Looking to achieve a brilliant new smile with the revolutionary Invisalign system? At White Orthodontics in O’Fallon and Florissant, our board-certified orthodontists know just how popular Invisalign has become; which is why we are proud to offer these advanced orthodontic appliances to adults of all ages throughout Missouri. As Invisalign clear aligners are quickly becoming a common alternative to traditional metal braces, it’s crucial for all of our new Invisalign patients to adjust to their treatment properly, thus ensuring the healthiest smile possible!
Below, our dental team has put together a comprehensive list of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign, giving you a better understanding of what the Invisalign treatment is all about:
A. You must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours daily. You may remove them for eating, drinking and regular oral hygiene.
A. No. Unlike braces, you may eat whatever you like as long as you remove the aligners before eating. Prior to placing the aligners back on, it is important to brush your teeth and the aligners after you eat.
A. Like any orthodontic treatment, there is a short adjustment period. The more you speak with the aligners on, the quicker you will adjust.
A. There will be some pressure and minor discomfort for a day or two after each initial insertion. This is a sign that your teeth are moving sequentially into their final position.
A. It is recommended that you remove your aligners prior to chewing gum as the gum will stick to the aligners.
A. We discourage smoking with aligners as the cigarette smoke will tend to discolor them.
A. Brushing them with toothpaste will keep them fresh and clean.
A. Regular office visits are every five to six weeks. This will ensure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.
A. All orthodontic patients are instructed to wear their retainers at night indefinitely. Sleeping with your retainers in at night will ensure a healthy bite and maintain the new position of your teeth.
A. Treatment time varies depending on the severity of the misaligned teeth. Treatment time can be shorter than traditional braces, between six and 18 months.
A. Yes, if their teeth, including second molars, have grown in completely.