Q. How often must I wear my aligners?
A. You must wear your aligners 20-22 hours every day to maximize the tooth movement and ensure the best results. You may remove them for eating, drinking and regular oral hygiene.
Q. Are there any restrictions to what I can eat while in treatment?
A. No. Unlike braces, you may eat whatever you like as long as you remove the aligners before eating. Prior to placing the aligners back on, it is important to brush your teeth and the aligners after you eat.
Q. Will wearing the aligners affect my speech?
A. Like any orthodontic treatment, there is a short adjustment period that might affect your speech for 1-2 days after you first get your aligners. The more you speak with the aligners on, the quicker you will adjust. We have patients who speak and sing professionally and they have absolutely no problem.
Q. Is there any discomfort with Invisalign® treatment?
A. There will be some pressure and minor discomfort for a day or two after each initial insertion. This is a sign that your teeth are moving sequentially into their final position. This will be very minor and will not need any medicine to relieve the pain.
Q. Can I chew gum?
A. It is recommended that you remove your aligners prior to chewing gum as the gum will stick to the aligners.
Q. Can I smoke with the aligners in?
A. We discourage smoking with aligners as the cigarette smoke will tend to discolor them. Additionally, and more importantly, smoking will damage your gums and discolor your teeth. We strongly encourage all patients to stop smoking!
Q. How do I keep my aligners clean?
A. Brushing them with toothpaste will keep them fresh and clean. Also, we can provide you with cleaning crystals that are used to soak the aligners, but typically brushing with toothpaste is sufficient.
Q. How often do I see an orthodontist while wearing Invisalign®?
A. On average, regular office visits are every 8-12 weeks. This will ensure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned. We might make changes to your appointment schedule based on the stage and progress of your treatment.
Q. Do I need retainers after my treatment is complete?
A. Like all orthodontic patients, Invisalign patients need retainers to ensure a healthy bite and maintain the final position of the teeth on a long-term basis. We will guide you through the retention period and advise you on the proper way to wear your retainers. Since your teeth can shift throughout your life, we strongly recommend lifetime retention - wear your retainers for as long as you want to keep your teeth straight!
Q. How long does Invisalign treatment take?
A. Treatment time varies depending on the severity of the misaligned teeth, but the average Invisalign treatment ranges between 12-18 months.
Q. Does Invisalign work for kids?
A. Yes! Invisalign has a product called Invisalign Teen, for teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without metal braces. Invisalign Teen works the same as Invisalign for adults, but treatment is managed a bit different to account for the growing and developing child.
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Before & After
No stock photos here - just photos of real patients treated with Invisalign here at Pezza Orthodontics! We are proud of our results and our patients are as well.