Invisalign FAQ’s

Invisalign treatment is a great solution for both adults and teens looking for a virtually invisible method to improve their smiles. Clear Invisalign aligners make it possible to easily correct common teeth-straightening and bite issues, from simple to complex, moderate to severe – all without interrupting your busy life. 

Below are some of the issues that we have treated with Invisalign.

• Crooked Teeth
• Crowding
• Spacing
• Overbite
• Crossbite
• Underbite
• Openbite
• Rotation
• Gapped teeth
• Gum disease
• Preparation for Implants

Between Invisalign and braces, which one is right for you? Which one is right for your child? These are all great questions! This is a decision that comes down to several important personal preferences and priorities.

Price – While the actual price varies case by case, generally speaking, Invisalign costs between $2800 -$6700. Traditional braces can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000, meaning that oftentimes, Invisalign can be the better economic alternative.

Appearance

The biggest difference between braces and Invisalign is appearance, and Invisalign is going to win this category every time. Invisalign is virtually undetectable, while typical metal braces are more noticeable. Invisalign trays are made from a clear plastic material, whereas braces are metal. If you are looking for a discreet option for teeth alignment, Invisalign is the superior choice. 

Comfort

Invisalign tends to be more comfortable than traditional braces. This is because it applies less pressure to the teeth and mouth. Invisalign can strategically move specific teeth instead of moving all teeth at the same time, this can lead to less pain and soreness than traditional braces.  

Braces can also have sharp edges that can cut the inner lip and the tongue. If you or your child plays sports, metal braces can be a safety risk if there is incidental contact. 

Appointment Frequency

Regular orthodontic appointments are recommended whether you have braces or Invisalign. For braces, this usually means coming into the office approximately once a month for 30 minutes in order to tighten the braces. 

Unlike metal braces, you won’t need to return for regular appointments with Invisalign. Instead, you will return periodically every 8-10 weeks to check your tooth movements and tray fit. 

You will be given instructions at these appointments for your next set of aligners. These appointments are typically 15 minutes. 

Ease of Brushing and Flossing

With Invisalign, patients simply remove their trays and brush and floss normally. With traditional braces, you will need to remove elastics, bands, or removable parts of orthodontic appliances. Carefully clean around wires and pins. Brush each wire. Brush teeth. 

Take the floss and carefully thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth. Parents should do the flossing for younger children who lack the coordination to thread the floss under the main wire of their braces.

Food Restrictions

Those who wear Traditional Braces should avoid chewy, crunchy, sticky, and hard foods, including candy, nuts, popcorn, and bagels, to prevent damage or irritation. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, there are NO food restrictions. 

You can eat and drink whatever you want during treatment. You only have to pop your Invisalign aligners out before eating or drinking anything aside from plain water.

Invisalign vs. Braces: The Verdict

In the debate between Invisalign vs braces, it all comes down to personal choice. So, to make the decision that is best for you or your child, you should carefully weigh the categories above. 

Schedule a free orthodontic consultation with Dr. Basem is a great way to get all of your questions answered.

Dr. Basem uses cutting-edge 3D computer-imaging technology to map out a treatment plan that gradually aligns your teeth. We will create a series of customized clear orthodontic aligners that slowly shift your teeth into proper alignment.

Invisalign moves teeth by applying a controlled force to different parts of your teeth during different parts of your treatment. Simply put, only specific teeth can only move with each new set of aligners you wear.

The first aligner most resembles your current alignment, with small changes toward straighter teeth. You will switch out the aligners weekly as your teeth shift into proper alignment, with each aligner slowly forcing your teeth into optimal position. This is a more controlled and less painful way of aligning your teeth compared to metal braces.

Unlike metal braces, you won’t need to return for regular appointments. Instead, with Invisalign, Dr. Basem, you will return periodically every 8 to 10 weeks to check your tooth movements and tray fit. 

You will be given instructions at these appointments for your next set of aligners. These appointments are typically 15 minutes. 

Thanks to the convenient and removable nature of aligners, you can eat and drink whatever you want during treatment because you’re required to remove your aligners in order to eat and drink. Unlike undergoing traditional treatment using wires and brackets, there is no need to restrict any of your favorite foods and snacks. 

It’s also important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners in order to maintain fresh breath and proper hygiene. At your first appointment, Dr. Basem will provide you with an on-the-go kit that includes a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Whether you are at work, school, a restaurant, or out and about, you’ll be set up for success. 

There are no restrictions on what you can drink during your Invisalign treatment. However, you can drink only water while wearing Invisalign aligners. For everything else, you must remove the aligners before drinking. 

