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Invisalign FAQ
Your complete guide to Invisalign clear aligners at Best Dental. Get expert answers about treatment, costs, effectiveness, and how Invisalign compares to traditional braces.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationEverything You Need to Know About Invisalign
Thinking about straightening your teeth without traditional braces? Invisalign clear aligners offer a virtually invisible way to achieve the straight, beautiful smile you've always wanted. At Best Dental, we help patients of all ages transform their smiles with this revolutionary orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, nearly invisible, and don't require dietary restrictions or special cleaning tools. This comprehensive FAQ guide answers your most important questions about Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign Basics
What is Invisalign and how does it work?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system that uses clear, removable plastic aligners to straighten teeth. Each aligner is custom-manufactured to fit your teeth precisely and is designed to apply gentle, controlled forces to move specific teeth. You'll wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks before switching to the next set in the series. Each new aligner continues the progression, gradually shifting your teeth into their final, ideal positions. The aligners are made from a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack that's specifically designed for the Invisalign system, providing a comfortable fit and predictable tooth movement.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Most teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic problems make excellent Invisalign candidates. You need healthy teeth and gums, good oral hygiene habits, and the discipline to wear your aligners 20-22 hours daily. Invisalign may not be suitable for very complex cases requiring significant tooth rotation, severe bite corrections, or when teeth need to be moved vertically. During your free consultation at Best Dental, we'll perform a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation using digital scans to determine if Invisalign is right for you or if clear braces might be a better option.
What's the difference between Invisalign and traditional braces?
The main differences center on appearance, convenience, and treatment approach. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, while traditional braces are highly visible. Invisalign aligners are removable for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, while braces are fixed to your teeth throughout treatment. With Invisalign, you can eat whatever you want without restrictions, while braces require avoiding hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. Invisalign typically requires fewer office visits and is more comfortable with no metal brackets or wires to irritate your mouth. However, traditional braces may be more effective for severe or complex orthodontic cases and don't require patient compliance since they can't be removed. Treatment times are comparable for most cases.
Can Invisalign fix my specific dental problem?
Invisalign can successfully treat many common orthodontic issues. It excels at correcting crowded teeth by creating space and aligning teeth properly. It effectively closes gaps and spaces between teeth. Invisalign can treat overbites (top teeth protrude over bottom teeth), underbites (bottom teeth sit in front of top teeth when biting), crossbites (some upper teeth sit inside lower teeth), and open bites (teeth don't touch when biting down). However, very severe cases of these conditions, significant jaw misalignment, teeth requiring substantial rotation, or cases needing teeth to be moved vertically may require traditional braces or a combination approach. We'll create a digital treatment plan during your consultation showing exactly how Invisalign will move your teeth.
Cost & Insurance
How much does Invisalign cost?
Invisalign treatment at Best Dental typically costs between $3,500 and $8,000, with most cases falling in the $4,500-$6,500 range. The exact cost depends on the complexity of your case, the length of treatment required, and whether you need Invisalign Full (comprehensive treatment) or Invisalign Lite (mild cases). Generally, Invisalign costs about the same as traditional braces, sometimes slightly more. We provide a detailed cost estimate during your free consultation after evaluating your specific needs. Best Dental offers flexible payment plans and financing options to make Invisalign affordable, including interest-free payment plans and monthly payment options as low as $150-$250.
Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?
Many dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits cover Invisalign the same way they cover traditional braces, typically providing 50% coverage up to a lifetime maximum (often $1,000-$2,000). Some plans specifically exclude adult orthodontics but cover treatment for children and teens. Coverage varies significantly by plan, so we'll verify your specific benefits during your consultation. Our insurance coordinators work with major carriers including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, and others to maximize your benefits. Many patients also use FSA or HSA accounts to pay for Invisalign with pre-tax dollars.
Do you offer payment plans for Invisalign?
Absolutely! Best Dental makes Invisalign affordable with multiple payment options. We offer zero-interest payment plans that allow you to spread the cost over your treatment period (typically 12-18 months) with no interest or credit check required. We also work with third-party healthcare financing companies like CareCredit that offer extended payment terms up to 60 months. Many patients make a down payment of $500-$1,000 and then pay the balance in monthly installments. We'll create a customized payment plan that fits your budget during your consultation. Don't let cost prevent you from getting the smile you deserve—we'll find a solution that works for you.
Treatment Process & Timeline
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Average Invisalign treatment time ranges from 12 to 18 months for most patients, though this varies significantly based on case complexity. Minor corrections might take only 6-8 months, while more complex cases could require 20-24 months. Generally, Invisalign treatment takes about the same time as traditional braces for comparable cases. The key factor affecting timeline is compliance—wearing your aligners 20-22 hours daily as prescribed is essential for staying on schedule. Missing wear time can significantly extend treatment. During your consultation, we'll provide a specific timeline estimate based on your 3D treatment simulation showing the predicted movement of your teeth week by week.
What does the Invisalign process involve?
