Recently made the decision to straighten your teeth with Invisalign? You’ve just taken the first major step towards the smile of your dreams! Aside from the excitement of looking forward to the brand new you, you probably have a list of questions about how Invisalign works, what to expect, and how to get the most out of your treatment. We get it — there’s a lot to take in when you’re new to Invisalign.
At Sensational Smiles, we’re in the business of creating beautiful smiles that are truly sensational. We want our patients to feel 100% confident going into treatment (and throughout the entire process), so we made this ultimate Invisalign survival guide just for you. Here you’ll find all the info you need to take care of your clear aligners and your smile during and after treatment. Read on.
How Invisalign Works?
As you likely already know, Invisalign is a state-of-the-art orthodontic system that uses clear plastic aligners to guide your teeth into their ideal position. One of our Diamond+ Invisalign Providers plans out the movements of your teeth using a 3D, computerized simulation of your mouth. We then send that data directly to Invisalign where your series of custom-made, clear aligner trays will be made. Each set of aligners is designed to shift your teeth incrementally into place, leading you closer and closer to your new smile.
Do I Have to Avoid Certain Foods with Invisalign?
Fortunately not! Unlike traditional braces that can trap food in hard-to-clean areas, how Invisalign works don’t add any food restrictions. All you have to do is remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, brush and floss when you’re done, and then pop your aligners back in. You’re free to enjoy all your favorite foods with Invisalign, just like always.
What’s the Best Way to Clean Invisalign Aligners?
Cleaning your Invisalign aligners is super easy — but you need to be diligent about it. That means cleaning them after every meal or snack to avoid staining or discoloration. Not sure how to clean Invisalign aligners? Simply brush the trays with a toothbrush and toothpaste using lukewarm water. Never use hot water because it can warp the soft plastic.
How Often Do I Need to Wear My Clear Aligners?
For the best (and fastest) results, you need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Remember, you should only take your aligners out to eat, brush and floss. Setting a timer each time you remove them can help to keep you on track.
How Often Do I Need to See My Orthodontist During Invisalign Treatment?
Another perk of Invisalign is that it requires much fewer orthodontic appointments than traditional braces. This is especially true with Sensational Smiles. Our system allows you to get the beautiful results you want from the comfort of home, meaning you’ll spend much less time at the orthodontist’s office. We only need to see you for three key appointments during treatment: your initial consultation, when you pick up your aligners and one last check-in at the end of treatment.
How Many Sets of Aligners will I Need?
The number of aligners you need for Invisalign treatment will depend on your unique situation and smile goals. No two sets of teeth are alike and Sensational Smiles is tailored to each patient, so treatment will vary slightly from person to person. We should be able to give you an estimate of how many Invisalign aligners you’ll need when you start treatment.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Again, since each patient is unique, treatment times for Invisalign can vary quite a bit. It mostly comes down to how complex your case is and how well you follow instructions for Invisalign. On average, traditional Invisalign treatment can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months, but with Sensational Smiles, you can achieve your dream smile in just six months!
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Though Invisalign pricing depends on the severity of your case, your location and your insurance plan, the average cost of Invisalign is $5,000 to $8,000. However, Sensational Smiles is on a mission to make Invisalign more affordable for everyone. We cut the cost of Invisalign treatment by 60% and offer flexible financing options, giving everyone access to a straighter, healthier smile.
Do I Have to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign?
In a word, yes. You absolutely need to wear a retainer after Invisalign if you want your smile to stay put. Your teeth have been through a lot during treatment. Once you put away your final set of aligners and the pressure is off, it’s only natural for your teeth to want to move back to their original positions. A retainer does exactly what the name implies: it retains your new smile, making sure your investment lasts a lifetime.
Still have questions about how Invisalign works? Ready to start your own Sensational Smiles journey? Contact us to talk to an Diamond+ Invisalign Provider in your area today.
