Invisalign FAQ

At Mill Creek Orthodontics, we believe in getting you the smile you deserve as conveniently and quickly as possible. That’s why we put our faith in the advanced treatment option of Invisalign trays.

For more information, below are some Invisalign FAQ that help patients make life-changing decisions to alter their smiles without braces. To schedule a free consultation, request an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

What Is Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatment uses a series of virtually invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that allow you to smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign clear aligners are made with 3D computer imaging technology and have been proven effective in treating a variety of cases including crowding, spacing, crossbite, overbite, and underbite.

Why Choose Invisalign?

Invisalign is a transparent option that straightens your smile without obvious metal brackets. Because they are invisible, no one will see the trays, allowing you to keep up with your daily activities without becoming self-conscious.

Invisalign is also the more comfortable option since each set of aligners is custom-made for each patient. Dr. Markus will use a 3D scan to examine your current teeth alignment and create trays that line up with every shape and groove. The trays mold and sit flat on each tooth rather than create bulky areas.

Most importantly, you can remove the aligners to eat and drink, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods while keeping the aligners safe from hard and sticky snacks. As long as you keep them on for at least 20 to 22 hours each day, you can even take them out for contact sports and special occasions.

Removing the trays also allows you to brush and floss as usual without barring wires and brackets that can keep you from proper oral hygiene.

What Is the Treatment Process?

The treatment process begins with a free consultation. At your first meeting, you can discuss your desired look and Invisalign FAQ with Dr. Markus. They will examine your bite to determine if Invisalign is right for you and come up with a treatment plan.

Next, Dr. Markus will use a 3D scanner to create multiple sets of trays that will take you from your current smile to your desired outcome.

Although you can move from one set of aligners to another without an orthodontic visit, you must attend follow-up visits every two to three months so that Dr. Markus can check on your progress. During follow-ups, Dr. Markus may discuss retainers, which you may need when your treatment is complete to keep your teeth from shifting out of position.

Although retainers are not always necessary for minor alterations, don’t forget to ask our team if your insurance will cover your retainers.

Typically, the entire Invisalign treatment process can last up to a year and a half, compared to traditional braces.

How Do I Clean My Aligners?

A frequently asked question about Invisalign is how to care for Invisalign aligners. While it’s easier to care for removable aligners than braces, they still require cleaning twice a day and proper storage when not in use.

Properly clean your aligners with a non-abrasive cleaning solution and lukewarm water to keep bacteria from gathering on the mouthpieces. A regular cleaning routine keeps bacteria from transferring onto your teeth and gums, which can cause disease and decay.

After cleaning the aligners, store them in their air-tight container until you are ready to use them again. Safe storage also protects them from loss or damage, which keeps you from spending more on replacement trays.

Is Invisalign Right for Me?

Another popular Invisalign FAQ is if Invisalign is the right option. Patients of all ages can benefit from Invisalign, from children and teens to adults of all ages. They work wonders for multiple concerns, including overbites, underbites, overcrowding, and small gaps.

However, Invisalign may not be right for every case. If you have larger gaps or severely misaligned teeth, Invisalign can’t close the gaps or raise and lower teeth positions. It’s best to ask your orthodontist if Invisalign is right for you to determine your next step.