Here are some of the most common questions we are asked about Invisalign:

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, plastic aligners to straighten teeth and correct other orthodontic issues. The aligners are custom-made for each patient and are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth without the look of traditional metal braces. Invisalign treatment involves a series of aligners that are worn for a specific period of time, usually two weeks, before being replaced with a new set of aligners. The aligners gradually move the teeth into their desired position, and treatment typically lasts anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the severity of the orthodontic issues being corrected. Invisalign is often recommended for mild to moderate cases of crooked or crowded teeth, as well as gaps, overbites, underbites, and other orthodontic issues.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign works by using a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners to gradually shift teeth into their desired position. The process typically starts with a consultation with an orthodontist, who will evaluate your teeth and determine if Invisalign is a good option for your specific needs. If you are a good candidate, the orthodontist will take digital impressions of your teeth using a special scanner or a traditional mold.

Using these impressions, the orthodontist will create a treatment plan that maps out the movement of your teeth over the course of your treatment. Based on this plan, a series of custom-made aligners will be created just for you. Each aligner is worn for a specific period of time, usually about two weeks, before being replaced with the next aligner in the series.

The aligners are made of a special thermoplastic material that is designed to apply gentle, consistent pressure to your teeth, gradually shifting them into their desired position. Over time, as you progress through each set of aligners, your teeth will continue to move until they reach their final, corrected position.

Throughout your treatment, you will have regular check-ups with your orthodontist to ensure that your teeth are moving as planned and to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment. By the end of your treatment, your teeth should be properly aligned, and your smile should be improved.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

The duration of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the individual case, the severity of the orthodontic issues being corrected, and the goals of the patient. However, in general, most people can expect Invisalign treatment to take anywhere from 6 to 18 months.

During your initial consultation with an orthodontist, they will evaluate your teeth and provide an estimate of how long your Invisalign treatment will take. This estimate will be based on factors such as the complexity of your case, the number of aligners needed, and the amount of movement required to achieve your desired results.

It’s important to note that the success of your Invisalign treatment depends on your compliance with the treatment plan. This means wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day, switching to new aligners as directed, and attending all necessary appointments with your orthodontist. Failure to follow the treatment plan may result in longer treatment times or less than optimal results.

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the length of treatment, and the geographic location of the orthodontist. In general, Invisalign treatment can cost anywhere from £3,000 to £8,000.

While Invisalign may be more expensive than traditional metal braces, many people find that the benefits, such as the ability to remove the aligners for eating and cleaning, make it a worthwhile investment. Additionally, many orthodontic offices offer flexible payment plans and financing options to make the cost of treatment more manageable. Check out the FINANCE OPTIONS available with J&B Dental Group.

Can anyone get Invisalign?

While Invisalign can be a great option for many people, it’s not suitable for everyone. In general, Invisalign is recommended for mild to moderate cases of crooked or crowded teeth, as well as gaps, overbites, underbites, and other orthodontic issues.

However, there are some situations where Invisalign may not be the best option. For example, people with more severe orthodontic issues may require more intensive treatment, such as traditional metal braces or other orthodontic appliances. In addition, children and adolescents whose teeth are still developing may not be good candidates for Invisalign.

The best way to determine if Invisalign is right for you is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. During the consultation, the orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and determine if Invisalign is a good option for your specific needs. They may also recommend other orthodontic treatments that may be more appropriate for your situation.

Are there any restrictions on what I can eat or drink during Invisalign treatment?

While undergoing Invisalign treatment, there are some dietary restrictions that you should follow to ensure the best possible results. The aligners are made of a special thermoplastic material that is designed to be both durable and flexible, but they are not indestructible.

Certain foods and beverages can damage the aligners or cause discoloration. Here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Avoid eating or drinking anything while wearing the aligners, except for water. Drinking sugary or acidic drinks while wearing the aligners can increase the risk of tooth decay and damage the aligners.
2. Remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This will help prevent the aligners from becoming stained or damaged. You should also brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in to avoid trapping food particles and bacteria between your teeth and the aligners.
3. Avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage or dislodge the aligners. Examples include chewing gum, caramel, and hard sweets.

