Invisalign® FAQ

Invisalign Utilizes A Series Of Clear Trays To Align Your Smile.

Is Invisalign right for me?

•  Invisalign aligners are removable. That means you can take them out to eat and drink, so you don’t need to alter your diet in any way. You can also brush and floss regularly, without worrying about food getting stuck in nooks and crannies that brackets and wires can create.
• Invisalign is virtually invisible. That means no one will even notice you’re straightening your smile.
• Invisalign allows you to live your life. There’s no need to adjust your day-to-day activities while wearing Invisalign, and you don’t have to try to hide your smile while in treatment.
• Invisalign appointments are quick. We’ll work with you to fit appointments into your schedule every six weeks, and guarantee you’ll be in and out in no time.

What exactly is Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gently guide the teeth to new locations rather than a traditional bracket and wire system. Each set of aligners is worn for 22 hours a day for approximately seven to ten days before moving to the next set.

What are the trays made of?

Unlike metal brackets and wires, Invisalign trays are made of a clear, smooth plastic. The flexible plastic is a patented thermoplastic called SmartTrack and is designed to offer the highest level of comfort for patients while moving the teeth safely and comfortably.

How does Invisalign work?

Dr. Gire will create a digital treatment plan that outlines every step of your treatment. You can even see what your smile will look like once you are finished. Each aligner set is perfectly calibrated to achieve a certain movement so it is important to wear the aligners exactly as directed by Dr. Gire. Failing to do so can impact your end result and it may extend your total treatment time.

What sets Invisalign apart from other treatment options?

The thing patients love most about Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. That means you don’t have to change your diet or worry about brushing and flossing around brackets and wires. You just remove the aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. The aligners are also made of a smooth plastic that won’t irritate the inside of your mouth. Since the aligners are clear, it makes them much less noticeable in your mouth – in fact, most people won’t even notice you are wearing them.

Can everyone use Invisalign treatment?

While Invisalign has made great strides in their technology, the treatment is still the most effective on patients who have more minor to moderate malocclusions. Dr. Gire will advise whether you may be a good candidate for Invisalign.

How long will treatment take?

This answer to this question is individual to each patient. There are many factors that go along with treatment time, such as severity of the malocclusion, patient compliance, and how each individual patient’s mouth responds to treatment. However, the average Invisalign patient is in treatment between 12 and 18 months.

Can I take my aligners out for a big event?

This is a very commonly asked question. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, it can be very tempting to remove them for a big event or social gathering. However, in order to be effective, they must be worn a minimum of 22 hours a day. We discourage patients from removing them other than to eat, drink, brush and floss. Failing to wear your aligners as directed can set back your treatment time.

What if I forget to wear my trays, will anyone even know?

Yes! Certain aligners (like with the Invisalign Teen product) comes with compliance indicators that can show parents and others that you are wearing the aligners as directed. We want everyone to get the most out of their treatment and Invisalign makes it very easy to comply. If you are an adult patient who has the tendency to forget to wear the aligners, Dr. Gire will still be able to tell based on how your teeth are moving.

Can I eat or drink with my aligners still in?

Patients can eat while wearing their aligners, however, we don’t recommend it. Chewing can damage the plastic of the aligners, which can then alter the fit. Drinking, especially hot or colored beverages can also damage your aligners. Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water.

Do I still need to wear a retainer after Invisalign?

All orthodontic patients need to wear retainers after treatment. The periodontal ligament, teeth, and other tissues will need time to adjust to their new locations. If you don’t wear a retainer your teeth may drift back to where they were before you began your orthodontic treatment.

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of your treatment will depend on your individual needs, however, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to the cost of traditional metal braces. There are a few factors that will go into the overall cost of your treatment, including the severity of your issue and your age at the time of treatment. Gire Orthodontics works hard to ensure treatment is always budget friendly and will work with you to find a payment plan that can comfortably fit into your family’s budget.

Does insurance cover Invisalign?

It depends on your individual dental plan, however, most insurances that cover orthodontic treatment will cover the cost of Invisalign. A financial coordinator can help you understand your dental insurance policy and ensure you get the benefits it offers.