Common questions about Invisalign treatment.

Clear aligners let patients of all ages enjoy straighter smiles without the hassle of traditional braces. However, many patients still have Invisalign questions. Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions about this treatment.

1. What can you eat with Invisalign?

One of the top benefits of Invisalign treatment, as opposed to traditional braces, is you won’t have any dietary restrictions. You’ll need to take your clear aligners out when you eat and brush before putting them back on, but this lets you enjoy any foods you’d like. No need to avoid foods, like popcorn, that braces would prohibit.

2. Does It hurt?

Of course, some of the most common Invisalign questions are about how comfortable the treatment is. You have nothing to worry about. While new clear aligners may feel a bit tight at first, that feeling dissipates over a few hours. You don’t experience any pain, and you avoid dealing with snapped bands or cuts from brackets. 

3. Is Invisalign expensive?

Many factors will affect the cost of your individual treatment. In general, Invisalign is roughly comparable in cost to traditional braces when treating the same types of cases. If you’re concerned about affording your care, you can always find options for financing family dentistry in Austin, Texas.

4. What’s the age limit for this treatment?

Invisalign has done wonders to increase the acceptance of adult orthodontic treatment. With this treatment, there’s no upper age limit. The use of clear aligners in adults shows excellent results no matter your age and can correct a wide range of issues with your smile.

5. How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Another set of common Invisalign questions has to do with how long the treatment takes. Rest assured, this treatment can deliver fast results. Most cases take between 12 to 18 months—considerably shorter than most cases treated with braces. You’ll start to see some noticeable results long before your treatment is finished.

6. Is Invisalign right for all orthodontic cases?

It’s important to note that, while versatile, Invisalign isn’t the right treatment in all cases. When you come in to see your dentist, they’ll carefully evaluate your teeth and jaw. Some issues, such as crooked or misaligned teeth, are easily treated. Mild or moderate overbites, underbites, crooked teeth, gaps, and spaces are all treatable.

However, there are some examples where this treatment isn’t the right choice. Cases that involve impacted teeth, other developmental issues, and severely rotated teeth may require traditional braces or other orthodontic treatment.

7. Is it easy to remove the clear aligners?

Yes, removing your clear aligners is very easy. For the best results, you can reach a finger behind the back molar on either side and lift off the aligner starting at the back. While Invisalign aligners stay in place during regular use, they’re easy enough to remove whenever you eat.

8. How many hours a day can you leave your aligners out?

One of the most important Invisalign tips is that you need to keep your aligners in as much as possible. While you can remove them to eat, you shouldn’t remove them for long stretches, such as social engagements. You need to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day to ensure that your treatment stays on track.

9. Is Invisalign really invisible?

The main reason that most people become interested in Invisalign treatment is that it is much less conspicuous than braces. The treatment takes its name from the fact that the clear aligners are practically invisible. Of course, they aren’t literally invisible. They’re noticeable under close inspection, but aren’t likely to be picked up on in most situations.

10. How does Invisalign affect speech?

The impact on speech is another key point that separates Invisalign from traditional braces. With traditional braces, patients often have difficulty speaking clearly. This effect is significantly diminished with this treatment While they’ll take a bit of getting used to right when you start your treatment, you should be able to speak very naturally.

11. How often will I have to visit the dentist?

In general, you’ll only need to visit your dentist once every six weeks or so for a brief checkup. You receive all of your clear aligners at the start of the treatment, so the checkup is just to ensure that the treatment is progressing as planned. There’s no need for regular wire tightening as you would experience with traditional braces.

Start your Invisalign treatment today in Austin, TX.

Whether you’re suffering from a crooked smile or bite issues, Invisalign could be just the treatment you need. You can visit Parmer Lane Family Dentistry for a consultation to find out whether this treatment is right for you. Schedule your next appointment for family dentistry in Austin, Texas, today.