Invisalign FAQs

Do you have questions about Invisalign? Feel free to contact our office to schedule your Invisalign consultation and free smile assessment. In the meantime, these are the most common Invisalign FAQ’s we hear from patients:

Q: What is Invisalign?

A: Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses custom clear aligners to straighten your teeth. It is a popular alternative to traditional braces because Invisalign aligners are comfortable, transparent, and removable. Like conventional braces, Invisalign progressively shifts your teeth to the correct position throughout treatment.

Q: How does Invisalign work?

A: The Invisalign treatment process works by slowly re-positioning your teeth using a series of clear aligner trays. Invisalign aligners are customized from scans and impressions of your mouth to ensure a comfortable fit. You will wear the first set of aligners for about two weeks, then switch to the second set of aligners in the sequence. The aligners progressively shift your teeth into a straight and evenly spaced alignment throughout treatment.

Q: Is Invisalign better or worse than braces?

A: Invisalign and traditional metal braces both achieve excellent results and treat orthodontic issues. Many patients prefer Invisalign to metal braces because the plastic aligner trays are completely clear, more comfortable to wear, and removable for meals and oral cleaning. You and Dr. Firouzeh will determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign during your initial consultation.

Q: How long does Invisalign take compared to braces?

A: The ultimate treatment timeline depends on the nature and extent of misalignment to be corrected. Invisalign treatments are often quicker than metal braces by about a year. On average, patients complete the Invisalign treatment between two to three years, whereas metal braces take three to four years.

Q: Can You Eat with Invisalign braces?

A: Yes – Invisalign aligners are removable and enable you to eat a restriction-free diet throughout the treatment process. Unlike Invisalign, traditional metal braces are not removable and require patients to adhere to an amended diet. Remove the aligner trays from your mouth before meals, brush your teeth after finishing, and return the aligners.

Q: Can Invisalign fix tooth gaps?

A: Invisalign can correct small gaps in teeth by shifting the teeth into an evenly spaced alignment. Gaps that are too large may require a different approach, such as dental veneers. Dr. Firouzeh will help determine if Invisalign is the best treatment during your initial consultation.

Q: Can Invisalign fix overbites?

A: The Invisalign treatment process can correct overbites in many cases, as long as the case is mild or moderate. The treatment timeline to fix overbites is between six months to two years. A severe overbite may require a different method of treatment to correct.

Q: Can Invisalign fix crossbites?

A: Clear aligners will fix most crossbite cases in as little as six and as many as 20 months. The efficacy of correcting a crossbite with Invisalign depends on the severity of the malocclusion.

Q: Can Invisalign fix misaligned jaws?

A: Jaw misalignment is correctable with Invisalign braces. The aligner trays will straighten and move your upper and lower jaws into proper alignment throughout treatment. Often, the Invisalign therapy also helps to clear up speech issues that were a symptom of jaw misalignment.

Q: Can Invisalign fix open bites?

A: In many cases, Invisalign aligners work to correct open bites. An open bite is where your front top and bottom teeth do not touch when your jaw is at rest. Invisalign realigns your teeth and jaw to correct the malocclusion causing an open bite.

Q: Is Invisalign the best treatment for you?

A: No matter your age or place in life, most patients are good candidates for Invisalign. If you have more questions about Invisalign, feel free to give our office a call. And schedule your consultation and smile assessment to find out whether Invisalign is the best way to achieve the smile you deserve.