Read the Answers to Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more about Invisalign clear aligners from Alouette Dental Centre in Maple Ridge.
Invisalign FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we've received from patients.
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What is Invisalign?
This series of custom-fitted clear aligners straightens your teeth without brackets or metal wires.
During the consultation process, we'll use advanced 3D computer imaging technology to create a treatment plan based on your unique smile/
A series of custom clear aligners will then be manufactured to fit your teeth precisely during every stage of the Invisalign treatment process.
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How does the Invisalign process work?
Clear plastic aligners from Invisalign are designed to shift your teeth by tiny increments as your treatment progresses. You'll need to wear each aligner for approximately two weeks before replacing it with the next one in the series.
This process will continue until your teeth are moved into their correct prescribed positions. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist and be based on your specific requirements.
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How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Your dentist will assess your smile and determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific requirements.
Factors that may be considered when determining the duration of your treatment include the shape of your bite, the misalignment of your jaw or teeth, and the amount of movement needed to correct the issue.
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What are Invisalign aligners made of?
Your Invisalign aligners are constructed with USP Class VI medical-grade, BPA-free, 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'll just switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks. You'll see your dentist for brief appointments every 4 to 6 weeks.
During these appointments, your dentist will take the opportunity to review your progress and overall oral healthy, answer your questions and adjust your treatment as needed.
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What are the primary features of Invisalign?
Invisalign's features include:
- A discreet, low profile appearance
- Smooth construction for enhanced comfort
- Do not require adjustment appointments
- 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 the malocclusion, the more aligners you'll require and the more your treatment will cost.
In many cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).
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How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?
You might find that Invisalign fits comfortably into your day-to-day life.
Whenever you need to eat, drink, brush and floss, you can take your aligners out. You'll have absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing will be just as easy as ever.
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Are there any food or drink restrictions?
Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you'll be able to take them out to eat. As a result, you'll 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?
Depending on the severity of your misalignment, the answer to this question will vary.
Only your dentist can provide an accurate estimate of how many aligners you'll require based on carefully evaluating your bite during an initial consultation.
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What payment options do you offer?
The full cost of your treatment must be paid at the time of your appointment. Speak to your dentist or visit our Patients page to learn more
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Can adults use Invisalign?
Yes! Anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.
These days, more and more adults are deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment, in large part because options like Invisalign have arrived on the market.
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Can teenagers use Invisalign?
Yes! Teens can certainly be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has developed a line of aligners to meet teenagers' unique needs.
Invisalign Teen aligners have compliance indicators on them (small blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help teens stay on track with their treatment.
They also have eruption tabs that provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked.
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How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?
Every two weeks or so, most patients switch to their next set of aligners. Your dentist can let you know exactly how often you should switch out your aligners.
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How do I clean my aligners?
Each time you remove your aligners, rinse them to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can lead to dental decay and bad breath.
Soak your aligners using Retainer Brite, denture cleaner, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Before putting your aligners back in, brush and floss your teeth. Excellent oral hygiene is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and preventing decay and cavities. 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.
Gently brush your aligners so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Now you're done!
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Can I play sports with Invisalign?
You'll be able to remove your Invisalign aligners so you can play sports without worrying about damaging your aligners.
That said, remember to plan your time carefully as Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day.
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 vulnerable to damage.
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Can I play my instrument with Invisalign?
Yes! Simply remove your aligners to play your instrument, and pop them back in when your session is 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 keep your aligners whenever you take them out to ensure they are safe from damage or debris.