Your Lethbridge Invisalign® Provider
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about Invisalign clear aligners from the Southridge Dental in Lethbridge.
Invisalign FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
- What are Invisalign clear aligners?
The Invisalign system is a series of clear aligners that are custom fitted to help straighten your teeth, without metal wires or brackets.
In the consultation process, advanced 3D computer imaging technology is used to create a treatment plan based on your unique smile.
A series of custom clear aligners will be designed to fit your teeth precisely during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process.
- How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be decided by your dentist based on your specific needs.
Factors that could determine the duration of your treatment include the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, the shape of your bite, and the amount of movement required to correct the problem.
- How often do I have to visit the dentist?
Since you just switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks, no adjustments are required. Your dentist will schedule brief appointments with you every four to six weeks to monitor your progress.
During these appointments, your dentist will review your progress, assess your general oral health, answer your questions, and make modifications to your treatment, if required.
- What are the primary features of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners features include:
- A discreet solution to traditional braces
- Smooth construction for enhanced comfort
- Minimal appointments with no adjustments
- Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
- How does the Invisalign process work?
Invisalign's clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth by tiny increments as your treatment progresses. You will wear each aligner for about two weeks and then replace it with the next one in the series.
This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions.
- How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost will depend on the severity of your misalignment and the duration of your treatment. If you have a more severe malocclusion you will require more aligners, therefore increasing the cost.
In many cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).
- What are Invisalign aligners made of?
The Invisalign aligners are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. They are BPA free.
- How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?
Invisalign treatment is designed to fit comfortably into your day-to-day life.
You can remove your aligners out whenever you need to eat, or brush and floss your teeth. That means you can easily brush and floss your teeth, and there are absolutely no dietary restrictions.
- How many sets of aligners will I need?
This will depend on the severity of your misalignment.
Your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how long your treatment will take, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during an initial consultation.
- Can adults use Invisalign?
Yes! Anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.
More and more adults are deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because options like Invisalign have become available.
- Can teenagers use Invisalign?
Yes! In fact, Invisalign has created a line of aligners 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 stay on track with their treatment.
They also come with eruption tabs that provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked.
- Are there any food or drink restrictions?
Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out to eat. As a result, there are no dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can continue to eat all the foods you love!
To avoid staining your clear aligners, we recommend removing them when you consume beverages such as wine, coffee, or dark soda beverages.
- How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?
Most patients change to their next set of aligners every two weeks or so. Your dentist will tell you exactly how often you should switch out your aligners.
- How do I store my aligners?
Your Invisalign aligners will come with a case, and this is where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them safe.
- How do I clean my aligners?
Rinse your aligners each time you remove them to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can result in dental decay and bad breath.
You can clean your aligners with a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap. Clear anti-bacterial soap is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria. Brush your aligners gently so as not to scratch them
You can also soak your aligners in denture cleaner and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back in. Failing to brush and floss properly can trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and aligner, increasing your risk of dental problems and bad breath. Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay.
- Can I play sports with Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can play sports without worrying about causing damage to your aligners.
However, keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully.
You'll also want to invest in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, as orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they shift into their new positions, and this can make them more susceptible to damage.
- Can I play my instrument with Invisalign?
Yes! Simply remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and pop them back in when you're done.
Can't find the answer you're looking for?
Get in touch. We'd be glad to answer any other questions you may have.