Understanding Invisalign: The Most Commonly Asked Questions Answered

It’s natural to have questions before deciding whether to undergo dental treatment. You might ask — “How long will it take?” “Will the treatment hurt?” “How do I take care of my teeth after treatment?” or ” How will this treatment benefit my life?”

Although Invisalign is a straightforward treatment, you’ll probably still have many questions. The great news is that we’re always here to answer your questions so you can make an informed decision about your care. 

You probably already know that Invisalign is a revolutionary teeth straightening treatment. But you may want to know how it works and how your life may change during the straightening process. Most importantly, you may ask whether this is right for you. 

Here are some of the most asked questions about Invisalign. 

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses clear plastic custom-made aligners to gently straighten teeth. These aligners are like mouthguards that fit over your teeth. Your aligner applies constant force to your teeth, creating tooth movements.

During your treatment, you will exchange your aligner every two weeks. Each new aligner follows a progression and will build on the small movements created by the last. 

Is Invisalign Really Invisible?

Unfortunately, Invisalign is not completely invisible. However, it is as close to invisibility as it’s possible to achieve. Every aligner is translucent and shaped to your teeth, making them more discreet than traditional braces. 

Do You Need to Wear Your Aligner All the Time?

Invisalign aligners are not fixed in place. You can remove them when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. Although you can take your aligner out whenever you want, you should do your best to wear it for over 22 hours each day. Don’t worry— Invisalign is comfortable and won’t cause any issues when worn through the night.

Wearing your aligner almost constantly ensures that you get the expected benefits from it. The whole treatment process is designed around consistent wear. 

What Can Invisalign Fix?

Invisalign can fix mild to moderate alignment problems. We can often use Invisalign to correct crooked teeth, close gaps, and reduce crowding. 

This treatment can also help when your upper and lower jaw don’t align correctly when your mouth is closed. Problems like crossbite, overbite, and underbite can affect your facial structure, bring on jaw and neck pain, cause speech difficulties, and lead to issues with biting and chewing. 

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

Every treatment is unique as it’s tailored to your specific needs. Invisalign can treat mild alignment problems in as few as six months, while more comprehensive treatments may take two or more years. 

During your initial consultation, we’ll take digital scans of your teeth and jaws. We then process these scans using the latest dental software and create a full step-by-step treatment plan. From this information, we can determine how many aligners you’ll need and how long treatment will take. 

Is Invisalign Suitable for Adults?

Teenagers often receive teeth straightening treatments. This can lead to the assumption that this is the best or only time in a person’s life when the straightening process will be effective. 

Treatment is often more common at this age because younger teens can be less self-conscious about wearing braces or aligners, and alignment problems become more noticeable. 

In fact, you can straighten your teeth at any age. Invisalign is commonly used to straighten adult teeth, and a version of Invisalign also exists for treating younger children. Adults often choose Invisalign as it’s subtle and discreet. 

What Can I Eat During Invisalign Treatment?

The beauty of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. You can quickly take them out at mealtimes meaning you can eat what you want. 

Always remember to take your aligner out when eating or drinking. Clean your teeth and aligners often to reduce the risk of food debris and bacteria becoming trapped. 

How Do I Keep My Aligner Clean?

You can easily clean your aligner by running it under the tap. It’s a good idea to have a separate soft toothbrush for gently cleaning your aligner. You can buy special soap to keep your aligner clean, but ordinary liquid soap or toothpaste also works. 

What Happens If I Break or Lose My Aligner?

Aligners are made from a tough material called SmartTrack. Although they are durable, accidents can happen, and you may break your aligner. If you do break or lose your aligner, let us know straight away and we’ll advise you on the best steps to take. 

If you have your previous aligner and you have only recently moved onto a new step, wearing the last one can help retain your progress while we get you a replacement. 

Invisalign in Durham

Invisalign might be one of the world’s most popular teeth straightening treatments, but we know that doesn’t mean everyone knows everything about it. We’re here to answer any questions during your initial consultation and throughout your treatment. 

Contact us today to book your Invisalign consultation.