Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign from Our Patients Across Allen, Texas and The DFW Metroplex
The Allen, Texas offices of Dickey Family Dentistry started using Invisalign technology in the last 10 years after extensive research and training. We made the decision to move forward with Invisalign once we understood all of the benefits it offers our patients. One of the most important aspects of practicing dentistry is insuring that our patients understand all of the options regarding their teeth and the recommended treatment.
Over the years we have collected a list of F.A.Q.s related to Invisalign and we want to share those with our patients online. The questions and answers in this article are collected directly from our patients. You can find more detailed information on the Invisalign website as well.
CAN YOU SEE THE ALIGNERS?
Most patients tell us people, don’t usually notice their aligners at all. People may notice that something is off just a bit, as wearing small pieces of plastic around your teeth will be a new concept, but the more you get used to them, the easier it is to hide your Invisaligns if that is your goal.
Depending on your treatment, you will most likely have small attachments stuck to your teeth. These take the form of little tooth-colored nodules, and often these are more noticeable than the braces themselves.
DOES INVISALIGN HURT?
Aligners are normally changed every two weeks, and for the first couple of days after changing the aligners your teeth can be sore. It’s easy to control with a painkiller or two. Our tip would be to change out your aligners at night before you go to bed. That way your teeth will shift into place when you sleep.
We also avoid you try to avoid crispy or crunchy food on the day you change out your aligners.
HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO WEAR THEM?
You will most likely have to wear your Invisalign aligners for nearly two years. This is a good benchmark to plan for when thinking about Invisalign.
Daily, you are recommended to wear them for 20-22 hours. This leaves enough time to take them out to eat. You wear them at night whilst sleeping, and throughout the day.
HOW OFTEN WILL I HAVE TO GO TO THE DENTIST?
We recommend on heading into our Allen, Texas dental offices every 6 weeks. This allows Dr. Dickey to check the progress, as well as perform any necessary procedures, such as IPR (or inter-dental filing).
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
This will vary on the severity of the dental problem. It might be that you only need a simple treatment, in which case you’ll be wearing them for less time, costing less overall. We try to go over the anticipated cost with each of our patients to help them understand the financial aspects of the procedure before we get started.
HOW DO YOU EAT WITH YOUR ALIGNERS?
The best answer to this question is….take them out. Slipping them out of your mouth is quick and simple. Keep your case nearby and popping them out is as simple is reaching in your mouth for a quick grab of your aligners.
IS THERE ANYTHING I’M NOT ALLOWED TO EAT OR DRINK?
This is always up for debate, after all you have made the dedication to have Invisalign aligners installed to straiten your teeth. We are going to always error on the side of caution. If you remove your aligners, you are not restricted. We warn each patient that sugary alcoholic drinks, smoking and chewing gum are all things you want to avoid if possible.
ARE THEY EASY TO TAKE IN AND OUT?
Yes. Anyone on our staff can walk you through popping the aligners in and out. There are over 100 videos on Youtube of patients walking you through their techniques of popping aligners in and out. You will have some slight discomfort as your teeth are adjusting, that is the only hang up when removing the aligners. We do recommend that you take your time, only not to damage the aligner.
HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY ALIGNERS?
Here is our simple and easy to follow recommendation for taking care of your aligners.
1. Clean your aligners daily with lukewarm or room temperature water.
2. Give your a aligners a quick brush with the toothpaste you use each night to brush your teeth. This will help them stay minty fresh and avoid any discoloration from daily wear.
3. Utilize your aligner case when they are out of your mouth. The most common damage issues we hear related to the aligner is patients getting them broken or crushed by accident.
HOW OFTEN WILL I HAVE TO BRUSH MY TEETH?
We recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day - normal times - once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Invisalign recommends that you brush your teeth after each meal. In some cases that just isn't feasible. If your teeth feel clean, don't feel bad about popping your aligners back in and moving on with your day.
If you have additional questions about Invisalign feel free to email or call our dental offices in Allen, Texas and we will do our best to answer your questions.
