With more than 12 million patients around the world, it’s possible you already know quite a bit about Invisalign. Of course, it’s still natural to have questions on your mind, especially if you’re seriously considering treatment. Fortunately, learning the answers to frequently asked Invisalign questions is as simple as reading on!
How Long Do I Have to Wear My Trays?
Since your trays only work while you’re wearing them, it’s important to meet the 22-hour-a-day requirement. If you fall short of that time frame, you increase your chances of falling off-track with your original treatment plan. One of the best ways to stay on track is by keeping a timer close by while you’re eating and doing your best to minimize snacking.
Is Invisalign Painful?
It’s true: orthodontic treatment comes with some soreness since your teeth are being shifted into entirely new positions. The good news is that Invisalign doesn’t use any metal brackets or wires; just smooth, high-quality plastic. So, they are significantly more comfortable than traditional braces.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
On average, Invisalign takes around 12-18 months to complete. Compared to the 24+ months traditional braces can take, this is quite quick! Even better, patients with more minor misalignment can finish Invisalign in as little as six months.
How Do I Remove My Aligners?
Easily removing your aligners takes a bit of practice. The best way to do it is by working from back to front. After removing your trays from your molars, slowly move forward, working on the easier bits first. If you’re having a lot of trouble, you can use a clear aligner removal tool, which is designed to make taking your trays out significantly easier.
What If My Trays Are Turning Yellow?
If you neglect to clean your aligners or drink coffee with them in, then it’ll only be a matter of time until they turn yellow. The best thing to do is stop habits like these immediately. If you still have a few more days with your current trays, then try soaking them in a mixture of room temperature water and the Invisalign cleaning crystals for 15 minutes or so.
What Should I Do If I Lost a Tray?
If you’ve looked all over but can’t seem to find your aligners, then call your dentist’s office right away. The longer you have your trays out, the more likely it is that you will fall off-track with your current treatment plan. So, time is of the essence! After taking a look at where you are in your treatment, your dental team will be able to determine the best course of action, like having you wear your previous aligners in the meantime.
Hopefully you’ve learned a few things you didn’t know about Invisalign! If you have a specific question on your mind or you’d like to learn a bit more about the treatment process, then make sure to get in touch with your dental team.
About the Practice
Our dedicated dentists and phenomenal team at Grateful Dentists happily provide a wide range of treatment options in-house, including Invisalign! With two convenient locations and patient-friendly hours, achieving the smile of your dreams is more convenient than ever. Plus, we welcome dental insurance, have an in-house membership plan, and happily accept CareCredit, so you won’t have to stress about the cost either. If you want to learn more about Invisalign, then we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our team via our website or by phone at (978) 667-2741.