Further Questions about Invisalign?
How long will it take to begin treatment after the initial consultation?
After or during the initial consultation, your treating dentist will need to take x-rays, photos and moulds of your teeth. These records will be sent to the USA to be used to manufacture your custom made aligners. This process will take approximately 6 weeks (from the time the records are sent to the USA to the time treatment can begin).
How often must I see the dentist?
Your dentist will schedule regular appointments – usually about once every six weeks. This is the only way your orthodontist or dentist can be sure that the treatment is progressing as planned.
Will the treatment be painful?
Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that
the Invisalign aligners are working — sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new aligner in the series.
Will wearing the Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
Like all orthodontic treatments, aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the aligners should disappear.
Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
No. Unlike traditional orthodontics, you can usually eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your aligners to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favourite foods and snacks, unless instructed otherwise by your orthodontist or dentist. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re- inserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.
Can I drink with aligners still on?
You should remove your aligners to drink anything else except water. Leaving aligners on while drinking may stain them and the patient may risk tooth decay if they drink fluids with sugar in them.
Will smoking stain the aligners?
We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discoloured.
Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?
No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.
What's the best way to clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water. Your treating doctor can also supply you with aligner cleaning crystals.
How often must I wear my aligners?
Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing and flossing.
Can patients use aligners for bleaching or whitening teeth while active tooth movement is occurring?
Often teeth whitening is coordinated as part of your overall plan. So sometimes we may recommend teeth whitening either before or after the Invisalign process. It is best that you ask us for information regarding whitening if you wish to have this done.
What happens after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?
This depends on the outcome of the treatment. Some patients might need a positioner, or conventional retainer. Other patients might need a clear plastic retainer similar to Invisalign aligners. Discuss these possibilities with your treating orthodontist or dentist. Every patient is different and outcomes vary.
What happens if the aligners no longer fit?
In this case you should contact your orthodontist or dentist immediately who will diagnose what remedial action is needed to bring the treatment back on course. This may involve moving back one or two stages in treatment to a previous aligner or possibly some additional orthodontic treatment.