Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®
What is Invisalign® made of?
The custom-designed Invisalign® aligners are composed of a flexible, clear plastic material called SmartTrack®. This special type of thermoplastic is very thin, allowing it to fit as well as possible over the teeth.
How noticeable is Invisalign®?
The limited noticeability of Invisalign® is one of the treatment’s most popular benefits. The transparent aligners involve no mechanical parts and are virtually see-through. While they are on the teeth, they are practically invisible.
What can I drink with Invisalign®?
Water is perfectly fine to drink while your Invisalign® aligners are still on the teeth; however, it’s best to take some precautions with other types of beverages. Drinks such as tea and wine can stain the aligners. Also, hot beverages may warp the plastic composition of the aligners. It can be helpful to use a straw for beverages other than water. You may want to remove the aligners for drinking certain kinds of beverages, but be sure that the aligners stay in for at least 22 hours each day. If you would like to keep the aligners in while drinking beverages that are high in sugar or for drinks that could leave stains, please be sure to brush your teeth and clean the aligners right after consumption.
How long do I need to wear a retainer after Invisalign®?
In most cases, patients who have orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign® or braces will need to wear a retainer after the initial treatment is complete. This is necessary in order to maintain the new and improved position of the teeth and prevent them from gradually reverting back to the previous position. How long you will need to wear a retainer is dependent on your individual needs; our dentist will be able to provide more specific instructions once you have been evaluated. For many patients, a retainer will be required full-time for several months, and then that time can be reduced to the point that you will only need to wear it at night for a specified period.
What is the best age to get Invisalign®?
In terms of an Invisalign® candidate’s age, we do not generally recommend this treatment for children. With that in mind, we typically perform Invisalign® procedures for patients aged 16 and older, and there is no upper age limit. The initial oral evaluation of each individual’s needs and goals will help determine whether Invisalign® may be an ideal solution.
Does Invisalign® work faster than braces?
Provided the patient wears their aligners for the recommended amount of time and strictly adheres to maintenance instructions, Invisalign® can achieve optimal straightening results in as little as nine to 15 months. They generally work faster than traditional braces, which typically take around two years to straighten teeth. However, this will ultimately depend on the complexity of a patient’s treatment plan.
Can I chew gum with Invisalign®?
Our dentists advise you not to chew gum while wearing your Invisalign® aligners, as gum can damage your custom trays. In addition, gum containing sugar can cause buildups of harmful bacteria, which can in turn cause tooth decay and stains. If you want to chew gum while going through the Invisalign® treatment process, you will need to temporarily remove your aligners. Keep in mind, though, that this should be done minimally, as you should wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day for best results.
Can I smoke with Invisalign®?
It is highly recommended that if you are using Invisalign® you refrain from smoking, as it can not only damage your aligners but also impact the health of your mouth. For those who were smokers before seeking out Invisalign® treatment, it is often advised by their cosmetic dentist that they quit before receiving their corrective aligners.
If you choose to smoke while undergoing Invisalign® treatment, the aligners should first be removed, and you should brush your teeth before returning the trays to your mouth. This should be done minimally, though, as you will need to wear your aligners for the majority of every day in order to achieve optimal results. In general, while it is possible to smoke with Invisalign®, our dentists typically recommend avoiding it to prevent unnecessary complications with the treatment process.
How often will I need Invisalign® follow-up appointments?
In order to achieve optimal benefits and results from your Invisalign® treatment, you will need to follow a strict schedule of visiting your cosmetic dentist. Generally, you will have a follow-up appointment every four to eight weeks to monitor your progress. The check ups will allow the cosmetic dentist to analyze your progress and make adjustments if necessary.
Can I switch to Invisalign® if I currently have braces?
Whether you can switch to Invisalign® if you already have braces will be dependent on your individual case. Making this transition is possible for many people, such as those wanting to change to a discreet or removable braces system, but not everyone may be a good candidate. Each person’s braces and Invisalign® treatment plan will be tailored to their specific needs and, as a result, each case will be different.
If the braces process is far enough along, it may be in your best interest to simply finish out your current treatment. In addition, if you have more advanced orthodontic needs, Invisalign® may not be the best option for correcting your complex concerns. Before any decisions about switching treatments are made, your dentist will assess your orthodontic needs and treatment progress.
How does Invisalign® move the teeth?
Using a patented thermoplastic material, Invisalign® aligners are able to gradually move teeth by causing gentle and consistent tension. This subtle manipulation slowly repositions and shifts the overall alignment of your teeth. As you graduate to the next set of aligners in your treatment series, you should be able to see your results continue to develop.
Who invented Invisalign®?
Zia Chishti invented the original design of Invisalign® during the 1990s while attending Stanford University. Chishti was undergoing his own orthodontics treatment when he came up with the idea for Invisalign®. He and Kelsey Wirth teamed up with other Stanford students to create the product.
Do you have questions about Invisalign®
Contact Delmarva Dental Services today for more information, or to schedule a consultation.
Contact Us