Invisalign FAQ

We have answers to all of your Invisalign questions! Take a look at these FAQs to reference before or after your first visit to one of our locations in St. Petersburg or Seminole.

If you have any unanswered questions, we encourage you to give us a call! We are always here to help guide you through your smile journey.

Invisalign is made of high-quality, flexible but sturdy, clear plastic. These aligners use an FDA-approved material that’s BPA-free, BPS-free, latex-free and gluten-free. The material is called SmartTrack® material, and it’s created exclusively for Invisalign.

Both of your Invisalign clear aligners are custom-designed, using 3-D computer imaging technology, to fit the exact arch of your teeth. Invisalign is made for comfort!

Invisalign does not hurt! You shouldn’t experience any considerable pain from the first day you receive your aligners to the day you remove your aligners for the last time.

You may experience some tenderness for a day or two after beginning a new set of aligners. To ease any soreness, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like Tylenol. If you experience pain during your Invisalign treatment, we urge you to reach out to us! We want to ensure that there’s no underlying problem causing your pain.

Your treatment plan is completely personalized for you! There’s no fixed treatment length with Invisalign. At your very first visit to one of our locations, we’ll give you an estimated treatment length, based on the X-rays and diagnostic photos taken during your exam.

The average treatment time with Invisalign is about 12 to 18 months, but your treatment may be longer or shorter. This will depend on the severity of your condition and your diligence in wearing your aligners.

It’s important to note that Invisalign treatment requires compliance! You must wear your Invisalign, day and night, for 20 to 22 hours a day. Your expected treatment length is dependent on you wearing your aligners as instructed.

If you decide that you can’t be compliant with Invisalign for any reason, you can switch to braces at no additional charge! As long as you decide this within the first 6 months of your treatment, we’re happy to help you transition to braces.

Invisalign works in a series of high-quality clear aligners. Each set of aligners is custom-designed to shift your teeth closer to their beautiful end position, by applying gentle force to the teeth and jaws.

Your orthodontist will give you multiple sets of aligners at each visit. Every 1 to 2 weeks (depending on your custom treatment plan), you’ll replace your current set of aligners with a new set.

At your regular appointments, we’ll monitor your progress to ensure that you’re on track with your treatment plan. During these appointments, we can determine how often you need to switch out your aligners and whether we need to make any adjustments to your treatment plan.

Absolutely anything! One of the main benefits of Invisalign is that it’s completely removable. You don’t have to adjust your diet to accommodate any brackets or wires.

Eating with Invisalign is simple:

  1. Remove your aligners.
    Eat whatever your heart desires.
  2. Give your teeth a quick brush.
  3. Rinse out your aligners with lukewarm water.
  4. Place your aligners back in your mouth.

 

Although, while you have your aligners in your mouth, you can’t eat any food or drink any liquids (besides water). The dyes and sugars in food and beverages can stain your clear aligners. They can also lead to bacteria buildup, which can cause bad breath and poor oral hygiene. Drinking hot beverages with your aligners in place can warp the material and damage your treatment.

Can you chew gum with Invisalign?
No, it’s not a good idea to chew gum with Invisalign in your mouth. Gum can get stuck to your aligners, and the sugary ingredients can cause bacteria buildup in your aligners and plaque buildup in your teeth.

Yes you can! Because Invisalign sits on top of your teeth and isn’t bonded to your teeth, having crowns typically doesn’t pose a problem throughout your treatment. Although, if you require Invisalign attachments (small appliances cemented to individual teeth to reduce the space between your tooth and the aligner), crowns may present a challenge.

If you have dental crowns and you’re considering Invisalign treatment, we encourage you to reach out to us! Every case is unique, so it’s difficult to tell whether your crowns will affect your Invisalign treatment until you visit us for your complimentary exam.

We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you to know your options! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. We want what’s best for you and your child’s smile, and we believe patient education is essential for helping you achieve the greatest results.

Dr. Insoft, Dr. Hurst and our experienced team are here to help guide you throughout your treatment process, from your first visit to your last visit.

Ready to begin your smile transformation process? Let’s get started with your complimentary exam at one of our convenient Seminole or St. Petersburg locations!