommend that anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment, whether braces or Invisalign treatment, use a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back towards their initial position. Because every case is different, please speak to your doctor to confirm if you need post-treatment retainers, and if they are needed for both upper and lower teeth.
-
What type of retainer should I use?
While there are many different types of retainers, we recommend
Vivera® retainers. Vivera’s proprietary material is 30% stronger than other leading clear retainer materials, which helps maintain your teeth in the final position. Because the retainers are custom made from an impression or scan of your teeth using the same state-of-the-art technology as Invisalign clear aligners, you will benefit from a more precise and comfortable fit.
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What is the cost of Vivera retainers?
The price is established by your Invisalign provider and may vary based on your geographic location. You will receive a set of four retainers, so you can have an extra pair in case they are lost and/or misplaced.
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How do I order Vivera retainers?
Vivera retainers can be ordered through your Invisalign provider.
