Invisalign
FAQ
At San Antonio Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontists and staff are proud to offer a wide range of expert orthodontic services to patients all across San Antonio and Pleasanton, including the revolutionary Invisalign system! Invisalign is quickly becoming a popular and effective alternative to traditional metal braces, and our orthodontists have years of experience and specialized training in clear aligner therapy.
Below is a list of the most commonly asked questions about Invisalign, giving you a better understanding of what Invisalign treatment is all about:
Q.How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
A.Treatment time varies from one patient to the next, depending upon the severity of the orthodontic problem being addressed. Treatment with Invisalign can vary widely from anywhere from 6 months to address mild crowding or relapse, all the way to 24 months to address severe malocclusions.
Q.How Many Hours A Day Do I Wear My Invisalign Aligners?
A.In order for Invisalign to work optimally, you must wear your aligners for 22 hours each day. You can take them out when eating, drinking, and when cleaning your teeth. You may also remove the aligners temporarily for special occasions like school or family photos, as long as you put them right back in when done!
Q.What Can I Eat During My Invisalign Treatment?
A.Unlike braces, you can eat whatever you like as long as you remove your Invisalign aligners before eating! Before you place the aligners back in your mouth, it’s important to brush your teeth and clean your aligners first.
Q.Does Invisalign Affect My Speech?
A.You may notice that your speech sounds slightly different when you first start wearing Invisalign, but don’t worry! Your speech will return to normal in a few days once you’re used to talking with the aligners in your mouth.
Q.Are Invisalign Aligners Painful?
A.You can expect to feel some pressure and minor discomfort for a day or two after each new aligner is inserted! This is a sign that your teeth are moving as they should. Patients can use over-the-counter pain medications, such as Advil or Tylenol, to ease the discomfort.
Q.Is It OK To Chew Gum While Wearing Invisalign?
A.We don’t recommend chewing gum when you have the aligners in, as the gum will stick to the aligners and make a mess!
Q.Can I Smoke While Wearing My Invisalign Aligners?
A.We discourage smoking with your Invisalign aligners in, as the smoke can stain or discolor your trays.
Q.How Do I Clean My Invisalign Trays?
A.Every time you remove your Invisalign trays, it’s crucial to clean them properly. Dry saliva and plaque create a perfect breeding ground for foul smelling bacteria. Soaking your aligners in denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals are all excellent options for keeping your trays clear and sanitized. You can also clean your aligners with a clear, antibacterial soft soap. Clear, antibacterial soap is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria. As a side note, it’s not advised to use toothpaste to clean your trays, as this will scratch the plastic and create places for bacteria to live inside your aligners.
Q.Can Teens Utilize Invisalign?
A.Yes, Invisalign Teen is a great alternative to traditional metal braces.
Contact
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San Antonio and Pleasanton, TX Orthodontists Today!
With state-of-the-art Invisalign technology and in-depth experience, our team at San Antonio Orthodontics is here to guide you through your orthodontic treatment. To find out whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!