Your Calgary Invisalign® Provider
Invisalign FAQs
Read the answers to these questions asked by Calgary patients about Invisalign Treatment.
Common Questions & Answers
Read the answers to the questions we receive most frequently about Invisalign.
- What are Invisalign clear aligners?
The Invisalign clear aligner system is a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.
Advanced 3D computer imaging technology is used in the consultation process to create a treatment plan based on your unique smile.
A series of custom clear aligners will be manufactured to fit your teeth precisely during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process.
- What are the primary features of Invisalign?
With Invisalign treatment, you get the benefits of:
- A more discreet solution than traditional braces
- Smooth construction for enhanced comfort
- No adjustment appointments
- Easily removabling the aligners for eating, brushing and flossing
- How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific needs.
Factors that may determine the duration of your treatment include the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, the shape of your bite, and the amount of movement required to correct the problem.
- What are Invisalign aligners made of?
Invisalign clear aligners are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins and are BPA free.
- How does the Invisalign treatment process work?
Every 2 weeks, you will wear a new set of Invisalign clear plastic aligners which are designed to move your teeth by tiny increments as your treatment progresses. The Invisalign aligners are designed in a series specifically for you.
This process will continue until your teeth are in their corrected positions. The duration of treatment will be determined by your dentist at the start of the process.
- How often do I have to visit the dentist?
Since Invisalign aligners require no adjustments or tightening – you just switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks – your dentist will schedule brief appointments with you every 4 - 6 weeks.
During these appointments, your dentist will take the opportunity to review your progress and general oral health, answer your questions, and make adjustments to your treatment as required.
- How much does Invisalign cost?
Cost will depend on the severity of your case and duration of your treatment. For instance, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners you'll need and the more your treatment will cost.
In many cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).
- Will wearing Invisalign affect my lifestyle?
You may find that Invisalign fits very comfortably into your day-to-day life.
You can take your aligners out whenever you need to eat, or brush and floss your teeth. That means absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever.
- How do I eat during Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out to eat.
We do, however, recommend removing your aligners when you consume beverages such as wine, coffee, or dark soda beverages to avoid staining
- How many sets of aligners will I need?
The answer to this question will depend on the severity of your misalignment.
Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how long your treatment will take, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during an initial consultation.
- Can adults use Invisalign?
Yes! Anyone who has healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.
More and more adults are deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because options like Invisalign have become available.
- Can teenagers use Invisalign?
Yes! Teens can certainly be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has created a line of aligners to meet the unique needs of teenagers.
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 come with eruption tabs that provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked.
- How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?
Most patients change to their next set of aligners every two weeks or so. Your dentist will tell you exactly how often you should switch out your aligners.
- Can I play sports with Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully. However, they are removable so you can play sports without worrying about causing damage to your aligners.
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 susceptible to damage.
- Can I still play my musical instrument?
Yes! Simply remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and pop them back in when you're done.
- How do I store my aligners?
You'll store your Invisalign aligners in the case that is provided when you pick them up.
- How do I clean my aligners?
Rinse your aligners each time you remove them to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can result in dental decay and bad breath.
Soak your aligners using denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back in. Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. 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.
Brush your aligners gently so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!
Have a different question?
We'd be glad to answer any other questions you may have!