05 Aug 2021
Invisalign is a new way of treating common orthodontic concerns and improving the appearance of your smile. Instead of traditional metal braces, Invisalign uses custom clear aligner trays that are almost invisible when worn, which is where the treatment gets its name.
Its convenience and discreet nature make Invisalign treatment very popular among clients of all ages. Still, many patients who are considering this type of orthodontic care hope to understand it better before committing to it.
Before you Google ‘Invisalign near me,’ why not read up on some of the most common questions that patients ask about this procedure? You will find the answers to ten of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign below.
Top 10 Questions About Invisalign
1. Is Invisalign Safe?
Invisalign is completely safe for patients of all ages. However, it does not replace a mouthguard. Because of this, athletes should remove their aligners and insert their mouthguards before they practice any high-impact sports. Invisalign treatment is also not necessarily the best choice for every patient, even if it is a viable option for them. For example, many families choose traditional braces for their children because they worry that the aligners will be too easily lost, broken, damaged, or won’t be used properly.
2. How Will My Treatment Start?
Your Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation appointment. During this meeting, your dentist will discuss your case with you and take either a dental scan or an impression of your teeth. This helps your dentist assess your situation, offer you individualized counselling, and begin planning the next steps in your treatment.
3. How Do Aligners Work?
Clear aligners reshape the arch of your teeth by applying carefully calculated pressure to shift specific teeth into position. Every tray is custom fabricated to produce incremental movements toward your desired result. Each one builds on the results of the last to work toward the desired result.
Aligners must usually be worn between 20 and 22 hours a day to be effective, and you will need to move to the next tray in the set every 7 to 10 days. Depending on your treatment provider, this might involve a visit to your dentist’s office for a check-up to ensure treatment is progressing according to plan.
4. What Issues Can Be Treated with Invisalign?
Invisalign is effective at correcting many types of malocclusions, including overbite and underbite. It is also excellent for treating small imperfections such as slightly crooked teeth or small gaps between the teeth. However, patients with more severe problems may be able to achieve better results using traditional braces instead. If you are not sure whether you would benefit from clear aligners, ask your dentist about it. They will evaluate whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign or make any alternative recommendations.
5. How Long Will the Treatment Last?
Each patient’s treatment time depends on the complexity of their case, but most take around one year to achieve their desired results. Some cases may be finished sooner, while others may require an extended treatment plan. Your dentist will let you know how long you can expect to be using the aligners during your initial consultation.
Your treatment may take longer than you were initially told if you do not wear your aligners consistently. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions to avoid lengthening your total treatment time.
6. Will Invisalign Affect My Diet?
No. One of the advantages of Invisalign treatment is that it does not require you to adjust your diet in any way. This is because the trays are meant to be removed whenever you eat or drink. You are allowed to keep them in if you are only drinking water.
However, you should try to brush your teeth whenever possible before putting your trays in again, especially if you were eating sticky or sweet things. Otherwise, your trays will trap particles of your food and drinks, holding them against your teeth. This makes it easy for bacteria to form and decay to start. Your trays can also become stained and worn when you eat with them, forcing you to replace them sooner.
7. What Will Happen After My Invisalign Treatment?
Once your Invisalign treatment has concluded, you will need to wear a custom retainer to maintain your results. At first, you will need to sleep with this device in your mouth every night. As time goes by, you may be able to wear it less and less. Your dentist will let you know what to expect in the post-treatment period and may even be able to offer you a permanent retainer to help maintain your results.
8. What Happens If an Aligner Breaks or Gets Lost?
You must stick closely to your treatment schedule to achieve the results you want, so ask your dentist for a replacement tray as soon as possible. You will be charged an additional fee for this new tray, so be careful with the ones you are initially given to keep the total cost of your treatment down.
9. Does Invisalign Work as Well as Traditional Braces?
Yes, as long as you have been deemed a suitable candidate for clear aligner treatment. In these cases, the two treatments will produce extremely similar results. Your dentist will inform you if they believe that your case would be better suited to traditional orthodontic treatment.
10. How Much Will This Cost?
Invisalign costs vary depending on the length and complexity of your treatment. If you have dental insurance, you may be able to get a portion of the expense covered. You can also ask your dentist about setting up a payment plan to break the total cost into smaller monthly installments if needed.
Other Common FAQs for Invisalign
How Does Single Arch Treatment Work?
Single arch Invisalign treatment involves wearing Invisalign aligners on just your top or bottom teeth. You can wear a single aligner the same way you would wear a pair of them, making treatment just as quick and convenient as the conventional approach.
When Does Invisalign for Just Your Top Teeth or Bottom Teeth Work?
Not all Invisalign cases are suited for single-arch treatment. This approach typically works best when you have just one or two small imperfections in your smile, such as a slightly crooked front tooth. It cannot treat issues like crossbite or overbite. Ask your dentist whether you might be a candidate for single arch treatment.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Single Arch Treatment?
People who receive single arch treatment must be carefully monitored for problems with occlusion (the way your teeth fit together). If single arch adjustments are made without considering this variable, your teeth may make contact with each other in ways they are not supposed to. This can cause headaches, tooth fractures, and more.
Which is Better for Invisalign: A Dentist or An Orthodontist?
It depends. For many dentists, Invisalign treatment is something they do on rare occasions when a patient asks for it. For others, it is an integral part of their practice and may even be one of their specialties. These dentists can often provide treatment that is just as good as that of an orthodontist.
Ask your dentist about affordable Invisalign and see what they say. If they tell you that they handle Invisalign cases all the time, you can trust them to provide you with an excellent treatment experience and beautiful results.
Contact Us for Invisalign in Mississauga
Does Invisalign sound like the treatment option you want to pursue? Visit Trillium Smile Dentistry to find out! Dr. Tousi is an expert Invisalign provider with years of experience treating challenging orthodontic cases. Contact Trillium Smile Dentistry today at 647-371-1894 to book an initial consultation to learn more about how our team; can help you straighten your teeth quickly, conveniently, and discreetly.
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