Invisalign® FAQs

Invisalign® – Common FAQs

Will Invisalign® or Invisalign® Teen work for my case?

Each patient presents a bit differently, so it really depends on what we see during your complimentary consultation. Our orthodontist has extensive training in providing orthodontic treatment, which allows him to tackle some of the most difficult cases using Invisalign® and Invisalign® Teen as a treatment option.

How often will I have to come in for adjustments?

Your orthodontist will determine the frequency of your visits depending on the complexity of your case and types of movements he has prescribed with Invisalign® or Invisalign® Teen. We provide patients with a certain number of aligners based on their treatment needs. We may be able to spread out the visits depending on the progress and fit of the aligners.

How long do I have to wear the Invisalign® or Invisalign® Teen aligners each day?

We ask that you wear the plastic aligners for 22 hours a day. This will maximize the amount of movement ​prescribed in each aligner. Yes, you will need to sleep with the aligners in place.

What can I eat with my Invisalign® or Invisalign® Teen treatment?

You will not have any restrictions on your current diet with Invisalign® or Invisalign® Teen treatment. We only ask that you brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Please only drink cold or room temperature water with your aligners in place.

Can I eat with the plastic aligners in my mouth?

We ask that you please take the aligners out of your mouth and put them in the provided​ case as pictured above. Please do not place them in napkins or paper towels, as you are more likely to accidentally throw them away.

Can I drink with the plastic aligners in my mouth?

We ask that you please only drink clear liquids with the aligners in place. Do not drink any hot liquids with your aligners as they may lose their shape. These are plastic aligners and hot liquids will distort the appliance.

How and when do I clean my aligners?

We ask that you clean your aligners every time you take them out of your mouth. This will​ ensure they are clean the next time you place them in your mouth. You can use your toothbrush to scrub the inside and outside of the aligner with cool running water. You can brush them with mouthwash if you’d like at the end of each day prior to going to sleep. Don’t forget to brush your teeth after eating right before putting the aligners back in place.

Do I have to wear rubber bands with my Invisalign® or Invisalign® Teen aligners?

You may have to wear clear rubber bands during your​ Invisalign® or Invisalign® Teen treatment. The elastics (rubber bands) have been prescribed for your individual case. We ask that you wear the elastics the same amount of time you wear the aligners, except when otherwise told by our orthodontist.

Will I have to wear retainers at the end of my Invisalign® or Invisalign® Teen treatment?

Yes, retention is for life! We will provide you with a set of upper and lower retainers at the end of treatment. Our orthodontist will specify the amount of time you should wear your retainers. We may even consider placing a bonded (glued) metal retainer on the backside of your teeth. This is case specific and we will let you know at the end of treatment what kind of retainers we recommend. If you lose the retainers please call us right away. Our lifetime retainer guarantee goes with our Invisalign® or Invisalign® Teen too.​