Invisalign 101: Expert Tips for a Seamless Treatment Experience

Invisalign has been around for over 20 years but I find that people often have a lot of the same basic questions about it. As a big proponent of Invisalign, I wanted to address some of those common questions and concerns.

Does Invisalign work as well as traditional braces?

Yes, Invisalign can handle most cases that can be done with traditional metal braces. In some ways, including patient comfort, Invisalign outperforms traditional braces.

How long does Invisalign take?

The answer to that depends on several factors. The complexity of your case, how many hours a day you’re wearing your trays and even your age will all affect the length of time you’ll spend wearing your trays. It can take anywhere from six months up to two years. Then, once you’ve completed your treatment, you’ll have to continue wearing retainers when you sleep to prevent your teeth from shifting back.

How often do I switch trays?

Again, that’ll depend. Generally, if everything is moving according to plan, you’ll move to a new set of trays every week. We use a technology called DentalMonitoring, where you clip a mount to your smartphone, then once per week you’ll scan your teeth and submit the scan through an app. It’s very easy and it allows us to monitor your progress without you having to come into the office — another benefit of Invisalign over traditional braces. Through the DentalMonitoring app we let you know when you’re clear to progress to your next set of trays.

Does Invisalign hurt?

The first week or two can be a bit uncomfortable, but once you’ve adjusted to it, it’s relatively painless. Some find that they can have some discomfort on the day they switch to a new set of trays. Many patients choose to switch to a new set of trays before going to sleep to avoid that initial few hours of discomfort.

Can I eat with my Invisalign trays in?

You can, but you’ll have to brush and clean the trays afterwards. Most people remove their trays just before eating and put them back in just after, which is fine. You can drink water with your trays in, but I’d recommend taking them out for any other liquids. Pro tip: if you’re eating at a restaurant, when you take your trays out, immediately put your Invisalign case in a pocket or a purse. I can’t tell you how many patients have left their trays at a restaurant, only to later return and find out that they were accidentally thrown away.

If you think Invisalign might be right for you, call to book an appointment at East Mahogany Dental and we’ll be glad to have you in for a free consultation.