Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®
Invisalign® is one of our most popular orthodontic treatments. Here’s what you might want to know before starting treatment:
How does Invisalign® work?
Invisalign® replaces the bulky metal brackets and wires of traditional braces with comfortable, low-profile, plastic aligners. Your orthodontist will use advanced imaging technology to take pictures of your teeth. These images are then used to design a series of plastic molds that will be worn during treatment. The plastic aligners are specially molded to your upper and lower teeth and, like braces, apply gently pressure that gradually coaches your teeth into their ideal alignment.
How long does Invisalign® treatment take?
Each set of aligners is used for about 2 weeks before being replaced with a newer pair. This next set will have a slightly different, precisely-molded shape designed to apply continuous pressure to each tooth that is out of alignment. Although each case is different, total treatment time is usually about 12 months.
How often should I wear my Invisalign® aligners?
Invisalign® trays should only be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. After finishing these tasks, be sure to put your Invisalign® trays back in right away. In total, you should be wearing your aligners for at least 20–22 hours per day.
How effective is Invisalign®?
Modern Invisalign® materials and techniques have reached the point where Invisalign® is an effective alternative to traditional braces in almost all cases. Though some patients might require other treatments, the vast majority will achieve stunning results after using Invisalign®.
What are the benefits of Invisalign®?
Most users agree that Invisalign® is superior to traditional braces in several ways:
- Invisalign® eliminates the hard metal and sharp wires that have plagued wearers of braces for decades. The low-profile, plastic materials are much easier on the delicate tissue of your mouth and cause much less pain and irritation.
- Ease of use. Invisalign® trays are fully removable, so they’ll never get in the way of your brushing and flossing routine. Are you worried about missing out on your favorite food, snacks, or activities? With Invisalign®, you simply pop your trays out at mealtime so that they’re not a nuisance.
- The biggest reason that users love Invisalign® is that the materials used are almost invisible while in use. Users can love their smile starting on the first day of treatment.
Can children use Invisalign®?
Growing facial structures require even more care and attention to detail, but the specialized Invisalign Teen® treatment program makes plastic aligners an option for young people too. Invisalign Teen® is specially designed to account for the constantly changing facial structure of growing bodies.
How often will I need to see the dentist while using Invisalign®?
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign® has no wires or brackets that can come loose and cause problems. The one-piece, molded aligners won’t require any surprise visits to the dentist for emergency readjustments. A quick visit every six weeks will ensure that the treatment is progressing as planned.
How do I get started?
If you have any questions about your treatment options, you can contact us online, by phone, or in our Dallas office. If you think that Invisalign® might be the right choice for you, make an appointment to discuss your options in detail during your next visit.