Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign treatment is a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners which straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.

Using advanced 3D iTero imaging technology during the consultation process, we will create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique smile.

Your series of custom clear aligners will then be manufactured to fit your teeth precisely throughout each stage of your Invisalign treatment process.

Invisalign's clear custom aligners are designed to shift your teeth by tiny increments as your treatment progresses. You will wear each aligner for approximately two weeks before it is replaced by the next one in your series.

This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions and your treatment is complete. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by Dr. Maier based on the specific needs of your smile.

Our dentists will calculate the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific needs.

A number of factors determine the duration of your treatment including the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, the shape of your bite, and the amount of movement required to correct the problem.

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

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners require no adjustments or tightening – you just switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks – Dr. Maier will schedule brief appointments with you every 4 to 6 weeks.

During these appointments, we will review your progress and general oral health, answer your questions, and adjust your treatment as required.

The features of Invisalign include:

• A discreet, low profile appearance
• Smooth construction for enhanced comfort
• Do not require adjustment appointments
• Removable for eating, brushing and flossing

The overall cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend on the severity of your case and duration of your treatment. For instance, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners you'll need and the more your treatment will cost.

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

You will likely find that Invisalign fits very comfortably into your busy day-to-day life.

You can take your aligners out whenever you need to eat, drink, brush and floss. That means absolutely no dietary restrictions are required, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever.

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.

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

Only a 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.

Yes! Anyone who has healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.

More and more adults are deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because of lower-profile options like Invisalign.

Yes! Teenagers can be ideal candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has created a line of aligners to meet the unique needs of teens.

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.

Most patients change to their next set of aligners every two weeks or so. Dr. Maier will tell you exactly how often you should switch out your aligners.

Cleaning your aligners is easy.

• 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.
• Clean your teeth thoroughly before you put your aligners back in to help prevent cavities and decay. 
• Clean your aligners with a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap. (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 to avoid scratching them, then just rinse off the soap.

You're done!

Invisalign aligners are removable so you can play sports without worrying about damaging your aligners.

But remember, Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully.

Dr. Maier suggest that you 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.

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

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