Following these guidelines will help ensure the best possible results from your Invisalign treatment. It’s important to note that failing to follow the guidelines can result in the need for additional treatment time and additional expense.

How often do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?

For Invisalign treatment to be effective, it’s important to wear your aligners as much as possible – ideally for 20 to 22 hours per day. This means that you should only remove them for eating, drinking (except for water), brushing, and flossing.

The aligners are designed to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position and wearing them for the recommended amount of time is crucial for achieving the best results. Failure to wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time can delay the progress of the treatment and may require additional time and expense to achieve the desired results.

To ensure that you’re wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time, it’s a good idea to set a reminder on your phone or other device to help you keep track. Your orthodontist may also provide you with a wear schedule to help you stay on track.

It’s also important to follow the instructions provided by your orthodontist for switching to new aligners. In general, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, depending on your treatment plan. Failing to switch to new aligners as directed can also delay the progress of the treatment.

Do I need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment?

Yes, wearing a retainer after Invisalign treatment is important to maintain the results of the treatment. After the teeth have been moved into their desired position, the surrounding bone and soft tissues need time to adjust and stabilize. Without a retainer, the teeth can slowly shift back to their original position over time.

Your orthodontist will provide you with instructions for wearing your retainer after your Invisalign treatment is complete. In general, you’ll be instructed to wear the retainer full-time for the first few months, and then gradually decrease the amount of time you wear it over the course of several weeks or months. Eventually, you’ll be able to wear the retainer on a part-time basis, such as only at night.

There are several types of retainers available, including clear plastic retainers that are similar in appearance to the Invisalign aligners. Your orthodontist will recommend the type of retainer that’s best for your specific needs.

It’s important to wear your retainer as directed to maintain the results of your Invisalign treatment. Failing to wear the retainer as directed can result in the teeth shifting back to their original position, which may require additional orthodontic treatment in the future.

Will Invisalign aligners affect my speech?

When you first start wearing Invisalign aligners, you may experience some slight changes to your speech. This is because the aligners are made of a clear plastic material that fits tightly over your teeth, which can initially feel slightly bulky in your mouth. You may also have a slight lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words as your tongue adjusts to the aligners.

However, most people find that any changes to their speech are temporary and quickly adjust to speaking with the aligners in place. With practice, you’ll likely find that your speech returns to normal within a few days to a week.

It’s important to note that maintaining good oral hygiene and following the wear schedule for your aligners is crucial for achieving the best results from your Invisalign treatment. If you’re experiencing significant difficulty with your speech or other issues with your aligners, be sure to contact your orthodontist for guidance. They may be able to adjust your treatment plan or provide additional tips to help you adjust to wearing the aligners.

Can I still play sports or a musical instrument while wearing Invisalign aligners?

Yes, you can still play sports and musical instruments while wearing Invisalign aligners, but you may need to take some precautions or make some adjustments to accommodate the aligners.

If you play sports, you should wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and aligners from any impact. Your orthodontist can provide you with a mouthguard that’s designed to fit over your aligners.

If you play a wind instrument, you may notice some changes in your ability to play at first, but most people adjust to wearing the aligners after a short period of time. If you’re having difficulty playing, you may want to practice for shorter periods of time at first and gradually increase the amount of time you play as you become more comfortable with the aligners.

It’s important to wear your aligners as directed and follow good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, to maintain the health of your teeth and gums during your Invisalign treatment. If you have any concerns about playing sports or musical instruments while wearing the aligners, be sure to discuss them with your orthodontist. They can provide guidance on how to best accommodate your treatment while still enjoying your favourite activities.

These are just a few of the most common questions asked about Invisalign. If you have more specific questions about Invisalign or orthodontic treatment, it’s best to consult with an orthodontist. Don’t hesitate to CONTACT US.