Some Frequently Asked Question’s answered by Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the clinically proven, nearly invisible way to straighten teeth without metal braces. You wear a series of clear, removable aligners which gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Our aligners can be removed for eating and cleaning.
How does it work?
Based on Your Dentist’s diagnosis, a series of aligners are custom made in a laboratory using advanced computer imaging technology. You wear each aligner for two weeks before being replaced with the next one, until your teeth are straight.
Why should I select Invisalign?
Aligners are nearly invisible- straighten your teeth without anyone noticing.
Aligners are comfortable- there are no wires or metal to cause mouth abrasions
Aligners are removable- for eating, drinking, dental care or other activites.
Better oral hygiene during treatment- brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Will it work for me?
If you have all your adult teeth (fully-erupted molars), most patients can be treated with Invisalign even if they have crowns or bridges. Many common issues like crooked or crowded teeth, spaces between teeth and certain overbite and crossbite types can successfully be corrected.
Is this treatment only for adults?
No, you just need to have all your adult/permanent teeth (fully erupted molars). Be committed to wearing your aligners at all times except for eating, drinking and cleaning.
How do I get started?
After your initial evaluation with your dentist, we discuss your goals for a new smile. We plan your full treatment together, and take your impressions and photographs. With advanced computer technology we can then show you a model of how you could look, before you start your treatment.
How long does the treatment take?
Depending on difficulty, most treatments will take 12-18 months.
How long do I have to wear the aligners?
The aligners should be worn for 22-23 hours a day for the best results.
Every 2 weeks you can change to a new aligner and we recommend a check up once every 6-8 weeks.
Are the aligners really invisible?
The aligners are made from clear plastic, so they are nearly invisible. Even when very close, most people will not notice you are straightening your teeth- unless you tell them!
Can I eat and drink with my aligners?
No. The aligners are removable so you can still enjoy your favourite food and drinks. You need to avoid tooth decay and/or gum disease by not forcing the food particles and sugars against your teeth via aligners. So keeping them clean is important.
Do the aligners hurt?
It is normal that you will only feel temporary discomfort when you wear the aligners for the first few days. The smooth aligners are not harmful to the inside of your mouth, but you do feel pressure and this is a good sign that the aligners are working.
Are there any side effects?
As with conventional treatments, you may feel a slight pressure at first. Aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two.
How old is this technology?
Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997. Since then over 480,000 patients have been in treatment with Invisalign.