Below you'll find the answers to our most frequently asked questions about Invisalign clear aligners from Grasslands Dental Care in Kamloops, BC.
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
The Invisalign clear aligner system is a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that help straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.
A customized treatment plan is created based on your unique smile using our 3D computer imaging technology during the consultation process.
A series of custom clear aligners will be manufactured to fit your teeth precisely during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process.
Invisalign's clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth by tiny increments as your treatment progresses. You will wear each aligner for about two weeks before it is replaced by the next one in the series.
This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed positions. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist based on your specific needs.
The duration of your Invisalign treatment is determined by your dentist and is based on your specific needs.
Factors that may determine the duration of your treatment include the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, the shape of your bite, and the amount of movement required to correct the problem.
The Invisalign aligners are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. They are BPA free.
Since Invisalign aligners require no adjustments or tightening – you just switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks – your dentist will schedule brief appointments with you every 4 - 6 weeks.
During these appointments, your dentist will take the opportunity to review your progress and general oral health, answer your questions, and make adjustments to your treatment as required.
Invisalign aligners are:
The cost depends on the severity of your case and the duration of your treatment. More complex cases require longer treatment with aligners and will increase the cost of treatment.
Invisalign could fit comfortably into your day-to-day life.
You can take your aligners out whenever you need to eat, or brush and floss your teeth. That means absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever.
Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out to eat. As a result, there are no dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can continue to eat all the foods you love!
To avoid staining your clear aligners, we recommend removing them when you consume beverages such as wine, coffee, or dark soda beverages.
The answer to this question will depend on the severity of your misalignment.
Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how long your treatment will take, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during an initial consultation.
Yes! Anyone who has healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.
Yes! Teens can certainly be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has created a line of aligners to meet the unique needs of teenagers.
Invisalign Teen aligners have compliance indicators on them (small blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help teens stay on track with their treatment.
They also come with eruption tabs that can provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked.
Most patients change to their next set of aligners every two weeks or so. Your dentist will tell you exactly how often you should switch out your aligners.
Rinse your aligners each time you remove them to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can result in dental decay and bad breath.
Soak your aligners using denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back in. Good 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 aligner, increasing your risk of dental problems 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.
Brush your aligners gently so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!
Invisalign aligners are removable so 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 a day, so plan your time carefully.
You might also want to invest in a sports mouth guard to help protect your teeth, as orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they shift into their new positions, and this can make them more susceptible to damage.
Yes! Simply remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and pop them back in when you're done.
Your Invisalign aligners will come with a case, and this is where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them safe.
Let us know. We'd be glad to answer any other questions you may have.
Treat yourself to a brighter smile at Grasslands Dental Care!