Have Questions About Invisalign? We Have the Answers!

In a previous blog post, we talked about The Importance of Straight Teeth and how you can achieve a beautiful smile with Invisalign.

So are you interested in getting Invisalign?  Well, you probably have a lot of questions about it.

Let’s touch on the most common questions that people have about wearing Invisalign:

What are the benefits of Invisalign as compared to traditional braces?

The aligners that fit over your teeth are nearly invisible – there are no metal brackets or wires. People may not even notice that you are wearing them. With traditional braces, people can feel more self-conscious…especially adults.

They are also removable, so you take them out when you eat and drink…or when you brush and floss.

You can also see how your teeth currently look and how they will look AFTER treatment in a video (which is possible from the impressions that your dental assistant will take of your teeth).

How does Invisalign work?

Custom-made aligner trays (made of plastic) are placed snuggly over your teeth. They gradually and gently shift your teeth into place.

How often do I have to see my Invisalign provider while getting treated?

Ideally, patients will visit their dental clinic every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure that everything is progressing as planned, and on schedule. You will be given new sets of Invisalign aligners to wear at your check-in visits.

How long does treatment take?

The length of time that you will have to wear the Invisalign aligners depends on the complexity of your situation. Everyone is different. This can be discussed at your consultation.

Does it hurt to wear the aligners?

You may experience some minor discomfort (pressure) for a few days each time you start wearing a new aligner. This is because your teeth are shifting closer into their proper place.

I have gaps in my teeth. Can Invisalign fix this?

Good news! Spaces can be closes with Invisalign.

Do I have to wear a retainer after?

Basically, if you don’t want your teeth to shift out of place, yes…you need to wear a retainer. You don’t want all of that time and work to go to waste!

I had braces when I was younger, but my teeth have shifted since. Is Invisalign a good choice for me?

Most definitely! And it is also quite likely that if you had braces in the past, that your situation probably won’t be too complex to fix (meaning it likely won’t take too long of a period of time to get your ideal results). This is something that your Invisalign provider will be able to discuss with you.

Do I have to watch what I eat and drink?

You can eat and drink whatever you like – but make sure you remove your aligners to do so – and then brush and floss and put them back in as soon as possible. You need to keep your teeth nice and clean so that bacteria isn’t trapped under the aligners.

Do I have to wear them all the time?

Aligners should be worn all the time during treatment, except when eating, brushing or flossing teeth. Pretty much as close to 22 hours of the day as possible.

Will wearing aligners affect the way I talk?

It may take a little getting used to, but the majority of people do not notice a difference.

Can I smoke with the aligners?

Smoking is not good for your health, period…but it is not a good idea to wear the aligners when smoking because you risk them becoming stained and discolored. This may be a good reason to quit!

Can I chew gum while wearing the aligners?

It is likely that gum will stick to the aligners, so it is best to avoid it.

Ready to take the plunge and get the smile you dream about? Why wait any longer? Start now!

Looking for Invisalign in Surrey & area?  Come to Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry for a consultation! Call us now: 604-593-8201 to book an appointment!