Invisalign® 101

Everyone wants to look their best, whether they’re a high school student, a young professional, or a middle-aged adult. However, crooked teeth can be a source of embarrassment in social situations when they significantly impact one’s appearance and speech. While traditional braces are known to correct dental misalignment, an Invisalign dentist in Solana offers a more discreet and convenient option for straightening smiles. With this orthodontic solution, people with misaligned teeth won’t have to avoid smiling in photos, meetings, or parties.

What You Should Know Before Starting Your Invisalign Treatment

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a brand name for clear aligners used in orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth discreetly. Moreover, it's made from a flexible and durable thermoplastic material called SmartTrack, designed to provide a comfortable fit and precise teeth movement.

As the name suggests, the Invisalign system aims to make orthodontic treatment less noticeable, as the American Association of Orthodontists highlighted. Since the clear aligners fit snugly over the teeth and blend in with their natural color, they're a popular choice among people seeking an unobtrusive way to straighten their teeth.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to shift your teeth into the desired position gradually. The aligners are made from a flexible, thermoplastic material custom-molded to fit your teeth. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks at 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you switch to a new set of aligners, your teeth gradually move into the correct positions.

What Happens If I Don't Wear My Invisalign Aligners for the Recommended Amount of Time?

If you don't wear your Invisalign aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day, it can prolong your treatment time and may result in less-than-optimal results. If you want to ensure the best possible outcome, it’s best to wear the aligners as directed.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

The length of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the severity of the case. On average, treatment can take between 12 and 18 months. However, some cases may be resolved in as little as six months, while others may take years. Your Invisalign provider will be able to give you a better estimate of the length of treatment after evaluating your case.

What Happens After I Complete Invisalign Treatment?

After completing the Invisalign treatment, you must wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Your provider will recommend a retainer best suited for your needs and provide wear and care instructions.

Is Invisalign Treatment Painful?

Invisalign treatment is generally not painful. However, some patients may experience discomfort during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. This discomfort is usually mild and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers. As your teeth adjust to the new aligners, any discomfort should subside.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

Using Invisalign to straighten your teeth offers several benefits:

• The Aesthetic Factor

Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for patients who may feel self-conscious about wearing traditional braces with metal wires and brackets.

• Removable Aligners

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easier to brush and floss your teeth and enjoy your favorite foods.

• Better Oral Hygiene

Since you can physically remove your Invisalign aligners from your mouth, you can easily brush and floss your teeth. Besides making oral hygiene easier, this treatment reduces the number of bacteria lurking around your teeth and gums because it eliminates the need to work around wires and brackets.

• Comfortable

Invisalign aligners are made from a smooth, flexible material that is comfortable to wear and less likely to cause irritation to the mouth and gums.

• Customized Treatment

Invisalign treatment is customized to fit your individual needs, ensuring you get the best results possible.

• Fewer Potential Problems

It’s not uncommon for people with traditional braces to have stories about emergency visits to the orthodontist. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners don’t pose potential problems, such as brackets falling off or wires breaking. You can rest assured that you won’t face such problems.

Can Invisalign Be Used to Fix All Orthodontic Problems?

Invisalign can fix a range of dental issues, including:

• Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth occur when there is not enough space in the mouth for all teeth to fit properly. Consequently, this problem can lead to crooked, overlapped, or twisted teeth. Invisalign can gradually shift the teeth into the correct position, creating more space and improving the overall alignment of the teeth.

• Spaced Teeth

Spaced teeth occur when there is too much space between the teeth. Missing teeth, small teeth, or a combination of both can cause this. Invisalign can close gaps between the teeth, creating a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile.

• Overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much, leading to wear and tear on the teeth and can cause jaw pain and discomfort. Invisalign can shift the upper teeth back, and the lower teeth forward to correct the overbite.

• Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth overlap the upper front teeth too much, causing wear and tear on the teeth and issues with the jaw joints. Invisalign can address the bite problem by shifting the lower teeth back and the upper teeth forward.

• Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Besides causing uneven wear on the teeth, this type of bite issue can lead to jaw pain and discomfort. To help avoid these problems, Invisalign can move the teeth into the desired positions.

