There is no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to Invisalign or any type of orthodontics. You aren’t expected to know all the answers – that’s what your Invisalign provider is for, to deliver the details so you know what you’re getting into before you get into it. If you’re curious, you’re not alone – here are some of the common Invisalign questions our patients ask most.
1. Does Invisalign hurt?
All braces hurt sometimes. When you wear new Invisalign trays, they will be snug which could cause some pressure for a few days as the targeted teeth move into new positions. Manage tender teeth and gums by switching trays right before bed and sleeping through the initial discomfort.
2. Do I really have to wear the trays every day?
Yep. But you get a perk that wearers of conventional braces do not – you can remove your trays anytime you want. As long as you wear the trays 20 to 22 hours a day, treatment will stay on track and you can get breaks as needed. It gets easier as soon as you start.
3. What is an attachment?
Made of tooth-colored, composite material, attachments are tiny shapes temporarily bonded to specific teeth to anchor trays in place. Attachments make aligners fit better and move teeth effectively. They fit right into the trays and are hard to see if you keep them clean.
4. Do I have to keep aligners after I’ve worn them?
It’s a good idea to keep old aligners stored safely nearby when you’re done with them just in case you lose a tray or need to revert to a previous part of your treatment. Your Invisalign provider will guide you on best practices regarding your unique case.
5. Why do I need a case if I wear Invisalign most of the day?
Your trays need to be removed for meals and cleaning and stored safely in between. It’s not a good idea to store aligners in your pocket, bag, or in a napkin when you’re eating or brushing your teeth. It’s too easy to misplace or throw away those important appliance. Invest in multiple cases and carry at least one at all times.
6. Do I have to wear a retainer?
Absolutely. Everyone who wears Invisalign must wear a retainer when treatment is complete and from then on – every night. Retainers are easy and low-maintenance but do the incredibly important job of keeping newly shifted teeth in their proper positions permanently.
7. How long is Invisalign treatment?
Every patient is different. The average treatment time to align an entire smile with Invisalign or Invisalign Teen is about 12 months. If you only have a few gaps or crooked teeth to adjust, you may only need several months of wearing aligners. Your Invisalign provider will tell you at the start how long treatment will last, how many trays you will wear, and more.
Ask Your Fort Lauderdale Invisalign Provider Common Invisalign Questions
If you’re interested in Invisalign or Invisalign Teen for your child, schedule a consultation with certified Invisalign provider Dr. Charmaine Johnson at Premier Smile Center in Fort Lauderdale. This cosmetic dentistry treatment could be just what you need to transform your smile permanently and discreetly.
Everything I have had done at Premier Smile Center has been top-notch. The treatment I received was thorough, precise and extremely professional. I never felt like just another patient because they took the time to listen to my concerns. They addressed my issues and we agreed on the treatment plan together.
The staff is very friendly, warm and extremely knowledgeable. I felt relaxed and comfortable knowing I chose the right place to get the dental work I needed. Dr. Johnson is very humane and very knowledgeable, and she does amazing work. I like the friendliness and honesty of the whole practice. I was not confident with my smile, in fact I was very self conscious and rarely smiled. Premier Smile Center has changed all that. My smile is one of the things I like the most.