Invisalign^®

What is Invisalign^®?

Unlike braces, which consist of brackets adhered to the teeth along with wires that apply force to shift teeth, Invisalign uses force generated by the plastic aligner itself. These aligners can begin tooth movement in as little as 24 hours but typically require one- to two weeks of consistent wear before switching to the next set.

What dental concerns does Invisalign^® address?

Invisalign^® can straighten crooked teeth, remove small gaps between teeth, move bottom teeth forward or backward so they better align with top teeth, correct an overbite or underbite, correct a crossbite or open bite and create more space for overly crowded teeth.

How is Invisalign^® different from clear or metal braces?

Metal braces and ceramic clear braces involve the use of wires and brackets that are bonded to the teeth and left in place until they are removed by an orthodontist.

Invisalign^® trays are different from braces because while they are still apparent, they are much more discrete. In addition, they can be taken out while eating, brushing or flossing. This allows you to maintain your normal at-home oral health routine and decrease the chances of gingivitis and tooth decay developing due to difficulty cleaning around oral appliances.

How long does it take to get straight teeth with Invisalign^®?

For some Invisalign^® patients, teeth straightening can be completed in about one year. However, this can vary widely from person to person. If you are looking to correct a minor cosmetic concern, your Invisalign^® treatment might be completed more quickly. For some patients, Invisalign^® Express might be an option.

Speak with your dentist for a more accurate time frame to expect. We can look more closely at your teeth during a short visit to one of our locations, and give you specific orthodontic recommendations and more information about Invisalign^® treatment with your unique smile and cosmetic goals in mind.

Can I speed up my Invisalign^® treatment?

An alternative to traditional Invisalign clear aligners called Invisalign^® Express is also available for those who only require minor changes to their smile. People who qualify for Invisalign^® express usually require a small amount of movement (one- to three teeth). Sometimes, people who recently had traditional braces or traditional Invisalign^® retainers will experience tooth shifting after braces are removed. These people may also be good candidates for Invisalign^® Express because they require only minor alterations to the placement of their teeth.

Is Invisalign^® treatment painful?

Unlike traditional braces which may cause some moderate discomfort throughout treatment, Invisalign aligners use more controlled movement of the teeth, which results in minimal tenderness and soreness.  Most patients may experience this when changing to their next aligner as it may feel tight for the first few days.  After your teeth have adjusted some, this feeling will subside significantly.  If you have any additional questions about Invisalign aligners and what to expect, please reach out to one of our doctors.

How often should you clean your Invisalign^® aligners?

When using Invisalign^® aligners, it’s recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss them at least once daily. Make sure to also properly clean your aligners every time you remove them from your mouth. It’s a great practice to clean the aligners each time you are brushing your teeth and rinse the aligners with water each time you remove them from your mouth. If you forget to clean your aligners, you could end up with foggy or dirty-looking teeth–not to mention bad breath–no matter how well you are brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash.