All you need to know about Invisalign Treatment

  • What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a treatment which involves wearing a series of clear aligners that gradually align your teeth. These are removable, and do not include brackets, wires, or any of the restrictions associated with metal braces.


  • What are Invisalign aligners made of?

Invisalign aligners are made of thin, clear, flexible plastic which fit tightly over your teeth making them invisible. They are made from a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® .Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten.


  • What are the advantages of Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible — people may not even notice you’re wearing them. These can be removed to eat and drink or for any special occasions. Invisalign does not include any metal brackets or wires that come with regular braces.


  • Am I guaranteed straight teeth with Invisalign?

Every Invisalign treatment will start with a consultation whereby your dentist will help you determine what Invisalign treatment can do for your smile. You are encouraged to share your treatment goals during your consultation.


  • Is Invisalign treatment right for me?

Yes! Invisalign is a great solution for both adults and teens looking for a virtually invisible method to improve their teeth and their smile. Our innovative, technology makes it possible to fix nearly all common teeth-straightening issues, from simple to complex —without interrupting your life.


  • What does the treatment process entail?

Your Invisalign-trained doctor will begin by providing you with a customized digital treatment plan that shows the movements of your teeth and a step-by-step transformation of your smile.

Once you approve your plan, your customized aligners will be designed to apply the right amount of force to the right place at the right time based on your treatment plan. Each set of aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, and changed to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by your doctor. Each set of aligners will gradually shift your teeth into place. Your dentist will constantly monitor your progress and ensure your aligners always fit correctly.


  • How long will treatment take?

The length of treatment depends on many factors. These include how complex your case is and how often you wear your aligners. The exact length of the treatment will depend on your specific needs. However, Invisalign treatment usually takes up to 12 to 18 months, though you can start seeing results in a matter of weeks.


  • How often will I change aligners?

The change from a set of aligners to a new one is based on your individual treatment plan. Many doctors recommend changing Invisalign clear aligners weekly or every other week.


  • How many hours per day should I wear my aligners?

For optimum results, Invisalign clear aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. And should only be taken out to eat, drink, brush and floss.


  • How often will I have appointments?

Your doctor will schedule appointments, usually once every four to six weeks to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned.


  • What are “attachments” and why would I need them for my Invisalign treatment?

Your Invisalign treatment may require SmartForce® attachments, small tooth-colored shapes that are attached to your teeth.

These attachments serve as handles, to give the aligners something to gently push on to move your teeth with the right amount of force. Invisalign clear aligners fit smoothly and tightly around them, so they’re barely noticeable.

Not everyone who uses Invisalign clear aligners will need SmartForce attachments. If needed, your doctor will attach them to your teeth at the start of or during your treatment and remove them when they are no longer needed.


  • Can I get Invisalign treatment on just my top or bottom teeth instead of both?

Yes. Invisalign treatment options are available for just top or bottom teeth, but consult your doctor for your individual needs.


  • How much does Invisalign treatment cost?

In most cases, the cost of Invisalign treatment is similar to the cost of braces. Your doctor will determine the cost of your treatment based on how complex your case is and how many aligners you need.


  • Is Invisalign treatment more expensive than braces?

Invisalign treatment typically costs about the same as braces.


  • What payment options are available for Invisalign treatment?

Many doctors offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans, which allow you to make small payments through the course of your Invisalign treatment rather than all at once.


  • How many people have used Invisalign clear aligners?

Over 8 million people, including more than 1.4 million teens, have used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles.


  • How is Invisalign treatment different than other teeth straightening options?

Invisalign clear aligners are made from patented SmartTrack material which moves teeth comfortably and predictably.


  • Do Invisalign clear aligners contain Bisphenol A (BPA)?

All Invisalign aligner and retainer materials are made of medical-grade, high molecular weight, thermoplastic polymers. These materials were selected for use in aligners and retainers based on their properties and safety classification, and have a long history of FDA approvals for long term use inside the human body. Tests conducted to determine the biocompatibility of these materials show they are biocompatible and pass all applicable regulatory requirements and thresholds for human wear in the mouth.

  • Has the FDA approved Invisalign treatment?

Yes, Invisalign aligners are classified as Class II medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Align Technology, Inc. received the necessary 510(k) clearance from the FDA to sell and market Invisalign treatment in 1998.

  • I am currently wearing braces. Can I make the switch to Invisalign treatment?

Possibly! Doctors are treating a significant number of patients with a combination of braces and Invisalign clear aligners — consult your doctor to determine the best treatment approach for your smile.


  • Since having my braces removed, my teeth have shifted. Can Invisalign treatment fix this?

Yes, Invisalign clear aligners can treat nearly all common teeth-straightening issues, from simple to complex. Many people who formerly had braces choose Invisalign treatment as the discrete solution to improve their smile when they find that their teeth have shifted back.


  • I have veneers or crowns. Will Invisalign clear aligners work with them?

It depends. Talk with your doctor about the dental work you’ve had done, including veneers and crowns, and he or she will evaluate your individual needs.


  • I have bridgework on several teeth. Will Invisalign clear aligners still work?

Invisalign clear aligners are designed to move each tooth individually. Because bridgework connects two or more teeth, clear aligners may not be effective.


  • Can anyone tell that I’m wearing the aligners?

Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. Others may not even notice you’re wearing them, making Invisalign treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle.


  • Can I take my aligners off whenever I need to?

Yes, you can remove your Invisalign aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding, job interview, or for playing your favorite sport or instrument. Just remember to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results.


  • Are there any restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?

None! Invisalign clear aligners are removable, so there are no food restrictions. With traditional wires and brackets, there’s a long list of foods you unfortunately can’t enjoy because they can damage or get stuck in your braces.


  • Is Invisalign treatment painful?

Invisalign treatment moves your teeth by applying gentle, constant force, but some people do feel temporary discomfort for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. Typically, people describe it as feeling “pressure” and it’s normal — it’s a sign your Invisalign clear aligners are working and transforming your smile.


  • Sometimes when I remove my aligners, my teeth feel loose. Is that common?

Yes. As your Invisalign aligners gradually shift your teeth into their proper position, your gums are re-forming around each tooth as it moves. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns.


  • Will Invisalign treatment still work if I only wear my aligners while I sleep?

You need to wear your Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the results you want.


  • Will wearing Invisalign clear aligners affect my speech?

It may take a couple of days for your tongue to get used to having your Invisalign aligners in your mouth, and you may have a slight lisp. But this should disappear quickly.


  • Will smoking stain my aligners?

We discourage smoking while wearing Invisalign aligners because it can stain them.


  • Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?

No, gum will stick to your Invisalign aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, including gum.


  • Can the aligners slip off while I’m asleep?

It is very unlikely that your aligners would ever fall out, no matter what you are doing: sleeping, talking, laughing, etc. Invisalign clear aligners are designed to fit snugly around your teeth, so this should not be a cause for concern.


  • What’s the best way to clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is to brush them with a toothbrush and toothpaste and rinse them in lukewarm water. Never use hot water on your aligners — it could permanently warp the plastic.


  • If I have food residue in my mouth when I put my aligners back in, can they become stained?

Yes. That’s why it’s important to brush after every meal, before placing your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth.


  • I dropped my aligners in an unsanitary place. Do I need to sterilize them after I clean them?

Yes. It is very important to always ensure your aligners are clean and hygienic before placing them in your mouth. Invisalign Cleaning Crystals keep your aligners clean, hygienic, and clear — they even remove plaque in as little as 15 minutes. Please do not use hot water at any time on your aligners — it could permanently warp the plastic.


  • What if I lose or break an aligner. What should I do?

If you lose or break an Invisalign aligner, immediately let your doctor know. Your doctor will work with you to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan, which may involve wearing a previous set of aligners, your next set of aligners, or ordering replacements aligners.


  • Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?

Most doctors recommend that anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment, whether with braces or Invisalign treatment, use a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back toward their initial position. Every case is different, so ask your doctor if you need retainers.