15 Questions To Ask Your Orthodontist About Invisalign

The choice between traditional braces and Invisalign^® can be daunting if you don’t understand how either treatment works. That’s why it’s important to have questions to ask your orthodontist about Invisalign^® before you take a seat in the dental chair.

Spain Orthodontics wants to help you by answering some of the most common questions for you below.

How does Invisalign^® work?

One of the first questions to ask your orthodontist about Invisalign^® is how does it work? Invisalign^® is a series of clear removable aligner trays that gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment over a period of time. You wear the aligners for 22 hours a day and switch to a new set every two weeks to begin a new stage of shifting. Invisalign^® fixes problems such as overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, gaps or spaces between teeth, and crookedness.

How will my treatment begin?

Your treatment begins by setting up a complimentary consultation to see if you are a good candidate for Invisalign^®. The orthodontist will inspect your teeth and jawbone. X-rays will be taken. An impression of your teeth will be made to create a 3D model that helps the orthodontist create a custom set of aligners specifically for your teeth and to track your progress.

What can disqualify me from getting Invisalign^®?

While most patients do qualify to use Invisalign^®, there are some reasons why a patient may not be a good candidate. If you smoke or use tobacco, you could be disqualified if you refuse to quit during treatment as tobacco products can stain or damage the aligners. People who have smaller teeth than normal or have other issues such as tooth decay may not be able to use Invisalign^®. Invisalign^® may also not be right for you if you have dental implants, a bridge, or are unwilling to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day.

How long does Invisalign^® take?

The duration of Invisalign^® treatment generally lasts between 10 to 15 months or sooner depending on the severity of your dental problems. You should start seeing results with Invisalign^® after just a few weeks of treatment. Failure to wear Invisalign^® for 22 hours a day and switch to the new set every two weeks will cause setbacks in your treatment.

How much does Invisalign^® cost?

This is also one of the most common questions to ask your orthodontist about Invisalign^®. The cost of Invisalign^® ranges between $3,000 and $8,000 or more depending on what kind of treatment you need. Dental insurance generally covers at least part of Invisalign^® costs. Orthodontists also offer low payment plans and will work with just about any budget.

Do I need to visit the orthodontist during treatment?

While Invisalign^® reduces the number of follow-up appointments compared to braces, you should schedule one every two or three months so the orthodontist can check on your progress and make changes to your treatment if necessary. Don’t forget to also see your dentist for a routine check-up and cleaning every six months.

What happens if I break or lose my aligners?

Breaking or losing aligners is a common occurrence. Patients sometimes misplace their aligners instead of storing them properly in their case. Some break it while playing sports because they improperly used Invisalign^® instead of an actual mouthguard. In any case, you can replace aligners for an extra cost, usually between $50 to $100.

How do I clean Invisalign^®?

There are several ways to clean Invisalign^®, a common way being by gently brushing them with a soft baby toothbrush. You can also use specialized products such as Invisalign^® Cleaning Crystals and Steraligner to soak your aligner trays. Brush your teeth and clean your aligners after every meal if possible, and definitely before you go to bed at night and after you wake up in the morning.

Are there any dietary restrictions with Invisalign^®?

There are no dietary restrictions while using Invisalign^®. Just make sure you remove the aligners before you eat. Clean your teeth and the aligners before putting them back in your mouth.

Is there a difference between Invisalign^® and Invisalign Teen^®?

There are minor differences between the two. Invisalign Teen^® features a blue dot that fades away if your teen is consistently wearing the aligners, allowing you to check if they are keeping up with their treatment. Invisalign Teen^® also comes with more aligners because teens will be teens.

Is Invisalign^® better than traditional metal braces?

This is one of the best questions to ask your orthodontist about Invisalign^®. Traditional metal braces require you to make lifestyle changes such as dietary restrictions and extra time spent on your oral care routine. They are also visible to others and are not removable. Invisalign^® is virtually invisible, requires no dietary restrictions, is removable, and is easier to clean. Both treatments cost about the same and take about the same amount of time to complete.

Is Invisalign^® painful or uncomfortable?

Invisalign^® puts pressure on your teeth in order to shift them into alignment. Therefore, you may feel discomfort, especially after beginning each set of aligners. The aligners are made to feel as comfortable as possible in your mouth and should not harm your mouth tissues. If your aligners are irritating your tissues, talk to your orthodontist about possible adjustments.

What happens if my teeth are not tracking properly?

Your aligners could be too tight or may not fit your teeth correctly. Inform your orthodontist if you are experiencing this problem. Adjustments may need to be made. You can also use a device called “chewies” to close any air bubbles.

Can I switch to braces if Invisalign^® isn’t working for me?

If Invisalign^® is not working for you, you can easily make the switch to braces.

Does Invisalign^® include additional aligners?

Invisalign^® treatment generally includes extra aligners at no additional cost and there is a comprehensive option allowing for additional aligners for up to five years.

Contact us with questions to ask your orthodontist about Invisalign^®

Spain Orthodontics is a Gold-level Invisalign^® provider that uses the latest techniques and the most up-to-date technology to give our patients the best care possible. We proudly serve Shoreline and surrounding areas in Washington. To make an appointment, call our office at 206-693-3123 or visit our website today! If you have any questions to ask your orthodontist about Invisalign^®, Dr. Spain has the expertise to tell you what you need to know. Now is the best time to seek the straight beautiful smile you have been dreaming of. All you need to do is take the first step.