Invisalign Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign clear aligners are designed to have a maximum impact on your smile and a minimum impact on your daily life. If you are considering clear aligner therapy, perhaps these Invisalign FAQs will help clarify some of your concerns.
Is Invisalign invisible?
Invisalign clear aligners are comfortable and barely noticeable. Made from SmartTrack material and designed to comfortably conform to each tooth, Invisalign is virtually invisible.
Your Invisalign treatment may require different attachments, which may be noticeable. However, compared to metal retainers, they are much more discreet.
Is Invisalign removable?
Yes! One of the great benefits of clear aligner therapy is that your aligners are removable. You can eat, drink, brush, and floss your teeth as usual. They can even be removed for special activities or occasions like playing an instrument or sport, getting married, or going on a job interview. In order to achieve the best possible results, we advise our patients to wear their aligners for 20-22 hours per day.
How many times a day can you take your Invisalign out?
Since we recommend wearing your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours a day, you should try to keep it in as much as possible to work to its full potential.
Can you eat with Invisalign?
There are no eating restrictions with Invisalign! The aligners can simply be removed while eating or chewing gum. That means you won’t have to say goodbye to your favorite foods during your treatment. If you are eating something sticky or hard, we recommend taking them out to avoid any breaks or cracks. It’s crucial to the treatment process, however, to minimize the time spent with the aligners removed. Since the aligners must be worn for at least 20-22 hours a day, we do recommend that you eat while wearing your aligners, if possible.
How long does Invisalign take?
Invisalign is different for everyone, so the time it takes can vary. Treatment can range from three months to over a year. Talk with one of our dentists to get a personalized Invisalign plan.
Is Invisalign painful?
With the use of precise, gentle pressure and constant force, the treatment can cause minor discomfort. This usually subsides within the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. Our patients describe this temporary feeling as “pressure.” The good news is—that gentle pressure is a sign that you are getting closer and closer to your new smile! If discomfort persists, don’t hesitate to call our office.
Is it normal for my teeth to feel loose?
If your teeth feel slightly loose, that is normal. As your teeth gradually shift into the proper position, this shifting and reforming can cause the sensation of having loose teeth. If it persists, please call our office.
Will my speech be affected by wearing aligners?
As your tongue adjusts to having the clear aligners in your mouth, it may feel awkward to speak. Some patients have a slight lisp that quickly goes away once they get used to the aligner.
Will my aligners fall out while I sleep?
Your aligners are customized to fit your teeth comfortably and snugly. It is not likely that they will fall out whether you are sleeping, talking, laughing, or exercising. You can enjoy maximum comfort with a minimal impact on your daily life.
What happens if I skip a couple of days during my Invisalign treatment?
Don’t do this! However, your aligners may still fit if you have only skipped a couple of days. When putting your aligners back on your teeth, you may have some discomfort. Call our office immediately so that we can help you get back on track as quickly as possible!
Start Invisalign Treatment with Smile Center
At Smile Center, your Invisalign treatment is a team effort! We are here to answer any questions you have about your custom treatment and to ensure that you have the best possible experience with your clear aligners. Call our office today to start smiling with Invisalign.
Published: October 1, 2018
