Your Family Orthodontist Answers Your Invisalign Questions
When you’re looking for high-quality orthodontic treatments, such as braces or Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, at Accorde Orthodontists is the family orthodontist you can turn to. With four convenient locations, our orthodontists understand that undergoing orthodontic treatment for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience, so we make it a priority to offer a stress-free office environment and always keep our patients well-informed of their orthodontic situation. We would like to help you learn a little more about Invisalign treatment and its process through this listing of commonly asked questions.
How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?
Instead of using metal or ceramic braces, brackets, and wires, Invisalign treatment works by using a series of clear aligners made of soft, smooth plastic to continuously move your teeth to their correct position and give you a perfect smile. The Doctor will create a series of molds that fit directly over your teeth so that each time you change the aligners, they will gently push them to move.
What orthodontic problems can Invisalign fix?
This superior orthodontic treatment system has made consistent advances as an alternative to braces and can now treat various types of orthodontic problems including:
- Overbite - when your upper teeth go over your lower teeth.
- Underbite - opposite of overbite, when your lower teeth cover your upper teeth.
- Overcrowding - when you don’t have enough room in your mouth for your teeth to align correctly.Gaps between teeth - Invisalign can close the gaps between your teeth from either missing teeth, teeth coming in in the wrong place, or your jaw growing abnormally.
- Crossbite - When one or more of your upper teeth bite inside your lower teeth.
What are the benefits of Invisalign over braces?
The doctors of Accorde Orthodontists and their experienced staff of professionals, provide both Invisalign and all types of braces orthodontic treatment. Sometimes it’s not the perceived benefit of one treatment over another as much as which treatment is best for your particular orthodontic problem. As your family orthodontist will examine and evaluate your individual situation to see what type of treatment would be best for you. Some of the differences between Invisalign and braces include:
- Removable - you can (and should) remove your aligners when you eat. That means there are no restrictions on what you are able to eat.
- Invisible - if you’re worried about what you will look like with metal braces, Invisalign gives you the opportunity for orthodontic treatment that is almost invisible due to the clear aligners. You won't have to worry about having braces in pictures, at major social events, or at work.
- Oral Health - since you take your aligners out to brush, it’s easier to brush and floss every part of the tooth’s surface which leads to positive oral health and less chance for food to get caught in between your teeth.
- Comfortable - most consider Invisalign’s clear plastic aligners more comfortable to wear than braces, which can sometimes rub against and irritate your cheeks and gums.
How Long Will the Invisalign Treatment Take?
Treatment time will change from one patient to the next, based on the patient and how critical the problem is. The more severe the case, the longer the treatment will take. Treatment time with Invisalign will usually be shorter than with traditional braces and will typically last between six and 18 months.
Do I Have To Wear Invisalign Aligners All The Time?
The short answer is yes. But you will take them out when you eat or drink and when you floss and brush your teeth. In order for Invisalign to work as it’s designed, you’ll need to wear your aligners for about 22 hours a day. Of course, you are able to also remove the aligners temporarily for special occasions like school or family photos, as long as you put them right back in when finished. Every week, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners.
Can I Eat Whatever I Want With Invisalign?
Yes! As long as you remove the aligners before you eat, you are welcome to enjoy all the foods and drinks you love. With braces, there are recommended foods to avoid.
Will I Talk Funny When I Wear My Aligners?
You’ll have to give yourself some time to adjust to your new appliance and during that time you may notice that you sound different, but don’t worry; Your speech should get back to normal once you have had time to practice.
Does Invisalign Aligners Hurt?
Like braces, Invisalign treatment may cause some soreness or discomfort the first few days after you put a new set of clear aligners in as your teeth adjust to the new force that will move them into place. This isn’t anything to worry about though and it’s just a sign that your teeth are moving toward their intended position.
Is Chewing Gum Allowed?
Chewing gum is not recommended while you’re undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment. Gum can stick to your aligners just like braces. If you need to chew gum, make sure you remove your aligners first.
What About Smoking?
We warn against smoking with your Invisalign aligners as the smoke can stain or discolor your aligners and delay movement.
What’s The Best Way To Clean My Aligners?
Brush the inside of the aligners daily. Aligners should be “crystal clear” at all times. If aligners are cloudy, this is an indication of plaque accumulation, which can be damaging to the teeth, and may lead to scarring/decalcification and cavities of your teeth.
Brush the inside of the aligners with toothpaste and cool water, or with vinegar and water. Do NOT use denture cleaners to clean aligners. Do NOT soak them in mouthwash. These products can damage the surface of the aligner, causing it to become dull and more visible.
Can Anything Stain My Aligners?
Yes. Drinking colored beverages with your aligners in such as wine, tea or coffee will stain your aligners.
Is Invisalign Only For Adult Treatment?
No. Our family orthodontists are finding more and more adolescents are taking advantage of the benefits of Invisalign. Accorde Orthodontists even offers Invisalign Teen, a special type of Invisalign built just for that age group. If your permanent teeth have grown it, anyone is eligible for Invisalign.
How Often Will I See My Family Orthodontist During Treatment?
We’ll schedule appointments with Dr. Mark, Dr. Hobday, or Dr. Helmich every ten to twelve weeks during your Invisalign treatment at one of our four convenient office locations. Following treatment, you will switch to a retainer to keep your teeth in place.
How do I pay for Invisalign?
At Accorde Orthodontists, we never want financial worries to get in the way of anyone correcting their dental problems - whether to give you a confident, beautiful smile or to fix medical concerns related to crooked teeth or jaw alignment. That’s why our business staff will work with you to create a finance plan that will fit your needs. If you have dental insurance, there is a good chance at least part of your Invisalign treatment will be covered and we’ll work with your insurance company to make sure you receive full benefits.
Contact Your Family Orthodontist For Invisalign Treatment Today!
We hope this answers your questions, but if you have more, we’re always here to help. If you would like to find out if you’re a good candidate for treatment using Invisalign clear aligners, please request an appointment today. Call our office at 763-425-9888 and schedule your first free consultation at one of our four locations in Maple Grove, Champlin, Rogers, or Albertville office! Our family orthodontist will examine your teeth and recommend the best treatment option for you. We look forward to caring for you at Accorde Orthodontists! We can’t wait to hear from you and help put you on the path toward a straighter and healthier smile!