Invisalign is a great tooth alignment solution that has become very popular over the years because of its discreetness.  Adults and late teens, especially like the concept of getting their teeth alignment and bite correction done unbeknownst to others.

If you are a candidate for Invisalign, you likely have questions to ask before starting the treatment. Below are some Invisalign FAQs to inform you of the service and to give you ideas as to some of the questions you could ask our dentists in Madison, WI. Our dentists will be more than happy to elaborate and go into further detail about the Invisalign treatment with you and help you be on your way to a great-looking smile.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that utilizes a series of trays to gradually move and shift teeth into proper, correct alignment. A customized treatment plan is made for each patient and the patient wears a series of aligners that are routinely changed to further the progress of teeth movement. The aligners are worn most of the day, every day. A retainer is given after the treatment to hold the teeth in their new, correct alignment.

What is the Invisalign Process?

The Invisalign process begins with an appointment with one of our dentists who will take impressions of your teeth. The impressions are mailed to Invisalign where a series of digital scans are conducted and reviewed. A digital model is created and a treatment plan algorithm is created. The treatment plan and digital model are then mailed back to us. We will use this algorithm as the basis of treatment, showing you, the patient how much and how fast your teeth will shift. The model and treatment plan will give us a timeline as to the duration of your individual treatment. The average treatment duration is a little over a year, but can be shorter or longer depending on the patient’s individual case.

After patients are fitted with their first pair of alignments, they will be mailed clear, plastic aligners every two weeks. Each set of aligners will continue the process of moving your teeth into the proper, desired position. Patients will change aligners every two weeks for the duration of their treatment.

After treatment, you’ll come in for a follow-up appointment where we’ll give you Invisalign retainers for you to wear in the evenings to keep your teeth in their new, correct alignment.

When Should I Take Out My Invisalign Aligners?

Your Invisalign aligners are to be worn 20 hours a day. You’re allowed a 4 hour a day reprieve to clean the aligners and give your mouth a rest.

Your aligners should only be taken out for eating and while drinking beverages that can stain or discolor teeth. You’re allowed to keep your Invisalign aligners in when drinking water.

After you eat, be sure to thoroughly clean the aligners and your teeth.

How do I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?

The best way to clean your Invisalign aligners is to have them soak in cleaning solution specifically designed for Invisalign aligners.

It is important to keep them soaking in either water or cleaning solution as plaque can develop on them if they dry out. It isn’t advisable to clean the aligners with toothpaste as the it can diminish the transparency of the aligners and give your teeth a discolored look. The occasional scrubbing of the aligners with a toothbrush is recommended, though frequent brushing can damage the appearance, fit and comfort of the aligners.

The same cleaning routine is used for the Invisalign retainer you’ll receive after your treatment.

How Often do I Change Aligners?

Invisalign aligners are to be changed every two weeks. This is the time it takes both the ligaments and bone around each tooth to shift and remain in its new, corrected position.

Relapse of teeth to their former positioning is common and easy to do, making it more important to wear your aligners for the whole duration and to change them every two weeks.

What Does Invisalign Feel Like?

Invisalign aligners may cause some pain and discomfort as your teeth are gradually moved. They are, however, significantly less painful than braces and they don’t tear up your gums, tongue, cheeks and lips like the sharp wires of braces do.

They may take a few days to get used to as you’ll notice the aligners covering your teeth. Your speech may be altered slightly.

We recommend patients get their Invisalign aligners on a Friday so they have a couple days to get use to the feel and taking them out and putting them back in.

Madison Smiles Solutions is a comprehensive local dentist in Madison, WI offering patients a variety of services including Invisalign.

Contact us today to learn more about Invisalign and how it can help you have the smile you’ve always wanted.