At Orthodontically Yours, we strive to make orthodontic care as convenient and comfortable as possible. Our doctors and expert team of highly trained orthodontic specialists take the time to get to know every patient on an individual level, and we work hard to design treatment plans that perfectly suit our patient’s unique orthodontic needs and lifestyles.
While braces are still the most popular form of treatment we offer, Invisalign is a hugely popular alternative and many patients ask us questions about it. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions we hear, along with their answers, on this page.
How much do I need to wear my aligners?
You’ll need to wear them at least 20-22 hours per day, but really you should only remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
Do I have to stop eating certain foods?
No! While you need to avoid some foods while wearing braces, Invisalign is completely removable, so you take your aligners out while eating. This means you can eat whatever you like – just make sure to brush your teeth and aligners thoroughly before putting them back in.
Will Invisalign give me a lisp or affect my speech?
As with any orthodontic treatment, there will be a brief adjustment period where you may notice a slight effect on your speech – but this should fade within a week or so.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Most patients report a sense of pressure on their teeth each time they switch to a new aligner, but this is generally mild and fades quickly.
Can I chew gum?
If you want to chew gum, you’ll have to remove your aligners before doing it. Just be sure to brush your teeth before putting them back in.
Can I smoke?
If you need to smoke, you’ll want to take your aligners out to do so – but we’d suggest quitting altogether, and we can connect you with resources to help.
How do I clean the aligners?
Cleaning is easy – just brush them like you would your teeth!
How often will I have to have an appointment?
We’ll generally schedule check-in appointments every five or six weeks, although in some cases they may need to be more frequent.
What happens once I finish? Will I need a retainer after Invisalign?
As with all orthodontic treatments, you’ll have to wear a retainer after treatment. You’re in luck, though: you can simply use your last pair of aligners as retainers!
How long does treatment take?
This varies from patient to patient, but usually treatment lasts 6 to 18 months.
Can kids get Invisalign?
Yes! So long as their teeth – including their second molars – have completely grown in, they’re a candidate for Invisalign.