Your Invisalign journey begins with a free consultation where we evaluate your teeth, discuss your goals, and determine if you're a candidate. If you proceed, we'll take detailed digital scans of your teeth using our iTero scanner (no messy impressions!), photos, and X-rays. These are sent to Invisalign, where they create a precise 3D digital model and treatment plan showing how your teeth will move step-by-step. You'll see your predicted final result before starting treatment. Once you approve the plan, Invisalign manufactures your custom aligners—typically 20-40 sets. You'll wear each aligner for 1-2 weeks, removing them only for eating, drinking (anything except water), brushing, and flossing. You'll visit our office every 6-8 weeks so we can monitor progress and provide your next sets of aligners.
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
You must wear your Invisalign aligners 20-22 hours per day for optimal results. This means wearing them all day and night, removing them only for eating, drinking anything besides water, brushing your teeth, and flossing. That typically allows 2-4 hours per day with aligners out. Consistent wear is crucial—every hour below 20-22 hours daily can extend your treatment time and affect final results. Some patients wear aligners slightly more to accelerate treatment. The aligners need consistent pressure on your teeth to move them according to the treatment plan. If you can't commit to this wear schedule due to your profession or lifestyle, traditional braces might be a better choice since they're fixed and don't require compliance.
How often do I visit the dentist during treatment?
Invisalign requires fewer office visits than traditional braces. Most patients visit Best Dental every 6-8 weeks for progress checks and to receive their next several sets of aligners. These appointments are typically quick (15-30 minutes) since there are no wires to adjust or brackets to tighten. We'll check that your teeth are tracking properly with the treatment plan, ensure your aligners fit correctly, place or remove attachments as needed, and address any concerns. If you're progressing well, we might provide 3-4 sets of aligners at once. Some patients even qualify for Invisalign Virtual Care, which allows remote check-ins between office visits, reducing the number of in-person appointments needed.
Will I need attachments or buttons?
Most Invisalign patients need small tooth-colored attachments (also called "buttons") bonded to certain teeth during treatment. These are tiny composite resin bumps placed on specific teeth that help the aligners grip better and apply the precise forces needed to move teeth into position. Attachments are especially important for rotating teeth, moving roots, and controlling complex movements. They're tooth-colored and blend in with your teeth, maintaining Invisalign's discreet appearance. Attachments are temporary—we remove them when your treatment is complete. Some patients also need elastic bands (like traditional braces) attached to buttons to correct bite issues. Not all cases require attachments, but they're needed more often than not for optimal results.
Daily Life with Invisalign
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
Most patients experience a slight lisp or change in speech when they first start wearing Invisalign aligners, but this typically resolves within a few days as your mouth and tongue adjust to the aligners. The aligners are very thin, so speech effects are minimal compared to lingual braces (behind-the-teeth braces). Practicing speaking, reading aloud, and having conversations helps you adapt faster. If you have an important presentation or event, you can practice extensively beforehand. Rarely, patients with particularly sensitive speech patterns or professional speaking requirements may find the adjustment more challenging, but even these cases usually adapt within 1-2 weeks.
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?
You must remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. This is one of Invisalign's biggest advantages—no food restrictions! You can eat crunchy apples, chewy bagels, sticky caramel, or hard nuts without worry. However, you should drink only water while wearing aligners. Coffee, tea, soda, and other beverages can stain the aligners and trap sugar against your teeth, increasing cavity risk. Hot beverages can warp the plastic. After eating or drinking, brush your teeth before reinserting aligners, or at minimum rinse thoroughly. Frequent snacking requires frequent removal, so many patients adjust eating habits to three main meals and minimize snacking to maximize wear time.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Clean your aligners every time you brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals. Gently brush the inside and outside of each aligner, then rinse with cool water. Avoid toothpaste, as it's abrasive and can scratch the aligners, making them cloudy. Never use hot water, which can warp the plastic. For deeper cleaning, soak aligners in Invisalign cleaning solution, denture cleaner, or a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for 15-30 minutes, then brush and rinse. Clean aligners prevent odors, discoloration, and bacteria buildup. Since you'll change to new aligners every 1-2 weeks, they don't need to stay pristine long-term, but daily cleaning is still important for oral health.
Is Invisalign painful or uncomfortable?
Invisalign is generally more comfortable than traditional braces since there are no metal brackets or wires to irritate your cheeks and lips. However, you'll feel pressure and mild discomfort when starting each new set of aligners as your teeth begin moving—this is normal and means treatment is working. The discomfort usually peaks during the first 24-48 hours with new aligners, then subsides as your teeth adjust. Most patients describe it as pressure rather than pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers help if needed. The smooth plastic aligners don't cause cuts or sores like braces can. Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures during treatment. Overall, Invisalign discomfort is minimal and manageable for most people.
Can I play sports or instruments with Invisalign?
Yes! For contact sports, remove your aligners and wear a protective mouthguard just as you would without orthodontic treatment. Some athletes choose to wear aligners during non-contact sports and activities. For wind instruments like trumpet, clarinet, or flute, most musicians can play with aligners in place after a brief adjustment period, though some prefer removing them for performances. String instruments, percussion, and singing are unaffected. The removability of Invisalign is a major advantage for athletes and musicians compared to traditional braces. Just remember to wear aligners 20-22 hours daily, so if you remove them for activities, compensate by wearing them during other times like sleeping.
