Top 10 Invisalign Questions & Answers

Invisalign is a very popular orthodontic treatment your dentist or orthodontist may recommend to improve alignment. If you haven’t met someone who’s had Invisalign, you may have questions. Here are the answers to 10 common questions about Invisalign.

Invisalign is a brand of clear, orthodontic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into better alignment.

Most people prefer Invisalign aligners to traditional metal braces because the clear aligners are less noticeable and comfortable. In many cases, using Invisalign takes less time than traditional braces. You also won’t have sharp metal components poking the inside of your mouth.  There are less emergency visits as broken wires and brackets are not an issue with invisalign.

Your dental provider will create a series of customized clear orthodontic aligners that slowly shift your teeth into proper alignment. The first aligner most resembles your current alignment, with small changes toward straighter teeth. As needed, your dental provider will switch out the aligners as your teeth shift into proper alignment, with each aligner slowly forcing your teeth into optimal position.

The cost of Invisalign varies based on the duration of treatment, severity of orthodontic problems, and other factors. Most treatments cost between $3,500 and $8,000 from start to finish.

Invisalign can be used for both adults and children. However, your dental provider might recommend traditional braces for young children due to their age and ability to take care of their orthodontic aligners.

While the length of time varies based on treatment severity, most people end up using Invisalign for 6 months for a mild case and 12-18 months for a moderate to severe case.

It is sometimes possible to switch from metal braces to Invisalign, though it will depend on the individual. Invisalign is the most effective when used from the beginning. It also costs more to switch treatment methods in the middle.

You should clean your Invisalign trays each day, starting by brushing your teeth and the Invisalign trays each morning. If you eat a highly acidic or staining food, you may want to clean the trays again or rinse the trays in clean water. Each tray is worn for 1-2 weeks at a time.  You can also clean trays with a retainer cleansing solution.

If you drop your Invisalign aligners on the floor or otherwise need to sanitize the trays, you can sanitize them by placing them in a special solution. Dental providers have different recommendations on how to deep clean Invisalign retainers, so it is best to call your provider to ask which method is best for what’s on the aligner. However, using heat, including hot water, can damage and distort your Invisalign tray and should be avoided.

Invisalign recognizes dental providers based on the number of Invisalign cases they’ve treated. Preferred Providers treat 10 cases per year. Premier Providers treat at least 25 cases every six month and has completed at least 50 in total. Premier Elide Providers treat 50 or more cases every six months and has treated 300 or more people in total.

Do you have more questions about Invisalign? Call Imperial Dental Associates at 203-227-2520 to get the answers you need to make an informed decision.