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Invisalign FAQs

Read our Granville Station Dental team's answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign in Vancouver.

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Invisalign FAQs

Read answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What are Invisalign clear aligners?

Invisalign clear aligners is an orthodontic treatment system. Its treatment involves wearing a series of clear custom-fitted aligners that straighten your teeth without relying on wires and brackets.

Advanced 3D computer imaging technology is used in the consultation process to create a treatment plan based on your unique smile.

We will create a series of custom clear aligners which will fit your teeth perfectly every step of the treatment process.

How does the Invisalign process work?

Invisalign's clear, plastic aligners are crafted to move your teeth in tiny increments throughout the course of your treatment process. You will have to wear each aligner for about 2 weeks before you can move on to the next one in the series. 

This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist based on your specific needs.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Your dentist will be able to determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your unique needs. 

Many factors may determine the duration of your treatment. These can include the shape of your bite, misalignment of your jaw or teeth,  and the amount of movement which will be required to correct your orthodontic issue. 

What are Invisalign aligners made of?

The Invisalign aligners are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. They are BPA free.

How often do I have to visit the dentist?

Invisalign clear aligners don't require any tightening or adjustments once they are in your mouth. You can just switch from one to the next in the series. Because of this, you will only need to visit your dentist for appointments every four to six weeks for brief appointments. 

During these appointments, your dentist will take the opportunity to review your progress and general oral health, answer your questions, and make adjustments to your treatment as required.

What are the primary features of Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are:

  • Smooth construction for enhanced comfort
  • Do not require adjustment appointments
  • A more discreet solution than traditional braces
  • Removable for eating, brushing and flossing

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of Invisalign will depend on the severity of your situation and the length of your treatment. For example, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners that will be needed to move the teeth to their proper place and the more the treatment will cost.

In many cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).

How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?

You may find that Invisalign fits very comfortably into your day-to-day life.

You are able to remove the aligners whenever you need to drink, eat, floss, or brush your teeth. This means there are no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever.

Are there any food or drink restrictions?

Invisalign clear aligners are removable. Because of this, you can take them out when you eat. So, there are no dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can continue to eat all the foods you love!

You should consider removing them when you drink beverages with a strong colour like coffee, wine,, or dark sodas to prevent the plastic from getting stained.

How many sets of aligners will I need?

The answer to this question will depend on the severity of your misalignment.

Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how long your treatment will take, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during an initial consultation.

Can adults use Invisalign?

Yes! Anyone who has healthy teeth and gums can consider themselves a candidate for Invisalign.

More and more adults are deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because options like Invisalign have become available.

Can teenagers use Invisalign?

Yes! Teens can certainly be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has created a line of aligners to meet the unique needs of teenagers.

Invisalign Teen includes compliance indicators on its clear aligners/ These are small blue dots which fade away over the course of two weeks. When they are gone, you will know it is time to switch to the next set of aligners. 

They also come with eruption tabs that provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked.

How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?

Most patients will move to the next aligners in the series about every 2 weeks. Your dentist will inform you exactly how long you should wear a set of aligners before switching them out. 

How do I clean my aligners?

Rinse your aligners each time you remove them to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can result in dental decay and bad breath.

Soak your aligners using denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.

Ensure that you brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back into your mouth. Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining your oral health during Invisalign treatment. Failing or forgetting to brush or floss properly can mean that bits of food and bacteria will be trapped between your aligners and your teeth. This can increase your risk of dental problems and cause bad breath.

Use clear, anti-bacterial soap to clean your aligners. This is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh and free from bacteria. 

Brush your aligners gently so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!

Can I play sports with Invisalign?

You can remove your Invisalign aligners to play sport, so you do not have to worry about causing them damage during play.

However, keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully.

We would also advise that you invest in a sport mouth guard to protect your teeth. Orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen as they shift positions, making them more susceptible to damage or injury.

Can I play my instrument with Invisalign?

Yes! Simply remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and pop them back in when you're done.

How do I store my aligners?

Your Invisalign aligners will come with a case, and this is where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them safe.

Can't find the answer you're looking for?

Get in touch. We'd be glad to answer any other questions you may have.

Book an appointment today with Granville Station Dental.

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(604) 408-9200