How exactly does Invisalign work?

Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that the dental specialist specifically makes for you… all through 3-D computer imaging technology.  Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two to three weeks, then replaced by the next aligner in the series until the final position is achieved.

Can other people see that I’m in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear.  They actually make you teeth look nicer… glisten.  You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Are there any foods that I cannot eat wile in treatment?

You can eat anything that you want!  Another advantage of Invisalign is that  they are removable…. Simply take the aligners out before each meal brush when you’re finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

The recommendation is to remove the aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Will I feel pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for the first few days after a new aligner is placed.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may affect your speech temporarily.

How often must I wear my aligners?

All the time, except when eating.  They should be worn about 22 hours a day.

How do I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean the aligners is to brush them morning and night with soap or toothpaste.  You can soak them in lukewarm water and a cleaning tablet.

How often should I visit my Orthodontist during treatment?

For most patients, visits are every 4-6 weeks.

It’s All About the Retainer!

Finished with braces? The next step is so important!
THE RETAINER…. This appliance keeps your teeth in place (but only if you wear it).

Now that you have spent about 2 years in braces, they are removed, and you have an AWESOME SMILE! Wow, you feel so free. No more food catch all, timely brushing, etc…

… What, now I have to wear a retainer?

Most patients who have spent time in braces need to wear a retainer after the braces are removed. There are a couple of different types of retainers. A common one is a small, curved piece of plastic and metal that is custom made to fit inside the mouth. Its function is to hold the teeth in their new position.

Why Do I Need a Retainer?

The Orthodontist and you have worked hard to bring your teeth into perfect alignment, and they don’t want to see them lapse back into crookedness. So they take a special precaution to enforce their new position. That special precaution is a RETAINER.

When—- And For How Long Should I Wear My Retainer?

A good rule of thumb….
The first year wear them all the time, the second year wear them to sleep, and beyond that…. wear them enough to keep them fitting. Just like everyone’s teeth are different, everyone has different schedules and timelines for wearing a retainer. For some that is once a month to sleep, others… once a week, and some twice a week. Research has shown that teeth often get progressively more crooked with age, so the longer you wear your retainer, the better the chance of keeping that AWESOME SMILE.

Will It Feel Weird?

A retainer is an adjustment. It feels a little different; you will feel that you talk funny at first. Soon you will forget it is even there.

How Do I Take Care of My Retainers?

It is easy! When you remove it to brush your teeth, simply brush it with toothpaste as well. It is also suggested that you use a denture cleaner (such as efferdent) to give your retainer a super clean. One tablet in cool water…. soak retainer for 20 minutes daily or at least 3 times a week.

Are All Retainers Removable?

There are permanently fixed retainers or “bonded” retainers meant to be placed behind the lower front teeth as they are the most prone to becoming crooked again.
The advantage is that it is not removable and therefore you cannot lose it. The disadvantage is that the teeth are hard to keep clean… which can cause other complications.

What If I Lose My Retainer?

Of course, the best case for the retainer is the mouth, but when you must take it out use a retainer case.
The #1 way to lose a retainer is at mealtime. It is common to remove a retainer to eat, wrap it in a napkin, and put it on a lunch tray in the cafeteria…. and then forget it is there. Where does it end up? Absolutely… in the trash! Many a child and parent have gone dumpster diving. Trust me, you don’t want to do that!
The # 2 way is for a pet to eat it. If it is not in your mouth or in a retainer case… the smell of saliva on the retainer is like a magnet to an animal. Consider it gone.

What If My Retainer Breaks?

If the retainer breaks, many times it is repairable.

What is an emergency?

I can’t think of any orthodontic emergencies that are considered life threatening.
Certainly, the orthodontic office can best make the patient comfortable if there is an emergency. What about the times when you can’t get to the office?
Broken brackets, wire pokes, loose bands can happen and may be referred to as an emergency.… not to worry if it occurs after hours, on a weekend, or if you are out of town. Nail clippers, clean pencil eraser, and dental wax are fantastic tools and work great to make the patient comfortable until he/she can visit the orthodontist.
An example of what could be done would be…. a wire can be cut with nail clippers close to the last bracket it is attached to.

It is strongly suggested that a mouthguard made for orthodontic appliances be worn while playing any contact sport. A tooth knocked out or a bracket through the lip because a mouthguard was not worn is a real emergency. In this case… it is important to get to the orthodontist, dentist, or dental specialist as soon as possible. Think safety!

Keep Smiling!