Invisalign FAQ
Your questions.
Answered clearly.
Clear or invisible braces are the terms many people use when they talk about options that don’t include traditional braces. Invisalign aligners are convenient, comfortable, and less noticeable than traditional braces. No matter what stage you’re at in life, our Invisalign treatments in Frankenmuth and Saginaw will work perfectly for teenagers and adults with minor to moderate alignment issues. And with virtual appointments, monitoring your progress works perfectly for busy schedules, too.
What is Invisalign?
Move over metal braces. Invisalign is here. Invisalign clear aligners have been around since the early 2000s. Since then, they’ve become even more advanced, providing cutting-edge teeth alignment treatment with the least amount of changes to your normal life, and how you see yourself.
No wires. No brackets. No worries. Invisalign aligners are completely clear and were specifically designed to align your teeth gradually. Best of all, these aligners can be removed when you brush, floss, eat, drink, and for special events. But, for them to really work, you need to wear them for at least 20 hours a day. After all, the more you wear them, the faster your smile journey will go.
How does Invisalign work?
First, Dr. Thomas or one of our orthodontists will create a custom treatment plan just for you. Then, over the course of treatment, you’ll be supplied with a series of aligners for each stage of your treatment. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to your tooth position charted out in your custom treatment plan. You’ll change aligners about every 2 weeks.
So, here’s how the aligners work: When the aligners are placed on your teeth, they cause your teeth to gradually shift from their current position to their ideal position. After approximately two weeks, we’ll tell you to switch your aligners for your next set, moving you one step closer to the smile you’ve always wanted.
What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?
These virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to teeth-whitening trays. The main difference is that these trays are harder. When you sign up for Invisalign, you’ll get a series of custom-designed aligners made especially for your smile and your smile goals. Each aligner is based on the plan that Dr. Thomas will create for you at the beginning of treatment.
What are the benefits of using Invisalign aligners?
The benefit of using Invisalign is that it’s the clearest form of tooth alignment treatment out there. What’s really cool is that most people won’t even know you’re wearing them! Aside from the clear appearance, they’re also removable, so you can enjoy all of your favorite foods without worrying about food particles getting stuck between your braces.
Will Invisalign treatment be painful?
While Invisalign moves your teeth without the pain and anxiety metal braces can cause, some people experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure in your mouth. It’s also a sign that Invisalign is working. This discomfort typically goes away after a few days.
How often must I wear my aligners?
We find that aligners are most effective when worn between 20 to 22 hours a day and removed only for eating, brushing, and flossing. It’s crucial for patients to understand how important it is to keep their aligners on for the allotted time. Not wearing your aligners can extend treatment time, and no one wants that.
Who is eligible for Invisalign?
Looking for Invisalign? Then you’re in luck! Currently, at MI Smile Journey Orthodontics, we offer Invisalign for teens and adults. If you’re thinking about Invisalign, remember that in order for the treatment to work, you have to be diligent in wearing your aligners for the appropriate amount of time (20 to 22 hours a day). Forgetting to wear your aligners can cause major delays in your treatment. So, if you’re not sure if you can remember to wear them, Invisalign may not be the best choice for your smile.
- Adults: You’ve probably wanted to have straighter teeth for a while now, but at this stage in your adult life, metal braces might not be ideal for your lifestyle. Invisalign clear aligners offer adults the convenience and flexibility to live life without the hassle associated with traditional braces.
- Teens: Invisalign Teen aligners are perfect for any teen, especially if they are involved in extracurricular activities. Invisalign has created a special system designed specifically for your teen’s growing smile. And what’s really great is that they can remove their aligners for school photos, dances, concerts, sports, or special events.
Will I need retainers after getting Invisalign?
Here’s the truth: All orthodontic treatments require the use of retainers after completion to maintain your structural integrity and keep your teeth in their new position. It’s important that you wear your retainers as instructed by your orthodontist. Failure to wear your retainers may result in your teeth moving back to their former position.
PRO TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR RETAINERS
- Keep retainers away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards, or anything that has temperatures that exceed 115º Fahrenheit.
- Keep retainers in their proper case when they’re not in your mouth.
- Keep retainers away from pets and small children.
- Clean retainers before and after putting them in your mouth by gently scrubbing with a toothbrush and denture cleaning solution.
- Soak retainers in a cleaning solution when they’re not in use.
What do I do if my retainer is worn out?
It’s completely normal for your retainer to wear out from use. If you feel like your retainer isn’t fitting right, bring it to our Saginaw or Frankenmuthour location and we can adjust it for you or help you get a new one.
Is starting the Invisalign process complicated?
At MI Smile Journey Orthodontists, we go out of our way to make the process of getting Invisalign super-easy. Many of our patients feel more at ease when they come into our office before their first appointment just to have a look around and meet our team. If this is something you’re interested in, give us a call and we’ll hook you up with a grand tour.