Invisalign®

Taking a modern approach to straightening teeth.

Invisalign® treatment is an advanced orthodontic system that uses comfortable, clear plastic aligners to move your teeth into the correct position.

Invisalign® treatment uses sophisticated 3-D oral scanning to map your teeth accurately and help create a graduated series of aligners to shift your teeth over time into their desired position gently.

What is Invisalign® treatment?

Benefits of Invisalign® Treatment

  • Unlike braces, Invisalign® aligners are removable for easy cleaning. They also allow you to brush and floss more efficiently, improving your oral health.

  • Metal braces frequently rub on the inside of the lips and cheeks, causing discomfort and irritation. In contrast, Invisalign® is smooth and low-profile. Invisalign® treatment is made of smooth, strong SmartTrack material that moves teeth gently and efficiently.

  • On average, Invisalign® treatment lasts only 4 to 12 months, though your treatment time may vary depending on your orthodontic issues. Braces can take much longer, from 18 months to 3 years. For complex treatments, we will recommend that you see our trusted team of specialists. We will be there for you from start to finish.

  • The graduated aligners move teeth slowly using constant but slight pressure, as opposed to traditional braces, which the orthodontist adjusts by moving the archwire. Adjustments to braces can be very uncomfortable.

  • With Invisalign® treatment, no one else needs to know that you are straightening your teeth. You will not attract unwanted attention, and you don't need to worry about the appearance of your smile.

  • Invisalign® aligners must be taken out every time you eat, so you can enjoy any meal as long as you completely clean your teeth and aligners before replacing them. In some special cases, like having a crossbite, you have to eat with your aligners in. Your doctor will guide you through everything and ensure you’re on track for success. You can eat foods people with braces have to avoid, like popcorn, corn on the cob, and sticky candy.

  • We offer complimentary in-office teeth whitening after Invisalign® treatment. We can create your ideal smile by straightening and brightening your teeth. You’re going to look great.

Invisalign® Instructions

Please download My Invisalign® app for easier monitoring of your treatment and additional instructions. Here are the instructions on how to use the app.

Do’s

  • Use your fingers to put your aligners in place. First, place the aligners over your front teeth, and then use your fingers to push the aligner down gently over your molars. When the aligners are correctly inserted, they will fit all the way down on the teeth, with no space between the top of the aligners and the top of the teeth. Aligners will fit tightly at first, but should fit well at the end of the one-week period.

  • Teeth tracking. Check your aligners for proper fitting every day. The aligner should fit intimately with the teeth. If you notice an air bubble between one or two teeth and the aligner, your teeth are not tracking properly.  

  • Sometimes, at the end of the week, your aligner still might not fit perfectly. That could be because you were not wearing the aligners for the recommended 22 hours, or due to complexity of the tooth movement. In this case, add one additional day to this aligner and use Munchies or Chewies to stimulate the movement of the tooth that is not tracking.

  • Keep aligners in except when flossing, brushing, and eating. It’s also best to remove the aligners when drinking warm beverages such as coffee or tea.

  • Remove the aligner by pulling it off both sides of your back teeth simultaneously, then lifting it off of your front teeth. Place your aligners in the case we provided any time they are not being worn. 

  • Clean aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

  • Wear each set of aligners for one week unless our office directs you to vary from this schedule.

  • You will feel discomfort for the first 24-48 hours when placing a new aligner every 7 days. The discomfort will gradually decrease, and the aligner should fit passively at the end of the week.  

  • You may take Acetaminophen or Tylenol for discomfort if needed. If you take NSAD’s like Ibuprofen, Aliev, Naproxen, Diclofenac, as well as Aspirin will affect orthodontic movement of your teeth and slow down the movement. Studies show that Acetaminophen is the drug of choice for orthodontic treatments. 

  • Please tell your doctor if you are taking corticosteroids since it will delay the bone remodeling and the intervals between changing aligners will be different.  

  • Wear aligners in the correct numerical order. (Each aligner is labeled by number and with a U or an L to designate upper or lower.)

  • Keep all of your old aligners and bring them to your orthodontic appointments.

Dont’s

  • Don’t place your aligners in or on a napkin or tissue. Many aligners have accidentally been thrown out this way!

  • Don’t use your teeth to “bite” your aligners into place. Use the Chewies or Munchies that we provided you with to seat your aligners. You need to bite on Chewies for 20 min a day to seat your aligners and to stimulate the movement of your teeth.

  • If you have pets, don’t place your aligners anywhere that your pets can reach them. Pets are attracted to saliva and would enjoy chewing on your Invisalign trays!

  • Do not use Denture cleaner, alcohol, or bleach to clean your aligners.

  • Do not use boiling water or warm water on your aligners.

  • Don’t chew gum with your aligners in.

  • It would be best not to smoke while wearing aligners. The smoke can stain the aligners as well as your teeth.

Just In Case

  • Don’t place your aligners in or on a napkin or tissue. Many aligners have accidentally been thrown out this way!

  • Don’t use your teeth to “bite” your aligners into place. Use the Chewies or Munchies that we provided you with to seat your aligners. You need to bite on Chewies for 20 min a day to seat your aligners and to stimulate the movement of your teeth.

  • If you have pets, don’t place your aligners anywhere that your pets can reach them. Pets are attracted to saliva and would enjoy chewing on your Invisalign trays!

  • Do not use Denture cleaner, alcohol, or bleach to clean your aligners.

  • Do not use boiling water or warm water on your aligners.

  • Don’t chew gum with your aligners in.

  • It would be best not to smoke while wearing aligners. The smoke can stain the aligners as well as your teeth.