Invisalign® clear aligners are a modern, discreet way to straighten teeth without traditional metal braces. This guide answers the most common Invisalign questions, including treatment time, pain levels, retainer use, and daily habits during Invisalign treatment.
Find the answers to your most frequently asked questions when it comes to Invisalign® clear aligners. If you have ever had a question about the length of treatment, how long you should wear retainers, or if you can drink coffee, then this guide is for you.
Common Invisalign® Questions Answered
Can I Speed Up Invisalign Treatment?
Yes. One of the best ways to speed up Invisalign straightening is to use AcceleDent. The system enables the teeth to move more efficiently so you can make an aligner switch more quickly. When AccleDent is used, micropulses are dispersed into the teeth, promoting circulation and therefore enhancing the speed at which a jawbone remodels. Sometimes teeth, using this method, move 50% more quickly.
AccleDent is a micropulse device that generates small vibrations, or micropulses, during Invisalign treatment. The micropulses accelerate the remodeling of the bones around the teeth to hasten tooth movement. This process only takes 20 minutes per day and is a hands-free technology. Therefore, you can watch TV, surf the web, or text. With the AcceleDent system in place, all you need to do is insert a mouthpiece and switch on an activator for 20 minutes. The patient bites a mouthpiece when AcceleDent is in use.
When the AcceleDent activator shell is docked on the charging port, your history of use and details are registered, which makes it possible for you to observe the details on a Smart display. This innovative technology is considered safe and is a Class I medical device. Cleared by the FDA, AcceleDent is based on the same technology that is used to regenerate or mend damaged or broken bones. Many Invisalign patients report that their teeth straightening feels more comfortable when they support it with AcceleDent technology.
AcceleDent is FDA-cleared and considered safe when used as directed. Not every patient is a candidate, so your dentist or orthodontist will determine if this technology is right for your Invisalign treatment plan.
Do I Have To Wear An Attachment?
Some Invisalign procedures include the use of attachments or ridges that are enamel-colored. These attachments affix to Invisalign retainers like the brackets on braces. The attachments click into the aligners and are invisible as well. If the attachments are added, the retainers take on the appearance of clear braces.
However, most patients do NOT need to use any attachments to keep the clear aligners affixed.
Does Invisalign® Hurt?Does Invisalign® Hurt?
Short answer: Invisalign may cause mild pressure for a few days, especially when switching aligners, but it is generally less painful than traditional braces.
How Long Does It Take To Obtain My Clear Retainers After My First Consultation?
Usually, after scanned data is sent to the manufacturer, it takes about three to four weeks for delivery of the aligners. That is when the treatment process officially begins.
Can You Drink Tea Or Coffee With Invisalign Aligners?
You should not drink hot tea or coffee as they can warp and stain the retainers. You should only drink water when wearing the trays. Alcoholic or sugary drinks can lead to plaque accumulation. Never drink wine while wearing the aligners as it will immediately stain them. Usually, it is best to remove the retainers, as liquids can seep between teeth surfaces and trigger decay.
Tip: Always remove your aligners before drinking anything other than water to prevent staining, warping, and tooth decay.
Can You Eat Soft Foods?
While some dental professionals believe Invisalign patients can consume soft foods with Invisalign retainers in place, most experts do not recommend the practice. Some of the foods may cause staining as well.
Can You Wear Lipstick When Wearing Retainers?
Lipstick can stick to the aligners. While clear lip gloss and lip balm can be worn, they sometimes may leave a slight residue.
What Happens When You Lose A Invisalign Retainer?
If you lose an Invisalign retainer, you can easily get it replaced, as the retainers are made using 3D technology and therefore are not difficult to organize and manage.
Can I Whiten My Teeth While Wearing The Aligners?
You should wait to have an in-office whitening performed until after the Invisalign process. To keep your teeth looking their best, brush them, as advised, and avoid stain-causing foods and beverages.
How Are Aligners Made?
Once the digital plan is completed, the aligners are customized using a state-of-the part printing type process. Again, no molds are used. Instead, a scanner captures a 3D image of the teeth. The clear material that is used with Invisalign is engineered for a precision fit. Because each patient’s gum line varies, each aligner is trimmed individually. The aligners are quality checked to ensure their functionality.
How Long Do I Have To Wear My Retainers?
Some patients need to wear the retainers 24/7 for six months after the treatment process. Others only wear their retainers during the nighttime when they sleep. Wearing retainers as instructed is critical to prevent teeth from shifting back after Invisalign treatment.
How Does Invisalign Improve My Smile?
Invisalign can correct a wide range of bite and alignment issues, improving both oral health and overall smile appearance.
Fixing Crowded Teeth
When your jaw cannot accommodate all your teeth, they grow in crowded and therefore may bunch up, overlap, or twist. When teeth are crowded, it is difficult to floss or brush them. As a result, it is also easier for tartar or plaque to build up – all which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. The crowding can also worsen over time. Invisalign can assist in aligning the teeth and correcting this issue in a short period.
Fixing an Overbite
An overbite is a dental abnormality where the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth. Most dental patients have, at least, a small overbite. However, when an overbite is too big, it is known as a deep bite. A deep bite can lead to wear problems, including jaw pain and discomfort. Invisalign aligners are made to fix overbites.
Correcting an Underbite
An underbite occurs when you shut your mouth and your lower front teeth appear in front of the upper front teeth. This is usually the result of your lower jaw projecting forward. An underbite can make chewing difficult or speaking a problem. It may also lead to tooth wear and erosion. Invisalign can be used to fix some underbite problems. For severe issues, Invisalign may be combined with surgery.
Cross-bite
If you close your mouth and some of the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth, versus the outside, this type of bite is known as a crossbite. Crossbites can cause wear or lead to recession of the gums. Some cross-bite issues can be corrected using Invisalign.
Gap Teeth
When you exhibit an additional space between two or more teeth, the dentist refers to this type of spacing issue as gap teeth. Gap teeth may create pockets between the gums and teeth where food can get stuck. This dental problem may also cause gum tenderness or soreness and lead to periodontal disease. Invisalign is useful for fixing gaps in teeth.
Fixing an Open Bite
If your upper and lower teeth do not touch when you close your mouth, this dental condition is known as an open bite. Open bites, in some cases, can make it difficult to bite or chew. Invisalign aligners are made to fix an open bite.
General Straightening
You may basically like you smile, but you want to improve it. Maybe you are taking part in a special future event. A small straightening can make a big difference. By opting for Invisalign treatment, you can see an improvement in half the time of other teeth straightening methods.
When Are Aligners Switched Up?
Each set of aligners are worn one to two weeks before they are switched out.
When Are Checkups Scheduled?
Check-ups are scheduled every six to eight weeks to review your progress and to pick up your new batch of aligners.
How does each new set of aligners feel?
Aligners, when first worn, will feel slightly uncomfortable for the first few days – something that is entirely normal.
How Are Aligners Cleaned?
You should rinse the aligners each night and brush them with care, using a toothbrush. Use of an Invisalign cleaning system will maintain the aligners and keep them clear. This cleaning system involves using a device that removes plaque from the aligners, employing specialized cleaning crystals.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment time varies, but most patients complete Invisalign within 12 to 18 months.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
Invisalign offers a more discreet and removable alternative for many mild to moderate alignment issues.
How often should Invisalign aligners be worn?
Aligners should be worn 20–22 hours per day for best results.
What Is The Cost Of Invisalign?
Please see our detailed guide on Invisalign Deals and pricing.
