FAQs About Invisalign

What is an Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment is the process of gradually straightening your teeth by wearing a series of clear, removable aligners. Because there are no brackets, wires, or constraints as with metal braces, it is a convenient and popular treatment among patients.

What are the benefits of Invisalign as compared to braces?

For many people, traditional braces have worked well. However, it is impossible to deny the benefits of Invisalign. Firstly, the Invisalign process provides an all-around force on teeth to correct your smile as compared to braces, which move teeth individually.

Furthermore, the aligner trays are removable, which makes them a more convenient option. The trays are also more comfortable since there are no wires and brackets to deal with. It is also easier to maintain the usual oral hygiene routine with Invisalign.

How long does this treatment take to work?

How long it takes the Invisalign process to work depends on the complexity of your oral issue. On average, the treatment will take six months to complete. However, you will notice a difference in your smile after just a few weeks. Compliance from the patient is another factor that can influence how long Invisalign takes. The patient can remove these aligner trays, unlike traditional braces. If patients do not follow their dentist’s instructions, they can end up lowering the effectiveness and the process will take longer to complete.

What is the cost of Invisalign?

There is no fixed rate for this treatment, and it is more expensive than braces (but for many people the benefit is worth the cost). Generally, the process can cost between $3,000 and $8,000. However, how much Invisalign cost also depends on the number of dental visits and aligners your particular case requires.

Is the process painful?

The process is effective because the aligners apply pressure to your teeth to straighten them. However, for many people, this is not an issue. You may experience some discomfort and soreness, especially if you are starting with a new pair of aligners. This discomfort should usually go away after a few days and should never cause pain beyond mild sensitivity. The soreness will fade as your teeth and mouth adjust to the pressure from the treatment, and you will no longer feel the pressure at all.

Your dental care provider may prescribe mild pain relievers in the early stages of treatment.

Can you eat with Invisalign?

You can eat when you are being treated with Invisalign, but you will have to remove the aligners to do so. Eating with the trays still on the teeth can damage them and lower their effectiveness.

Can you drink with Invisalign?

The only drink you can have while the Invisalign trays are still on the teeth is water. For other beverages, like soda, juice, and alcoholic drinks, you will first have to remove the aligners.

Can my teeth turn yellow with Invisalign?

While Invisalign aligners do not make your teeth yellow, they can become stained themselves. This happens when people smoke while wearing it. Other than that, not rinsing your mouth properly after eating food and before wearing it can also result in stained teeth. For example, when you consume curry, pasta sauce, or berries and do not clean your mouth properly before wearing Invisalign, there can be a case of food residue left behind. This can make your trays stained. So, removing food residue, i.e. cleaning your mouth properly, is not important for maintaining optimal oral hygiene and health, but also for enhancing the lifespan and effectiveness of your trays.

What happens when you get a cavity during the Invisalign treatment?

There can be a case of cavity formation during the treatment. In this situation, your dentist will use a dental restoration technique, most probably a filling, to fix this issue. However, if the cavity is bigger in size, a crown may be needed.

It’s not uncommon to experience initial discomfort if you have to wear Invisalign post getting a filling or crown. In case, it persists for an extended period, do not hesitate in consulting your dentist.

How to clean Invisalign?

Just like your natural teeth, it’s important that you clean your Invisalign regularly as well. For this, you would need a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use your regular toothbrush for this purpose.

It’s recommended to brush aligners with clear liquid soap. Make sure it’s not too harsh on your aligners. Clean them until no food particles or debris is left behind. Then, rinse them thoroughly. If and when you do not intend to use them, it’s essential to place them in a protective case.