Curious about Invisalign® clear aligners? You’ve come to the right place! Our Invisalign dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, are accepting new patients and would be more than happy to answer any questions. Invisalign treatment offers several distinct advantages over traditional metal braces.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners FAQ
Here’s what you need to know about this popular treatment option for teeth straightening.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is a series of clear plastic aligners that fit perfectly over your teeth. The snug fit and the clear material make these aligners nearly invisible. The aligners exert constant but gentle pressure on your teeth, which moves them into optimal alignment. Our dentists use Invisalign to safely and effectively move teeth so you can enjoy a beautifully straightened smile.
What are the Benefits of Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign treatment is ideal for teenagers and adults because they offer a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. The aligners are made out of a clear comfortable plastic and fit snugly over your teeth. As such, most people won’t even realize that you’re wearing clear orthodontic aligners unless you tell them!
Another advantage of clear aligners is that they’re removable. This allows you to continue eating an unrestricted diet during orthodontic treatment. It also makes your oral hygiene routine a breeze because you don’t have to brush and floss around metal brackets.
Invisalign aligners are safe and highly effective, making them a preferred option for many patients seeking orthodontic care.
What is the Average Treatment Time?
In general, the average length of Invisalign treatment is 12 to 18 months. But it’s important to remember that each patient is different. The more complex the tooth movements, the longer treatment will take. Likewise, minor adjustments will take less time to complete.
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Aligners Each Day?
You’ll need to wear your at least 20 to 22 hours per day. This means that you should only be removing your aligners to floss, brush, eat, or drink anything other than water. Otherwise, you’ll fall behind on your progress and extend your treatment time.
Related: Pros and Cons of Invisalign Braces →
Do I Need to Avoid Eating Certain Foods?
No, you can enjoy an unlimited diet during . This is because Invisalign clear aligners are removable. Just make sure you place your aligners in their case when they’re not in your mouth. This will protect them from being crushed or thrown out by accident.
When you’re done eating, brush your teeth so you don’t stain your clear aligners. This will also help prevent food particles from being trapped between your aligners and your teeth for hours on end, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
We recommend carrying a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste with you while you’re on the go. This will make it easier to practice good oral hygiene and take care of your aligners while you’re out in public.
How Do I Clean My Aligners?
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle toothpaste to clean your aligners twice a day. Always use lukewarm water to clean your Invisalign aligners—never hot. Otherwise, you risk warping the plastic material. For this reason, you should also never boil your aligners or run them through the dishwasher. If you don’t want to brush your aligners, we recommend using the Invisalign cleaning system.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation
Our , are ready to help you achieve a healthier, more attractive smile. To schedule an Invisalign consultation, please call Enhance Family Dentistry & Orthodontics at (734) 821-7676. You may also fill out our online contact form and a member of our team will reach out to you soon to set up an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.
