Read the Answers to Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Invisalign clear aligners from Bearbrook Dental Centre in Ottawa.
Invisalign FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about Invisalign.
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- What is Invisalign?
This series of clear, custom-fitted aligners straightens your teeth without brackets or metal wires.
We are able to develop a custom treatment plan based on your unique smile. Along with your clear aligners, this plan will work to resolve your orthodontic issues.
The series of custom clear aligners will then be made to fit your teeth precisely during each stage of your Invisalign treatment process.
- How does the Invisalign process work?
Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to shift your teeth in small increments as your treatment continues. For about two weeks, you will wear each aligner before replacing it with the next one in the series.
This process will continue until your teeth are in their correct positions. Your dentist will assess your specific needs to determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment.
- How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The duration of your Invisalign treatment will depend on your specific needs as determined by your dentist.
Factors that may play a role in the duration of your treatment include the shape of your bite, the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, and the amount of movement needed to correct the problem.
- What are Invisalign aligners made of?
Invisalign aligners are made with BPA-free, USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight polyurethane resins.
- How often do I have to visit the dentist?
Since your Invisalign aligners won't require any adjustments or tightening, you will just need to schedule brief checkins with your dentist every 4 to 6 weeks. Switch to a new set of aligners every 2 weeks.
At these appointments, your dentist will check your progress and general oral health, answer any questions you may have and adjust your treatment if required.
- What are the primary features of Invisalign?
The features of Invisalign include:
- Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
- Do not require adjustment appointments
- Smooth construction for enhanced comfort
- A discreet, low-profile appearance
- How much does Invisalign cost?
The severity of your case and duration of your treatment will determine the cost. For instance, the more severe the misalignment, the more aligners you'll require and the more your treatment will cost.
In many cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).
- How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?
You may find that Invisalign fits comfortably into your day-to-day life.
Whenever you need to eat, drink, brush and floss, you need to remove your aligners. This means absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever.
- Are there any food or drink restrictions?
Since you can remove your Invisalign aligners to eat, you won't have any dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can continue to eat all the foods you love!
We recommend removing your clear aligners when you consume any beverages other than water (such as coffee, wine, or dark sodas) to avoid staining your clear aligners.
- How many sets of aligners will I need?
The severity of your misalignment will determine the answer to this question.
Only your dentist will be able to provide an accurate estimate of how many aligners you will require, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during an initial consultation.
- Can adults use Invisalign?
Yes! Anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.
More and more adults are deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because they can choose options like Invisalign.
- Can teenagers use Invisalign?
Yes! Teens can absolutely be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has created a line of clear aligners to meet the unique needs of teenagers.
Invisalign Teen aligners have compliance indicators on them (small blue dots which fade after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help teens remain on track with their treatment.
You'll also notice they have eruption tabs, which provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked.
- How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?
Most patients switch to their next set of aligners approximately every two weeks. Your dentist let you know exactly how often you should switch out your aligners.
- How do I clean my aligners?
Each time you remove your aligners, rinse them to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can result in dental decay and bad breath.
Soak your aligners using Retainer Brite, denture cleaner, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Excellent oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. Failing to brush and floss properly can trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and aligners, increasing your risk of oral health issues and bad breath.
Clean your aligners with a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap. Clear, anti-bacterial soap is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria.
Gently brush your aligners so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!
- Can I play sports with Invisalign?
Because you can remove your Invisalign aligners, you can play sports without worrying about causing damage to your aligners.
However, keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours per day, so plan your time carefully.
We also recommend investing in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, as orthodontic treatment may cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they shift into their new positions, and this can leave them more vulnerable to damage.
- Can I play my instrument with Invisalign?
Absolutely! Simply remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and put them back in when you are done.
- How do I store my aligners?
Your Invisalign aligners will arrive with a case. This is where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them safe and undamaged.