• Open Bite

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the bite is closed, leading to difficulty with eating, speaking, and breathing. It can also cause jaw pain and discomfort. Invisalign aligners can solve this problem by gradually moving each misaligned tooth into its proper position to close the open bite.

While Invisalign can treat a wide range of orthodontic problems, your Invisalign provider will evaluate your case and recommend the best treatment option that suits your specific needs.

How Often Do I Need to See My Invisalign Provider During Treatment?

During Invisalign treatment, you'll need to visit your provider every four to six weeks to ensure your treatment progresses as planned. Your provider will also give you a new set of aligners at each visit. Consequently, it's best to keep up with your appointments to stay on track with your treatment.

How Do I Care for My Invisalign Aligners?

To care for your Invisalign aligners, you should:

• Brush your aligners every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or detergent.
• Rinse your aligners thoroughly with water before putting them back in your mouth.
• Avoid drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligners, as other beverages can stain or discolor the aligners.
• Store your aligners in a clean, dry place when you are not wearing them.

How Much Does Invisalign Treatment Cost?

The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the case, the treatment length, and the provider's location. However, some dental insurance plans offer coverage for orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign.

Is Invisalign More Expensive Than Traditional Braces?

Invisalign treatment can be more expensive than traditional braces, depending on the length of treatment and the severity of the case. However, many dental insurance plans offer coverage for orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. Your provider can help you determine the cost of treatment and any insurance coverage you may be eligible for.

Can Invisalign Aligners Affect Speech?

Invisalign aligners may cause a slight lisp or speech impediment during the first few days of treatment as the mouth adjusts to the new aligners. However, most patients quickly adapt to the aligners and experience no further speech issues.

Can I Whiten My Teeth During Invisalign Treatment?

Dental professionals typically recommend waiting until after completing Invisalign treatment before undergoing any teeth whitening procedure. Since the aligners can prevent the whitening gel from reaching the teeth, wearing them increases your chances of having unevenly whitened teeth.  

However, your Invisalign provider can recommend a teeth whitening plan that’s safe and effective for use with your aligners.

Can I Eat While Wearing Invisalign Aligners?

You should remove your Invisalign aligners before eating because food can stain or discolor the aligners. In addition, eating with the aligners in place can damage them or cause them to become misaligned.

Can I Drink Coffee or Tea While Wearing Invisalign Aligners?

It's best to avoid drinking anything other than water while wearing Invisalign aligners. Drinking coffee or tea without removing your aligners can discolor the plastic or leave stains on the plastic material. If you must drink these beverages, remove the aligners first and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water before putting them back in.

How Do I Clean My Teeth While Wearing Invisalign Aligners?

Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly while undergoing Invisalign treatment is important. Clean your teeth with the aligners in place, brush, and floss as you normally would, being careful to avoid damaging the aligners. You should also rinse your mouth thoroughly with water before popping your aligners back in.

Can Invisalign Aligners Cause Cavities?

Invisalign aligners can increase the risk of cavities if they're not properly cleaned or if you eat or drink while wearing them. Consequently, you'll want to brush and floss your teeth regularly and clean the aligners as directed by your provider to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup.

What Happens If I Lose or Break One of My Invisalign Aligners?

Contact your provider immediately if you lose or break one of your Invisalign aligners. They can provide a replacement aligner and adjust your treatment plan if necessary. It's best to wear the aligners as directed and to keep them in a safe place when you're not wearing them.

Can I Play Sports While Wearing Invisalign Aligners?

Invisalign aligners should be removed before playing sports or engaging in any physical activity that may result in mouth trauma. Your provider can recommend a mouthguard compatible with your aligners to protect your teeth during sports.

How Often Should I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?

Invisalign aligners should be cleaned every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or detergent. Rinse the aligners thoroughly with water before putting them back in your mouth. You’ll also want to clean your teeth regularly to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup.

What Happens If I Smoke While Undergoing Invisalign Treatment?

Smoking can have negative effects on both the aligners and the teeth. Here are some of the potential consequences of smoking while wearing Invisalign aligners:

• Staining Or Discoloration of the Aligners

Smoking can cause the aligners to become discolored or stained. Since this habit can make the aligners more visible, it can defeat the purpose of using Invisalign in the first place.

• Damage to the Aligners

Smoking can cause the aligners to become brittle and more prone to cracking or breaking. This can result in the need for additional aligners, which can prolong the treatment process.

