These clear aligners are designed using a mold of your teeth. A lab technician will apply layers of a photo-sensitive liquid resin to this custom mold. Next, the technician will expose this resin to a laser, curing it into a hard, yet flexible, thermoplastic. This plastic is called SmartTrack®, and it was created exclusively for Invisalign treatment. It’s FDA-approved and contains no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten.

Invisalign aligners are nearly impossible to see when wearing them. This is because they are made out of clear plastic and are perfectly fit to your smile. Your trays will be custom-made to fit your gum line for a more seamless look. Plus there are no metal brackets or wires, so you can feel confident in your smile throughout treatment. However, if you eat or drink with your aligners in, they could become stained, making them more visible.

The cost of treatment with Invisalign is usually comparable to the cost of traditional braces. Every case is different, though, so it’s important to discuss your budget with your doctor. During your consultation, your doctor will consider multiple factors including your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget before helping you decide which treatment to proceed with.

While Invisalign is usually more comfortable than traditional braces, there is still some discomfort associated with all orthodontic treatments. Since we will be shifting your teeth, you may notice tenderness and soreness as you get used to each new set of trays. Invisalign works by applying gentle pressure to your teeth which in turn creates inflammation that signals your tooth roots to shift. If you would like to lessen your discomfort during the initial adjustment period, we recommend that you take Tylenol. It is important to avoid ibuprofen because it is an anti-inflammatory and actually hinders the tooth movement process.

While Invisalign trays look very similar to night guards and mouthguards, we do not recommend that you use Invisalign as a nightguard. The clear plastic trays are designed to gently shift your teeth, not protect them. If you grind your teeth at night, we may recommend that you get a night guard to protect your teeth and go with traditional braces instead of Invisalign. If you wear your aligners at night and notice that they are becoming cracked or worn down, this may be a sign that you are grinding your teeth at night. This will affect your treatment so be sure to let your doctor know right away if you think you might be grinding your teeth.

For most patients, your treatment plan will indicate that you wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, however, this may vary based on your unique needs. When in doubt, we recommend wearing your aligners at all times except for when you take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. This will ensure you are getting the most out of your treatment and that your teeth are shifting as quickly as possible.

Caring for your Invisalign trays is quite simple. All you need to do is brush them with a toothbrush and toothpaste when you brush your teeth. If you are in a situation that prevents you from cleaning them, you can rinse them with lukewarm water. It is important to avoid rinsing them with hot water as this could warp the trays.

If you notice that your aligners become damaged, cracked, worn, or if you lose your aligners, contact your doctor right away. If you delay this will only prolong your treatment and could reverse the progress you have made. In the event that you lose your aligners or if they become damaged, let us know and we will help you get back on track.

If you have minor or moderate orthodontic issues, you are likely a good candidate for treatment with Invisalign. So long as your mouth is free of any oral health issues like gum disease or tooth decay, you will probably be eligible to proceed with treatment. However, Invisalign is not for everyone. Severe orthodontic issues may not be able to be addressed with Invisalign. In these cases, we usually recommend treatment with traditional metal or ceramic braces as they can provide more powerful results. To find out about your options for orthodontic treatment, schedule your consultation today!