Results & Retention
Will my results be permanent?
Your orthodontic results can last a lifetime, but only if you wear retainers as prescribed. After any orthodontic treatment—Invisalign or braces—teeth naturally tend to shift back toward their original positions. Retainers hold teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues stabilize. Initially, you'll wear retainers full-time (except when eating) for several months. Then you'll transition to nighttime wear indefinitely. Many orthodontists recommend lifelong nighttime retainer wear to maintain your beautiful new smile. Skipping retainers almost guarantees your teeth will shift. We provide custom retainers at the end of treatment and offer affordable replacement retainers if yours are lost or damaged.
What if my teeth don't move as planned?
Sometimes teeth don't move exactly according to the treatment plan, a situation called "tracking issues." This happens in approximately 10-15% of cases and is usually due to inadequate wear time, complex tooth movements, or individual biological variations. If tracking issues occur, we'll pause and reassess. Often, we can address the problem by using "chewies" (small cylindrical cushions you bite down on to help seat the aligners better), extending wear time for the current aligner, or placing additional attachments. If needed, we'll take new scans and order "refinement" aligners to get your teeth back on track. Invisalign includes refinements in many treatment packages, so there's typically no additional cost. This is why regular check-ups are crucial—we catch tracking issues early.
Can I whiten my teeth during Invisalign treatment?
Yes! Your Invisalign aligners can actually double as teeth whitening trays. We can provide professional whitening gel that you apply to your aligners and wear them as usual, whitening your teeth while straightening them. However, wait until any attachments are removed, as whitening around attachments can create uneven coloring. Some patients prefer to wait until treatment is complete to whiten for the most uniform results. Avoid whitening toothpaste during treatment as it can make attachments more visible. Many patients love achieving both straighter AND whiter teeth through their Invisalign journey, emerging with a completely transformed smile.
What happens after my Invisalign treatment ends?
Once your teeth reach their final positions, we'll remove any attachments and take final photos and scans to document your transformation. We'll provide you with retainers—usually Vivera retainers (made by Invisalign) or traditional wire retainers. You'll wear retainers full-time for the first 3-6 months, then transition to nighttime-only wear indefinitely. We'll schedule retention check-ups initially every 3-6 months, then annually. If you want additional cosmetic improvements, this is the perfect time to consider porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or professional whitening. Some patients also need minor tooth reshaping or dental crowns to perfect their smile. We'll discuss any recommended finishing touches during your final appointment.
Invisalign for Specific Groups
Is Invisalign suitable for teenagers?
Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for adolescent patients and includes features addressing common teen concerns. It has compliance indicators (blue dots on the aligners that fade with proper wear) so parents and orthodontists can monitor if aligners are being worn enough. Invisalign Teen includes six free replacement aligners since teens are more likely to lose them. The treatment can accommodate growing teeth and erupting teeth that haven't fully emerged yet. However, teens must be responsible enough to wear aligners 20-22 hours daily and not lose them constantly. Some teens do better with clear braces that can't be removed. We'll help you and your teen decide which option is best.
Can adults get Invisalign?
Absolutely! Invisalign is extremely popular with adults who want to straighten their teeth discreetly. Many adults avoided braces in their youth and are thrilled to have an invisible option. Adults often have different orthodontic needs than teens—sometimes correcting relapse after previous orthodontic treatment, sometimes addressing lifelong concerns, and sometimes preparing for cosmetic dental work. There's no age limit for Invisalign. We've successfully treated patients in their 60s and 70s. The key requirements are healthy teeth and gums, adequate bone support, and commitment to wearing aligners as prescribed. Adult teeth may move slightly slower than teen teeth, but results are just as excellent.
Can I get Invisalign if I have dental work like crowns or implants?
Yes, patients with dental crowns, bridges, veneers, or dental implants can often get Invisalign, though these restorations add complexity. Implants cannot be moved since they're fused to bone, so treatment must work around them. Crowns and veneers can be moved, but attachments may not bond as well to porcelain or metal as to natural enamel. Bridges span multiple teeth, limiting movement options. We'll carefully evaluate your existing dental work during the consultation. Sometimes we can proceed with Invisalign as planned, sometimes we need to modify the treatment approach, and occasionally we may recommend traditional braces for better control. Each case is unique.
📋 Key Takeaways About Invisalign
- Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth discreetly and effectively
- Treatment typically costs $3,500-$8,000 with payment plans available and possible insurance coverage
- Average treatment time is 12-18 months, similar to traditional braces
- Aligners must be worn 20-22 hours daily for optimal results
- No food restrictions since aligners are removed for eating
- Office visits required every 6-8 weeks, fewer than with traditional braces
- Mild discomfort when starting new aligners is normal and temporary
- Suitable for teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic issues
- Retainers required after treatment to maintain results permanently
- Free consultations available to determine if you're a candidate
Ready to Start Your Invisalign Journey?
Discover how Invisalign can transform your smile without the hassle of traditional braces. Best Dental offers free Invisalign consultations including a 3D scan and digital preview of your new smile. See your results before you even start! Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward the confident, beautiful smile you deserve. Call us at (281) 215-3065 or book online now!
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