Read the Answers to Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Invisalign clear aligners from Slave Lake Dental.
Invisalign FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
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What is Invisalign?
This series of clear, custom-fitted aligners straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.
Using advanced 3D computer imaging technology during the consultation process, we will create a treatment plan for your unique smile.
A series of custom clear aligners will then be made to precisely fit your teeth during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process.
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How does the Invisalign process work?
Invisalign clear aligners are intended to move your teeth by small increments as your treatment continues. You'll wear an aligner for about two weeks before replacing it with the next one in the series.
This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions. Your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific needs.
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How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Based on your specific needs, your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment.
Factors that may influence the duration of your treatment include the shape of your bite, the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, and the amount of movement required to correct the problem.
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What are Invisalign aligners made of?
The Invisalign aligners are BPA-free, and made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight polyurethane resins.
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How often do I have to visit the dentist?
Invisalign aligners need no adjustments or tightening – you just change to a new set of aligners every two weeks – your dentist will schedule brief appointments with you every 4 to 6 weeks.
At these appointments, your dentist will take the opportunity to review your progress and general oral health, answer your questions, and adjust your treatment as needed.
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What are the primary features of Invisalign?
The features of Invisalign include:
- Do not require adjustment appointments
- Smooth construction for enhanced comfort
- A discreet, low profile appearance
- Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
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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 your malocclusion, the more aligners you'll require and the more your treatment will cost.
In many cases, the cost of Invisalign compares to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).
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What financing options do you offer?
We offer flexible financing options to support your Invisalign treatment journey. Speak to your dentist or click here to learn more.
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How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?
You may find that your daily life accommodates Invisalign exceptionally well.
You can take your aligners out 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 may take them out to eat. As a result, you will have 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 severity of your misalignment will determine the answer to this inquiry.
Only your dentist can provide 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?
Yes! Anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.
More and more adults are deciding to receive orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because options like Invisalign have arrived on the market.
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Can teenagers use Invisalign?
Yes! Teens can absolutely be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has created a line of aligners to meet the specific needs of teenagers.
You'll notice that Invisalign Teen aligners come with compliance indicators on them (small blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help teens remain on track with their treatment.
They also come with eruption tabs that provide space for second molars and prevent them from developing in odd positions or growing in crooked.
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How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?
Most patients switch to their next set of aligners every two weeks or so. Your dentist will tell you exactly how often you should change your aligners.
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How do I clean my aligners?
Rinse your aligners each time you take them out to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can result in dental decay and bad breath.
Soak your aligners with denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Brush and floss your teeth before you place your aligners back in your mouth. Exceptional 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.
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 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 damaging them.
However, remember that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so plan your schedule 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! Simply take your aligners out 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 Invisalign aligners will arrive with a case, and this is where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them safe from damage.