Invisalign FAQ

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a corrective treatment that delivers the same great results as braces with a much more discreet profile. This treatment consists of a series of clear aligners crafted to fit snugly over your teeth and provide consistent pressure to move your teeth into the desired position. During this process, you will receive a new set of aligners every week that has been slightly adjusted to move your teeth closer to the desired result. Patients love the high level of comfort they experience and appreciate the freedom they have during treatment because they can easily remove the appliance to eat, drink, and more.

How Do I Care for My Invisalign Aligners?

It’s essential to keep your aligners clean, so you can maintain your great oral health while in treatment. Luckily, keeping your aligners clean is simple, and you only need to add one extra step to your daily routine. You should continue to brush your teeth twice a day and floss often, and once you are done brushing your teeth, you should clean your aligners. To properly clean your appliance, run your toothbrush and warm water and scrub the fronts and backs of your Invisalign. This will help rid your appliance of harmful bacteria, so you don’t put dirty aligners back on your freshly cleaned teeth.

What Is the Treatment Process?

At Murphy Orthodontics, we take the time to get to know our patients and understand their orthodontic needs and goals. During your complimentary consultation, we will take pictures and X-rays of your mouth and jaw so Dr. Murphy can identify the areas that need attention through treatment. Once you decide you want to move forward with Invisalign, we will use a digital scanner called iTero to scan your teeth and create a 3D digital model of your smile. 

We use this digital model in several ways. To begin, our doctor will alter the 3D image to show you a projection of what your smile will look like after treatment. At this point, we will welcome your feedback to make sure your smile looks exactly the way you imagine. Once you and Dr. Murphy decide on the desired result, the doctor will plan out each of your aligner sets to make sure your teeth shift in the correct way to achieve your dream smile. 

After Dr. Murphy plans your treatment, your first set of Invisalign will be created using a 3D printer. Invisalign sets are made using a cutting-edge thermoplastic that was engineered for ultimate patient comfort. You will receive a new set of aligners every week until you complete treatment and have the smile you’ve always wanted.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

When you get Invisalign, you are investing in a higher quality of life. You will benefit from improved aesthetics and experience better oral and overall health. We want all of our patients to have access to this life-changing treatment so they can look in the mirror and see a smile they’re proud to wear. This is why our practice has created several flexible financing plans, so our patients can budget for this treatment more easily. Additionally, we will work with most insurance providers to help you get out-of-pocket costs covered. Getting the smile you deserve shouldn’t be stressful, and our knowledgeable team members are ready to answer any questions you may have about treatment costs.

How Will Invisalign Affect My Life?

Invisalign will have a long-lasting positive impact on your life as it helps you achieve a healthier smile that inspires confidence. While you’re in treatment, however, your daily life will barely be impacted at all. Patients love the flexibility they have to remove their aligners whenever they need to eat, drink, take pictures, and more. Additionally, Invisalign is virtually invisible, so others won’t even be able to notice your aligners unless you tell them. This revolutionary treatment has gained popularity in recent years because of how easily it fits into any patient’s lifestyle.

How Long Do I Have to Wear My Aligners for Each Day?

To achieve your desired results as quickly as possible, it’s essential you wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. When you keep your Invisalign in for a majority of the day, your teeth benefit from consistent pressure that gradually moves them into the perfect position for your dream smile. If you leave your aligners out for too long, your teeth may begin to shift back to their original place, and you could reverse your progress. Even with this requirement, you still have several hours to work with, so you can take them out whenever it’s convenient.

Are There Any Food Restrictions with Invisalign?

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign has no dietary restrictions. No matter what you eat, you should take your aligners out before you start. This means that there is no possibility of hard, sticky, or chewy foods being able to damage your appliance. However, you must remember to put your aligners back in place once you’re done.