What You Need To Know About Invisalign (2023)

FAQs

What do I need to know about Invisalign? ›

Invisalign trays completely cover your teeth, making them look slightly thicker, due to which some people experience a slight change of speech, which is temporary. Most of the patients find it difficult to pronounce words with the sound of 's,' 'sh,' 'z' or 'th'.

Properly tracked trays feel tight on your teeth, and may even produce a degree of Invisalign pain. This is how you know they are working! While you may observe some small gaps or air pockets, these are only an indication of poor tracking if the trays feel particularly loose or move slightly when you talk or swallow.

The recommended amount of time to wear Invisalign aligners is 20 to 22 hours per day. This means that the aligners should only be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and brushing (cleaning the teeth and aligners).

The overall success rate of Invisalign is around 96%. This means that 96% of patients who complete treatment with Invisalign achieve their desired results and are completely satisfied with the treatment.

Most people never experience any issues when kissing with Invisalign braces in because Invisalign aligners are smooth and are designed to fit tightly to your teeth. They don't move, so they won't dislodge or affect your kissing.

Will I Still Be Able to Kiss? Though it can seem like a touchy topic, there's no need to worry about kissing while you're using Invisalign. The aligners are barely noticeable in your mouth, so there's a good chance your partner won't notice a thing.

Typically, the lateral incisors or the teeth next to your front teeth are the most challenging to move with Invisalign aligners and traditional braces.

Missing even just a single day of wearing your Invisalign can damage your teeth. Without a total 22 hours of treatment, your teeth will automatically begin to revert to their original positions. This means your treatment will take longer, potentially costing you a lot more.

Generally speaking, Invisalign is understood to be the fastest braces treatment. This is because Invisalign is typically used for treating minor cases, meaning only 20-30 sets of aligners are required over 6-8 months (roughly).

Can I take Invisalign out for a night out? ›

You can occasionally remove your Invisalign aligners to enjoy a special night out. There's no need to change a thing. Continue your day-to-day activities while still straightening your teeth.

The biggest risk of missing any period of Invisalign® use is that the teeth may shift back to an incorrect position. Invisalign® aligners are intended to be worn for 22 to 23 hours out of the day. Any less than this, and you risk hurting your progress.

If there is a cardinal rule for Invisalign, it's this: your trays must be worn 20 – 22 hours a day for them to be effective. The trays slowly and gradually shift your teeth into place, so if you aren't wearing them, they obviously cannot do their job!

The simple answer is: “It depends.” For simple cases, treatment time with Invisalign aligners can be as short as six months. Typically, Invisalign will take 12 months to 18 months to straighten your teeth. For more complex cases such as crowded teeth, the treatment time could be 24 months or slightly longer.

Invisalign limitations

Severe overbite: Though a regular overbite may be addressed, severe overbite may require the use of braces. Tooth shape: Too-short or pegged teeth can prevent Invisalign from working properly. Tooth position: If your teeth are too rotated, Invisalign cannot shift them into proper alignment.

In short, you'll have to wear your retainers for the rest of your life after finishing Invisalign treatment. It might sound inconvenient, but it's well worth the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful, straight, healthy smile for life!

The first few nights of sleeping with Invisalign in your mouth may be uncomfortable, but after a while, you'll find it as easy to drift off into slumber as you did before you began your orthodontic treatment. Sleeping with aligners is not a problem for most people with Invisalign treatment.

Because the Invisalign® system makes life easier for their patients, orthodontists often prefer it over metal braces. However, for patients with severely misaligned teeth, braces are the better option. Sometimes, teeth need to be twisted as part of the straightening process.

If you use Invisalign for more than one year, the aligners may chip your teeth or cause other long-term damage to them. Like braces, Invisalign can also contribute to gum recession and exposed tooth roots. However, going to the dentist as needed should prevent any damage since dentists check for these side effects.

Can you drink alcohol with Invisalign? ›

After enjoying, brush and rinse your teeth before wearing the aligners again. Therefore, if you are age 21 or older, you can enjoy alcohol as long as you take out your aligners first. If you forget and drink something like red wine, it may stain your aligners pink. Then, your treatment won't look very discreet!

While Invisalign is generally hard to detect, people may still see them. For example, standing in direct sunlight could make them more obvious, since the bright light would reflect on the plastic.

You may encounter excessive saliva build up within your mouth during adjustment. This side-effect should subside after three days, but could last up to two weeks. For the time being, you can sleep on your back or prop your head a bit until saliva decreases.

Excessive saliva will take some getting used to and should slow within 3 days of wearing the aligners. Some patients may take up to 2 weeks to adjust to the aligners. Sleep on your back or slightly prop your head until saliva has decreased. Breathe through your nose and not your mouth.

Because the pressure and feeling of the Invisalign aligners are new at the start of treatment, the first few Invisalign trays tend to be the most uncomfortable for our Orland Park patients.

Because Invisalign uses a series of removable, clear aligners, this treatment does have its limitations; gaps up to 6mm wide can be treated with Invisalign. If your gaps are wider than 6mm, you may require braces for gapped teeth.

Your first Invisalign tray will typically move the teeth around 1/10mm. However, there can be some variation in the process of moving teeth during the treatment depending upon your condition. Moreover, the first Invisalign tray also puts gentle pressure on your teeth to shift them into place, leading to some soreness.

Again, drinking beverages with a straw is recommended when you're undergoing Invisalign treatment. A straw allows the liquid less contact with your teeth and less contact with your Invisalign if they're still in. If you simply must drink a sugary or alcoholic drink with Invisalign, use a straw.

Your current aligners may not fit

Your teeth can move in even a few hours which is why not wearing Invisalign for a day can have such an impact on your overall results. Specifically, if they're left out for too long they may not fit again when you attempt to put them back in.

