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Whether you’re considering Invisalign® or already in treatment, it’s important to understand how Invisalign works. Please use this section to find answers to common questions. Then schedule an appointment with an experienced Invisalign provider to obtain details tailored to your specific needs.
The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to teeth-whitening trays. A series of Invisalign aligners are custom-made for you, to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor.
Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with a series of aligners. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by your doctor, specifically for your situation. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.
Through the use of our patented thermoplastic design, Invisalign aligners move your teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force. The main difference is that Invisalign not only controls the force, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements are determined by your doctor as he or she maps out your unique Invisalign treatment plan.
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. No one may even notice that you're wearing them, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle. Invisalign aligners are removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. There are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, an advantage over traditional braces. Plus, since your office visits during treatment don't involve metal or wire adjustments, you'll likely spend less time in the doctor's chair. Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Instead of imagining how much better it can be, you'll be able to see it for yourself.
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case and can only be determined by your doctor; however, the average case takes about 12 months for adults. The length of time necessary for a teen patient may vary and can be determined by your doctor.
It's simple - first take our Self Assessment to see if Invisalign is right for you. Next make an appointment with an Invisalign Provider. Many doctors offer free initial consultations. For the best experience, take the time to find the "right" doctor one whom you feel comfortable with, and who has experience treating cases like yours. As with other important medical decisions, sometimes it is worthwhile to seek out a second or even third opinion. Use our Find A Doctor feature to find the most experienced Invisalign-trained Preferred Provider near you. Make sure you trust your smile to an experienced doctor who uses the latest techniques.
All dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign must attend and complete specialized instructional sessions to become trained Invisalign Providers. In addition, doctors must regularly submit treatment results for review and complete ongoing clinical training classes to earn the designation "Preferred Provider." Use our Find A Doctor feature to find the most experienced Invisalign Provider near you. Doctors designated as Premier Preferred Providers have a greater level of case experience. Those labeled Elite Preferred Provider have the highest level of case experience.
We find that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. No one may even notice that you're wearing them, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle. Invisalign aligners are removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. There are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, an advantage over traditional braces. Plus, since your office visits during treatment don't involve metal or wire adjustments, you'll likely spend less time in the doctor's chair. Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straightened teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Instead of imagining how much better it can be, you'll be able to see it for yourself.
While Invisalign moves your teeth without the pain and anxiety metal braces can cause, some people experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It's also a sign that Invisalign is working, as it moves your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case and can only be determined by your doctor; however, the average case takes about 12 months for adults. The length of time necessary for a teen patient may vary and can be determined by your doctor.
No. The aligners must be in place a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day for the treatment to be effective.
Similar to other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.
No. Thanks to the removable nature of the aligners, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment. In fact, you're required to remove your aligners to eat and drink. So, unlike undergoing traditional treatment using wires and brackets, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks unless you are instructed otherwise by your doctor. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to reinserting your aligners to maintain fresh breath and proper hygiene.
We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discolored.
Because of the high sugar content in alcohol, a moderate amount would be fine to consume, as long as care is taken to clean the teeth and the aligners soon after so as not to trap sugar between them. The same applies for any sugary beverage.
No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.
We find that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
It is very unlikely that your aligners would ever fall out, no matter what you were doing at the time: sleeping, talking, laughing, etc. The aligners are designed to fit firmly on the teeth, so this should not be a cause for concern.
More than 1.3 million patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. The number of Invisalign smiles grows daily.
The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to teeth-whitening trays. A series of Invisalign aligners are custom-made for you, to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor.
No. Invisalign aligners and Vivera Retainers do not contain Bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticizers. These aligners and retainers are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. Tests have been conducted to determine the biocompatibility of these materials, and show that they are biocompatible and pass all applicable regulatory requirements and thresholds for human wear in the mouth. Of course, as with any medical device, you should consult with your health professional about your aligner or retainer treatment and any applicable risks of use.
Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997.
Invisalign aligners are classified as Class II medical devices by the FDA, and Align Technology, Inc., received the necessary 510K clearance from the FDA to be able to sell and market the Invisalign system in 1998.
Invisalign Teen is appropriate for patients who have shed all of their baby teeth and have second molars at least partially erupted this includes most teens. Ask your orthodontist if you qualify to start treatment now.
The best way to clean your aligners is to use the Invisalign cleaning kit, available for order at www.invisalignstore.com. As a secondary method, however, your aligners can also be cleaned by brushing them and rinsing them in lukewarm water.
