Invisalign FAQs

The Invisalign clear aligner system is a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that gradually adjust your teeth without brackets or metal wires that come with braces. 

During the consultation process, we use digital 3D computer imaging technology to create a treatment plan based on your individual smile. 

A series of custom clear aligners will then be manufactured to accurately fit your teeth during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process. 

As your treatment progresses, Invisalign's clear plastic aligners move your teeth by tiny increments. You'll wear each aligner set for about two weeks before replacing it with the next aligner set in the series. 

Continue using each new set of aligners until your teeth shift into their correct prescribed positions. Your specific needs and your dentist's advice and guidance will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment. 

The duration of your Invisalign treatment is determined by many factors, including the amount your teeth need to move, the misalignment of your jaw or teeth, and the shape of your bite. 

Your dentist will consider your specific needs in deciding the duration of your Invisalign treatment.

Invisalign aligners are BPA free. They are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. 

You will see your dentist briefly every 4 to 6 weeks to review your progress and general oral health. During that time, he or she will make adjustments to your treatment as needed and answer any questions you may have. 

One of the best things about Invisalign aligners is that they require no tightening or adjustments - you just change to a new set of aligners every two weeks.

Invisalign aligners are:

• Removable for flossing, eating, and brushing
• A more discreet alternative to traditional braces 
• Smoothly constructed for enhanced comfort 
• Easy to manage and maintain, and do not require adjustment appointments

The severity of your case and duration of your treatment will determine cost. For example, the more severe the misalignment of your teeth, the more aligners you'll need and the more your treatment will cost. 

In many cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatments such as braces. 

Many patients find Invisalign fits comfortably into their daily lives. 

Whenever you need to brush, floss, or eat, you can remove your aligners. This means no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing will be just as easy as ever.

There are no food or drink restrictions with Invisalign. Because the aligners are removable, you can remove them to eat and still savour all your favourite foods!

If you drink beverages such as dark soda, wine, or coffee, we recommend taking them out to avoid staining your clear aligners.

How many sets you will need depends on the severity of your misalignment. Only your dentist can provide an accurate estimate of how long your treatment will take, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during your initial consultation. 

Yes! Anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign. Invisalign is becoming more and more popular with adults choosing orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because options like Invisalign have emerged.

Yes! Teens can absolutely be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, a line of Invisalign aligners has been developed to meet the unique needs of teenagers. 

Invisalign Teen aligners have compliance indicators on them (small blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help teens remain on track with their treatment. 

Eruption tabs, which leave space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked, are included.

Your dentist will tell you exactly how often to replace your aligners. Most patients change to the next set of aligners in the series about every two weeks.

Each time you remove your aligners, rinse them to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can result in bad breath and dental decay. 

Soak your aligners in a denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.

Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Excellent oral hygiene is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. Failing to brush and floss correctly can result in food debris and bacteria becoming trapped between your teeth and aligner, raising your risk of dental problems and bad breath. 

Clean your aligners with a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap, which is an amazing and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clean, fresh, and free of damaging bacteria. 

Gently brush your aligners so as not to scratch them, then rinse with soap. Then you're done!

You can remove Invisalign aligners when you play sports - which means you can stay active and not worry about damaging your aligners. 

We advise all Invisalign wearers to invest in a sports mouthguard to protect their teeth, as orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they shift into new positions, and this can make them more vulnerable to damage. 

Remember that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for at least 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully.

Yes! Just remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and put them back in when you're done. 

Your Invisalign aligners come with a case, and you should put your aligners here whenever you remove them to keep them safe from damage and debris.