Invisalign FAQs
Browse the Answers to Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more about Invisalign clear aligners from Wembley Dental Clinic in Parksville.
Invisalign FAQs
Discover the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
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What is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment is a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that help to correct orthodontic issues and straighten teeth without the need for metal wires or brackets.
Using advanced TRIOS 3D computer imaging technology during the consultation process, we will create a treatment plan based on your unique smile.
A series of custom clear aligners will then be manufactured to fit your teeth precisely during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process.
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How does the Invisalign process work?
Invisalign's clear custom aligners are designed to shift your teeth by tiny increments as your treatment progresses. You will wear each aligner for about two weeks then switch to the next one in your series.
This process will continue until your teeth are in their corrected positions. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist based on your smile's specific needs.
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How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Only your dentist can accurately determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment.
Factors that may influence the duration of your treatment include the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, the shape of your bite, and the amount of movement required to correct the problem.
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What are Invisalign aligners made of?
The Invisalign aligners are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight polyurethane resins, and are BPA free.
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How often do I have to visit the dentist?
Invisalign aligners require no adjustments or tightening – you just switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks – which means that your dentist will only need to see you for brief appointments, typically every 4 to 6 weeks.
During these appointments, your dentist will review your progress and general oral health, answer any questions you may have, and adjust your treatment as required.
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What are the primary features of Invisalign?
The features of Invisalign include:
- Invisalign aligners are almost invisible when worn
- Smooth construction
- Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
- Do not require adjustment appointments
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How much does Invisalign cost?
Cost will depend on the severity of your case and duration of your treatment. For example, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners you'll need and the more your treatment will cost.
The cost of Invisalign is often comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).
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How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?
You may find that Invisalign fits very comfortably into your busy day-to-day life.
You can remove your aligners whenever you need to eat, drink, brush and floss. That means absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever.
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Are there any food or drink restrictions?
Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out to eat. As a result, there are no dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can continue to eat all the foods you love!
To avoid staining your clear aligners, we recommend removing them when you consume beverages such as wine, coffee, or dark sodas.
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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 many aligners you will need, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during an initial consultation.
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Can adults use Invisalign?
Absolutely! Anyone who has healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.
More and more adults are choosing to undergo orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because options like Invisalign have become available.
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Can teenagers use Invisalign?
Yes! Teens can certainly be good candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has created a line of aligners to meet the unique needs of teenagers.
Invisalign Teen aligners have compliance indicators on them (small blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help teens stay on track with their treatment.
Invisalign Teen aligners also come with eruption tabs that provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked.
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How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?
Your dentist will give you specific treatment instructions based on the needs of your smile however, most patients change to their next set of aligners every two weeks or so.
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How do I clean my aligners?
Simply 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 regularly using denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back in. Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. Failing to brush and floss properly can trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and aligner, increasing your risk of dental problems and bad breath.
Use a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap to clean your aligners. Clear anti-bacterial soap is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria.
Brush your aligners gently so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!
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Can I play sports with Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are removable so you can play sports without worrying about causing damage to your aligners.
That said, it's important to keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully.
You'll also want to invest in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, as orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they shift into their new positions, and this can make them more susceptible to damage.
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Can I play my instrument with Invisalign?
Yes! Just remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and pop them back in when you're done.
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How do I store my aligners?
Your custom 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.
New Patients Always Welcome
Proudly serving patients in the Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanoose, Errington, Bowser, and Coombs communities since 1993! Contact us to get started today.
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- Monday:08:00 am - 04:30 pm
- Tuesday:08:00 am - 04:30 pm
- Wednesday:08:00 am - 04:30 pm
- Thursday:08:00 am - 04:30 pm
- Friday:08:00 am - 03:30 pm
- Saturday:Closed
- Sunday:Closed