This varies from person to person and depends on the outcome of the treatment. Some patients might need a positioner, or conventional retainer. Other patients might need a clear plastic retainer similar to the ones Invisalign makes, such as Align Technology's Vivera Retainer, which is worn at night. Discuss this with your dentist. Every patient is different, and outcomes vary.
Doctors are treating a significant number of patients with a combination of braces and Invisalign. Consult your Invisalign doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
A number of Invisalign patients have undergone a previous treatment involving braces at some point in their past, often during their youth. Adults can usually have the shifting that occurs after braces corrected, without having to go through the trauma and social awkwardness of wearing metal braces.
Please consult with your Invisalign provider about any special orthodontic cases, such as veneers.
Because bridgework involves the connection of a tooth to surrounding teeth, it would be difficult for the aligners to work effectively. The aligners are designed to move each tooth separately, following the exact movements that your orthodontist will map out for you when creating your custom-made aligners.
We know cost is a big question for anyone considering orthodontic work. In most cases, Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces. However, as with other medical treatments, only your doctor can determine the cost, based on your specific needs. Other factors may include your treatment goals, the difficulty of your case, how long you are in treatment, where you live, your orthodontic insurance coverage, and additional factors determined by your dentist or orthodontist. In the U.S., the cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $3,500 to $8,000, with the national average at about $5,000.
Because medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, you should review your personal coverage plan. However, in general, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.
Most doctors will help you find options to make your treatment affordable. Many offices offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans. Many doctors also offer financing through CareCredit. Specifically designed for health-care expenses, CareCredit is a third-party patient financing program that makes it easier for you to get the treatment or procedures you want and need.
We find that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case and can only be determined by your doctor; however, the average case takes about 12 months for adults. The length of time necessary for a teen patient may vary and can be determined by your doctor.
Yes. As your aligners gradually shift your teeth into their proper position, your gums are re-forming around each tooth as it moves. Once your treatment is complete and your teeth are evenly spaced, your gums will adhere snugly to the teeth in their new positions.
No. Thanks to the removable nature of the aligners, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment. In fact, you're required to remove your aligners to eat and drink. So, unlike undergoing traditional treatment using wires and brackets, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks unless you are instructed otherwise by your doctor. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to reinserting your aligners to maintain fresh breath and proper hygiene. Remember that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.
We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discolored.
Because of the high sugar content in alcohol, a moderate amount would be fine to consume, as long as care is taken to clean the teeth and the aligners soon after so as not to trap sugar between them. The same applies for any sugary beverage.
No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.
We find that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case and can only be determined by your doctor; however, the average case takes about 12 months for adults. The length of time necessary for a teen patient may vary and can be determined by your doctor.
The answer depends on how long you've gone without wearing them. If for a short period of time, the aligners should still be able to fit over your teeth. You might feel slight discomfort as your teeth readjust to the aligners. If the lapse in time is significant, please consult your Invisalign Provider. He or she will be best prepared to respond to your unique situation
The best way to clean your aligners is to use the Invisalign cleaning kit, available for order at www.invisalignstore.com. As a secondary method, however, your aligners can also be cleaned by brushing them and rinsing them in lukewarm water.
Yes. That's why it's important to brush after every meal, before placing the aligners back in your mouth.
It is very important to always ensure your aligners are clean and hygienic before placing them in your mouth. That's why Invisalign offers its Cleaning System with special Cleaning Crystals. They keep your aligners clean, hygienic and clear. And as an added bonus, the Cleaning Crystals also quickly remove plaque, in as little as 15 minutes. Please do not use hot water at any time on your aligners as this may cause irreparable warping of the plastic.
Please contact your Invisalign Provider. A cracked aligner will not be able to provide the necessary amount of pressure for proper tooth movement, so the aligner will need to be replaced. You should act on this as soon as possible so as not to cause your teeth to shift back into their old position while a replacement aligner is created for you.
This varies from person to person and depends on the outcome of the treatment. Some patients might need a positioner, or conventional retainer. Other patients might need a clear plastic retainer similar to the ones Invisalign makes, such as Align Technology's Vivera Retainer, which are worn at night. Discuss this with your dentist. Every patient is different, and outcomes vary.
Your doctor will determine if you need any post-treatment retainers, and if they are needed for both upper and lower teeth.
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