Can I drink coffee with my Invisalign in? ›

Tea and coffee can be safely consumed while you're undergoing treatment with Invisalign clear braces, although you should not drink these beverages while you are wearing the trays. Although you don't have to chew when you're drinking beverages, it's important to remove the trays before consuming them.

People who require less or minimal teeth straightening can be given around 15-25 Invisalign trays, whereas those who need more major teeth straightening treatment can be given around 40-50 Invisalign trays. But on average, a patient requires around 20-30 sets of Invisalign aligners.

Your orthodontist or Invisalign provider will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of how many aligners you will need once they have had a chance to assess your individual case. However, in general, most people can expect to use around 20-30 aligners over the course of their treatment.

You may be tempted to simply skip the current tray and move on to the next set, but avoid doing this unless your orthodontist specifically requested that you do so. It is more likely that you will be recommended to advance aligners if you were nearing the end of the treatment phase with the trays you lost.

Since the trays are so slim, they will only have a minor impact on your speech. You will initially notice a slight lisp for the first few days of treatment. It will be most evident when making the “s”, “sh”, or “z” sounds. However, it should dissipate as your mouth adapts to the braces.

Water is the only drink you may consume while wearing your Invisalign aligners. Avoid drinking warm or hot water, though, because the hotter temperature may warp the aligner, making it less effective or possibly irritate your gums.

Brushing and flossing regularly is a must during Invisalign treatments. Especially after eating and drinking. Failing to clean your teeth properly can cause bacteria from your mouth to become trapped inside your Invisalign trays.

You shouldn't drink alcoholic beverages with your Invisalign. And the rule applies to all kinds of alcoholic drinks, be it beer, wine, or any other liquor. These drinks can cause visible stains on your aligners. Also, don't forget to rinse your mouth before you wear back your aligners after having alcohol.

Whether you have Invisalign or are considering beginning your journey with this treatment, you may be wondering how long you actually have to wear your aligners. Aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours each day. This means you can remove them for no longer than two hours per day.

Generally, Invisalign Lite uses 14 trays that aim to complete treatment in 6-12 months compared to the Full treatment that straightens in 12-24 months.

What happens if I only wear Invisalign 20 hours a day? ›

Failure to wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours per day can result in complications that may be difficult for Dr. Lee to correct. These complications include: Delayed results: In the short run, failure to wear the trays can result in discomfort.

Remove your aligners for a certain amount of time every day.

Take them out for 15 minutes at breakfast, 30 minutes at lunch, and 60 minutes at dinner. With this schedule, you'll have enough wiggle room for snacks and maintenance.

Most patients wear the Invisalign trays for an average of 12 to 18 months. That's actually less time than the average length of treatment time with metal braces of 24 months!

It is unrealistic, therefore, to expect big improvements in one or two weeks. The speed with which Invisalign moves teeth varies between patients. Some begin to notice subtle changes within two to three months, while others may have to wait a bit longer. You simply need to be patient and wait for it to happen.

If you have issues such as a moderate relapse after previous treatment or live in a tiny space, this could be a fantastic alternative. This treatment includes between 5 and 10 trays, with a total treatment time of 3 to 6 months.

Since the aligners are designed to begin actively moving your teeth, you'll likely feel some discomfort for the first few days. However, most people find that the soreness wears off after the first week. You may also notice that you speak with a slight lisp during the first week of wearing your aligners.

Try rubbing a bit of orthodontic wax on the aligner's edges to make a smoother fit in your mouth and to protect your tongue. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can help alleviate any discomfort you experience during your first couple days of treatment. A cool compress can also help.

You need to wear your Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the results you want.

Most patients adjust to the feeling of wearing their aligners within one to two weeks – but persistent use is key. The more you wear your aligners, the quicker you'll get used to them.

Which teeth are the hardest to move during Invisalign treatment? Typically, the lateral incisors or the teeth next to your front teeth are the most challenging to move with Invisalign aligners and traditional braces.

Should I sleep with my Invisalign on? ›

Invisalign works because of the near-constant pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to wear the aligners during sleep. The manufacturers of Invisalign suggest wearing the braces for 20 to 22 hours each day and only removing them while eating or brushing the teeth.

The initial set of Invisalign aligners will be the toughest wave to crest. You're adjusting to the odd sensation of having something in your mouth almost constantly, and it's uncomfortable too. But after a few days, the pain will subside to a dull ache and you'll get used to having Invisalign on your teeth.

Whether you have Invisalign or are considering beginning your journey with this treatment, you may be wondering how long you actually have to wear your aligners. Aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours each day. This means you can remove them for no longer than two hours per day.

Managing Mild Invisalign Pain the First Week of Treatment

Stick with foods that require minimal chewing for the first few days. Smoothies, milkshakes, yogurt, applesauce, ripe bananas, oatmeal, soup, scrambled eggs, protein shakes, and mashed potatoes are all excellent soft foods for sore teeth.

Tea and coffee can be safely consumed while you're undergoing treatment with Invisalign clear braces, although you should not drink these beverages while you are wearing the trays. Although you don't have to chew when you're drinking beverages, it's important to remove the trays before consuming them.

According to Penn Dental Medicine Family Practice, users reporting pain from Invisalign said that the symptoms lasted 2 to 3 days following new aligner installation. Since Invisalign requires new trays every 2 weeks, it's possible to experience mild pain and discomfort within the first few days of each cycle.

For optimal results, Invisalign gradually aligns your teeth, which minimizes discomfort and ensures a precise, healthy smile. It is unrealistic to see changes in one to two weeks. While result speed varies between patients, some patients may begin to notice a subtle difference within 10 to 12 weeks.

Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign is a more comfortable and easy way to correct your smile. First, they will move back your teeth and then align them properly with the shape of your Invisalign.