You cannot drink any liquids containing sugar, such as juice, soda, coffee with sugar, or tea while wearing Invisalign aligners. If sugar or coloured beverages come between the aligners and your teeth, it can cause decalcification and discoloration of enamel.

Generally, Invisalign aligners do not affect speech. In most cases, patients speak the same way they always have and do not feel any different when wearing their aligners. 

During the first few days of wearing your trays, you may experience a “lisp” due to the increased saliva in your mouth as they aligners may be mistaken for food. After a few days, your mouth will adjust to the aligners and you should have no problem speaking.

This depends on the complexity of the case and the amount of movement required. The average time is between 6-12 months. 

On average, the treatment is twice as fast as traditional braces due to experiencing double the range of movement. When you have your free consultation with Dr. Basem, he will show you a before and after photo of your smile and give you a timeline for your custom treatment plan.

The cost of Invisalign varies greatly. It can range from $2800 to $6700. Most treatment plans land somewhere in the middle. 

A free 3D Scan & Invisalign Consult is the best way to get an accurate price for your specific treatment. We’re completely transparent about our fees and there won’t be any surprises.

There are a lot of ways to make Invisalign treatment affordable for you. We offer direct billing to Insurance, Health Spending Account Invoicing, Interest Free Payment Plans, and Third Party Payment Options. 

At your Invisalign consultation, our team will personally review your insurance plan and discuss all of your options.

When considering the cost of your Invisalign treatment, here is everything you’ll get at Smiles Dentistry:

• All Invisalign in-office appointments
• All Scans, X-rays and Images needed for your treatment.
• Your Invisalign aligners plus any additional appliances
• Any additional trays or adjustments
• 2 types of retainers, lingual (fixed) and 4 Vivera Retainers (removable) for every case
• On–The–Go Invisalign Kit 
• Post Treatment Zoom
• Teeth Whitening

Yes!  We can achieve outstanding results for mild, moderate, and complex cases for kids, teens, and adults.  

Invisalign treatment is painless, but there may be some discomfort through the treatment process as teeth shift. Your teeth may feel sore when a new tray is put on. This discomfort usually goes away after a few days as your mouth gets used to that specific tray. 

Dr. Basem always recommends changing to your next tray before bed, that way you sleep right through the most uncomfortable stage.  Remember, the aligners are worn to shift teeth into their correct alignment. 

Sometimes, an aligner feels like it doesn’t fit properly. That means it’s working! This is done intentionally to shift your teeth into their proper positions.

One of the aspects of Invisalign treatment that many patients love is how little the treatment affects their daily lives. You will remove your aligners whenever you eat, drink or brush your teeth, that’s about it!

If you’re concerned about comfort, you should know that you may feel a little pressure each time you move to another stage of treatment. However, this feeling tends to be less than what patients feel with traditional metal braces. It goes away after a few days.

Invisalign trays are constructed out of a flexible plastic and are custom fitted. It may take a few days to adjust to a new fit, but you will soon find that you don’t even notice that you are wearing them.

The main attraction of Invisalign alignments is that the trays are nearly invisible. From a distance, people won’t be able to notice them at all. When you’re interacting with people up close, they may start guessing. The aligners are unobtrusive and you can always take them out for short periods of time.

It is sometimes possible to switch from metal braces to Invisalign, though it will depend on the individual. Invisalign is the most effective when used from the beginning. It also costs more to switch treatment methods in the middle.

 You should clean your Invisalign trays each time you eat or drink something other than water. You will start by brushing the Invisalign trays when you brush your teeth each morning. 

Dr Basem will provide you with an on-the-go kit which includes travel toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss so you can easily clean your trays and brush your teeth on the go. 

Each tray is typically worn for 1 week at a time, if you find they need a deeper clean you can also clean trays with a retainer cleansing solution.

If you drop your Invisalign aligners on the floor or otherwise need to sanitize the trays, you can do so by using antibacterial soap. However, you should only use warm water. Heat or hot water, can damage and distort your Invisalign tray and should be avoided.

It’s important that all patients who’ve gone through the time, work, and expense of Invisalign or any orthodontic treatment, wear either a fixed and/or removable retainer. Dr. Basem includes both a fixed retainer and 4 removable Vivera retainers with your Invisalign treatment.

Retainers play an important role in many post-treatment benefits, including:

• Keeping gaps closed
• Maintaining bite correction
• Preventing teeth from crowding
• Preventing grinding of teeth while sleeping

Typically, you’ll wear your removable retainer full time for a short period and then transition to wearing it only at night when you go to sleep.