Invisalign® Clear Aligners FAQ

Thinking about straightening your teeth with Invisalign® clear aligners but aren’t sure how they work or how they differ from metal braces? It’s totally normal to have questions! From oral care to how long it actually takes to get through treatment, our Grand Rapids Invisalign dentists are here to break down the answers to the most common things people want to know about clear aligners.

Here’s what you need to know before getting started with Invisalign.

What Is Invisalign?

As the name suggests, Invisalign treatment consists of a series of nearly invisible dental aligners that move your teeth little by little into a straighter smile. The aligners fit over your top and bottom teeth and exert enough pressure over time to move them into place. It’s the same principle as braces but there are no metal wires or brackets used. Instead, the custom trays are made of a thin, comfortable plastic.

How Does the Invisalign Process Work?

Following a comprehensive exam that will confirm your candidacy for clear aligner treatment, we will take digital impressions of your teeth using our iTero® digital scanner. In minutes, 3D images of your teeth are created without any goop, gagging, or mess. This method also results in a better alignment fit than with physical impressions.

We’ll then send the digital impressions to the Invisalign lab where a series of clear aligners are produced for you by trained technicians. There, the most efficient set of movements needed to achieve ideal alignment is determined using your scans. Once fabricated, the teeth aligners will be sent back to our Grand Rapids, MI, dental office where treatment can begin.

Read More → Am I Too Old to Get Invisalign®?

With your new aligners will also come detailed instructions on how and when to wear them. You can expect a tight feeling when you put on your first set, but don’t worry as this is intentional. The first pair, and those that follow, are designed to move your teeth into a new configuration for 10-14 days at a time before changing to a new set.

It’s important that each set of aligners be worn for at least 20-22 hours each day, taking them out only to brush, floss, drink, and eat. Every few weeks, you’ll need to see our Invisalign dentistsso we can evaluate your progress and discuss any possible issues.

Will Invisalign Hurt?

When you change to a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks, you can expect some discomfort for a day or two before it subsides. Fortunately, there are ways to move past this part of the process like putting in a set right before bed to sleep off the initial adjustment period.

With this said, don’t let this deter you as many patients feel that a day of being mildly uncomfortable is well worth the investment if it means a straighter smile in the end. After all, the temporary pain is a sign that your teeth are moving into optimal alignment. If needed, our dentists also recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers until the pain dissipates.

Are Certain Foods Off Limits While Wearing Clear Aligners?

You may have heard that with traditional metal braces there are rules regarding what you can and can’t eat. Generally, foods that are chewy, sticky, or crunchy are best avoided when you have brackets or wires that could become damaged.

Learn More → How to Care for Invisalign®

One of the benefits of Invisalign, however, is that you’re able to continue eating your favorite foods. Unlike with metal braces, the aligners are removable and there are no breakable metal components. Because of this, you can comfortably eat foods like popcorn, caramel, and corn on the cob without worry. After eating, it’s important to remember that our dentists will want you to clean your teeth and mouth as best as you can to prevent any bacterial accumulation or staining of the aligners once they’re put back on.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

Many people appreciate that clear aligners are subtle enough to go unnoticed by family members, friends, and co-workers. No one will be able to tell you’re wearing Invisalign unless they get close enough. As mentioned above, Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you’ll be able to continue eating your favorite foods during treatment.

It’s also easier to maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine while wearing Invisalign. Since teeth aligners can be taken out, you’ll be able to brush and floss normally. We understand that it’s a hassle to clean around wires and brackets, which is why we often recommend Invisalign aligners to patients.

How Long Do I Have to Wear Invisalign?

The average treatment length for Invisalign is between 12 and 18 months. However, you’ll need to keep in mind that every patient is different. During your one-on-one consultation, our dentists will be able to plan your treatment so you know what to expect.

What Happens if You Don’t Wear Invisalign for a Day?

You may notice that your aligners feel tighter. This is because your teeth need gentle, constant pressure to move into their final positions. When you don’t wear your aligners on a regular basis, your teeth will start to regress to their original positions, undoing any progress. It’s important that you wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to keep your treatment on schedule.

Only remove your aligners to eat, brush, and floss. You’ll also need to remove your aligners when drinking anything but water, i.e., coffee or tea.

Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment for both teenagers and adults. Invisalign clear aligners are able to correct crowded and crooked teeth, as well as issues with bite.

If you are interested in wearing clear aligners, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our Invisalign dentists. They’ll be able to determine who is a good candidate for Invisalign braces.

Schedule an Invisalign Consultation

Our Invisalign dentists in Grand Rapids, MI, would be more than happy to help you explore our cosmetic dentistry services, including clear aligners. To schedule an appointment, call Contemporary Family Dental today at (616) 209-3969.

This blog post has been updated.