• Increased Risk of Gum Disease and Tooth Decay

Smoking can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, affecting the overall health of the teeth and gums. Furthermore, this habit could impact the effectiveness of Invisalign treatment.

• Slower Treatment Progress

Smoking can slow down the progress of Invisalign treatment by compromising the health of the teeth and gums. It can result in a longer treatment time or less-than-optimal results.

• Bad Breath

Smoking can cause bad breath, which can be exacerbated by wearing Invisalign aligners. Besides making it uncomfortable for the wearer, bad breath may impact their social interactions.

For these reasons, dental professionals generally recommend quitting smoking while undergoing Invisalign treatment. If you are unable to quit, it’s best to remove the aligners before smoking and thoroughly clean the aligners and teeth afterward to minimize any potential negative effects.  

You’ll also want to maintain good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing regularly, and attend all scheduled appointments with your Invisalign provider to ensure the best possible outcome.

Can I Chew Gum While Wearing Invisalign Aligners?

No. Chewing gum while wearing Invisalign aligners can cause considerable damage to the aligners or cause them to become misaligned.

Can Invisalign Aligners Fix Gaps Between Teeth?

Yes, Invisalign aligners can be used to close gaps between teeth. Your provider can evaluate your case and determine whether Invisalign is the right treatment option for you.

Is Invisalign Treatment Suitable for Children?

Invisalign treatment is generally not recommended for children under 12 because their teeth are still developing. However, Invisalign can be an effective treatment option for older children and teenagers. Your provider can evaluate your child's case and determine whether Invisalign is a suitable treatment option.

Can Invisalign Aligners Cause Dry Mouth?

Invisalign aligners can cause temporary dry mouth by covering the teeth and preventing saliva from flowing freely. However, this should not be a long-term issue and should resolve on its own.

Can Invisalign Cause Bad Breath?

Invisalign aligners themselves do not cause bad breath, but they can contribute to it if you don't clean them properly or wear them for extended periods without cleaning your teeth. In such cases, bacteria can accumulate on the aligners, causing bad breath. Additionally, if the aligners aren't properly cleaned, they can trap food particles and debris against the teeth, which can also cause bad breath.

To prevent bad breath while wearing Invisalign aligners, it’s best to maintain good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing regularly. You’ll also want to clean the aligners as directed by your provider to help prevent the buildup of bad breath-causing bacteria and food particles.  

Moreover, foods and drinks, such as garlic, onions, and coffee, can leave a strong odor in the mouth, which can be more noticeable when wearing aligners.

If you are experiencing persistent bad breath while undergoing Invisalign treatment, speak with your provider. They can evaluate your case and provide recommendations for addressing the issue.  

In some cases, bad breath may be a symptom of an underlying dental or medical condition. If the problem persists, it’s important to seek professional guidance.

Can I Use Invisalign If I Have Dental Implants?

Yes. While you can use Invisalign with dental implants, it’s best to discuss your options with your Invisalign provider and a dental implant specialist to determine the right treatment option. Here are some factors to consider:

• Timing

If you have recently had dental implants placed, waiting for the implants to integrate with the jawbone fully may be necessary before starting Invisalign treatment. This process can take several months, depending on the individual case.

• Placement of Attachments

Invisalign treatment involves using small, tooth-colored attachments placed on your teeth to help the aligners apply the necessary force to move each tooth. These attachments can be placed around dental implants, but it is important to ensure they aren't placed in a way that could damage the implant or the surrounding tissue.

• Bite Issues

In some cases, dental implants may be placed to address bite issues, such as missing teeth or an uneven bite. In these cases, Invisalign treatment may be used in conjunction with dental implants to correct the bite and improve dental alignment.

• Cost

Invisalign treatment can be more expensive than traditional braces, and the cost may be higher when used in conjunction with dental implants. Since many dental insurance plans offer coverage for orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, you’ll want to explore your insurance options.

Do You Need to See an Invisalign Dentist in Solana?

At Inspire Smiles, we’re committed to helping you feel better about your smile. When you visit our office, you can rest easy knowing we have decades of experience in orthodontic treatments alongside our general dentistry services. Contact us today to make an appointment.

**Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.