Invisalign® FAQ

Invisalign® Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

At McCaffrey Orthodontics West Palm Beach, we want to make your orthodontic treatment journey as easy and smooth as possible and to ensure that all your questions are answered. If you are interested in Invisalign aligners in West Palm Beach, Florida, to straighten and perfect your smile, our orthodontist will have the answer for you. Our orthodontic team has put together a list of frequently asked questions about Invisalign treatment. Check out the questions below and if you do not find the answer to your question, please do not hesitate to call our office at 561-363-0324 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin McCaffrey.

What Is the Invisalign System?

The Invisalign system is an orthodontic appliance used to treat crooked or misaligned teeth. Orthodontists usually recommend Invisalign aligners to patients with minor to moderate orthodontic needs, as it cannot treat severe orthodontic problems. Invisalign treatment consists of two clear plastic aligners to slowly move your teeth to the desired position.

How Does the Invisalign System Work?

Over the course of your orthodontic treatment, you will be given a series of aligners. Each one will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is planned out in advance specifically to meet your needs. The aligners put consistent pressure on the teeth, causing them to shift from their current positions. Every two weeks, you will change your aligners until your teeth are correctly aligned according to the precise treatment plan developed by your orthodontist.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Last?

The length of treatment is patient dependent and specific. The average Invisalign treatment case takes about 12 to 18 months.

What Is Invisalign® Teen & How Does It Work?

Invisalign Teen is just like regular Invisalign treatment but with a couple of notable differences. Invisalign Teen aligners come with tiny compliance indicators which fade as the aligners are worn to tell the patient, parents and orthodontist whether the aligners are being worn as directed. The aligners also have eruption tabs built in that hold space for permanent teeth that have yet to erupt through the gums.

Are There Food Restrictions?

No, the Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed when eating and drinking. You can continue to enjoy all your favorite foods while you are improving your smile with Invisalign aligners. However, our patients who have attachments on their teeth with Invisalign treatment do need to be careful eating crunchy food.

How Often Should I Wear My Aligners?

For Invisalign aligners to work properly, they must be worn for more than 22 hours each day. They should only be taken out when eating or drinking and when brushing or flossing. In addition, if you play a contact sport it is recommended to remove aligners during the activity.

How Do I Clean My Aligners?

Simply brush the aligners gently using a small dab of toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush and then rinse them off when done. A good time to clean your aligners is when you are brushing and flossing your teeth. Never use hot water when cleaning the aligners because it can warp the plastic, which would render the aligners unwearable.

How Will My Speech Sound When Wearing Invisalign Aligners?

It is natural for your speech to sound slightly different when you first start wearing your Invisalign aligners. However, by practicing talking aloud or singing, your speech will return to normal very quickly.

Is It Painful to Be Treated With Invisalign Aligners?

While it is not painful to be treated with Invisalign aligners, you can expect to feel some soreness and minor discomfort for the first few days with each aligner in the series.

Why Is the Invisalign System so Popular?

Teens and adults with Invisalign aligners enjoy the fact that they are virtually invisible, giving them the confidence to smile broadly throughout the course of their treatment. Another feature our patients love about the Invisalign system is that there are no restrictions on what you can eat. Since there are no wires to tighten and adjust, Invisalign patients enjoy having to make fewer orthodontic appointments over the course of their treatment.

Will I Have to Wear a Retainer When I’m Finished With the Invisalign System?

Yes, you will need to wear a retainer according to the directions we give you to ensure that your teeth remain in their new positions.

Call Our Office to Get Started on Invisalign Treatment Today!

Are you interested in Invisalign treatment? If so, do not wait any longer and call us today! Our team will be more than happy to answer any of your questions and address your concerns. The time to straighten your teeth is now and we can help. Schedule your next appointment by calling us directly or filling out our easy online form. We hope to see you soon!