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Invisalign FAQs

Read on for answers to some of our most frequently asked questions at Sandy Hill Dental Centre about Invisalign clear aligners in Ottawa.

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Invisalign FAQs

Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions.

What are Invisalign clear aligners?

Invisalign clear aligners are a system of clear, plastic aligners that are custom-fitted to straighten your teeth without having to rely on metal wires or brackets. 

Advanced 3D computer imaging technology is used throughout the consultation process to craft a custom treatment plan targeted at your unique smile.

A series of custom clear aligners will be manufactured to fit your teeth precisely during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process.

How does the Invisalign process work?

Invisalign's clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth in tiny increments as your treatment progresses. You will wear each aligner for about two weeks before it is replaced by the next one in the series.

This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist based on your specific needs.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Your dentist will be able to determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your unique needs. 

The factors which may determine the duration of your treatment include the misalignment of your jaw or teeth, the shape of your bite and the amount of movement which is required to fix your orthodontic issue.

What are Invisalign aligners made of?

Invisalign clear aligners are crafted from USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular,  polyurethane resins. They are BPA-free.

How often do I have to visit the dentist?

Since your Invisalign clear aligners only require switching from one to the next every two weeks, you don't need to rely on adjustments or tightening. Your dentist will schedule short appointments with your every 4 -6 weeks.

During these appointments, your dentist will take the opportunity to review your progress and general oral health, answer your questions, and make adjustments to your treatment as required.

What are the primary features of Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are:

  • A more discreet solution than traditional braces
  • Smooth construction for enhanced comfort
  • Do not require adjustment appointments
  • Removable for eating, brushing and flossing

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of your clear aligners will depend on the severity of your case and the duration of your treatment. For example, the more severe your malocclusion, the more aligners you will need and the more your treatment will cost. 

In many instances, the cost of Invisalign will be comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatments like braces. 

How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?

You may very well find that Invisalign treatment fits quite comfortably into your day-to-day routine.

You are able to remove your aligners whenever you want to eat, drink, brush and floss. This means there aren't any dietary restrictions, and that your oral hygiene routine is just as easy as ever. 

Are there any food or drink restrictions?

Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out to eat. As a result, there are no dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can continue to eat all the foods you love!

To avoid staining your clear aligners, we recommend removing them when you consume beverages such as wine, coffee, or dark soda beverages.

How many sets of aligners will I need?

The answer to this question will depend on the severity of your misalignment.

Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how long your treatment will take, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during an initial consultation.

Can adults use Invisalign?

Absolutely! Any adult who has healthy teeth and gums is a possible candidate for Invisalign orthodontic treatment. 

More and more adults have been deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment in recent years, largely because of the widespread availability of options like Invisalign.

Can teenagers use Invisalign?

Yes! Teens can certainly be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has created a line of aligners to meet the unique needs of teenagers.

Invisalign Teen clear aligners have compliance indicators on them (small blue dots which fade from sight after the aligners have been worn for two weeks) to help your teenager stay on track with their orthodontic treatment.

They also come with eruption tabs that provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing crooked.

How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?

Most Invisalign patients change from one set of clear aligners to the next every two weeks. However, your dentist will be able to tell you precisely how often you should switch from one set of clear aligners to the next.

How do I clean my aligners?

Rinse your aligners every time you remove them in order to wash away dried saliva and plaque which can cause dental decay and bad breath.

Soak your aligners using a denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.

Brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back in. Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. Failing to brush and floss properly can trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and aligner, increasing your risk of dental problems and bad breath.

Clean your aligners using a clear, anti-bacterial soap. Clear anti-bacterial soap is an inexpensive and excellent way to keep your aligners fresh, clear and free of bacteria.

Brush your aligners gently so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!

Can I play sports with Invisalign?

You can remove your Invisalign clear aligners so you can play sports without having to worry about causing any damage to your aligners. 

Keep in mind that Invisalign clear aligners must be kept in your mouth for at least 22 hours per day, however, so plan your time carefully.

You will also likely want to invest in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth. Orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen a bit as they shift to their new positions in your mouth, which makes them more susceptible to damage.

Can I play my instrument with Invisalign?

Yes! Simply remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and pop them back in when you're done.

How do I store my aligners?

Your Invisalign aligners will come with a case, and this is where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them safe.

Can't find the answer you're looking for?

Get in touch. We'd be glad to answer any other questions you may have.

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