In recent years, Invisalign has revolutionized the world of orthodontics — offering a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. This innovative teeth-straightening system has gained immense popularity among both teenagers and adults who desire to enhance their smiles without feeling self-conscious about the noticeable appearance of conventional braces.
As Invisalign continues to grow in popularity, many individuals considering orthodontic treatment find themselves at a crossroads, weighing the benefits of clear aligners against those of traditional braces. Naturally, this decision-making process often leads to a number of questions about how the Invisalign system works and how to get the best results.
Read on to get expert answers to the top frequently asked questions from the leading Invisalign dentist in Los Gatos.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Whether you're considering Invisalign for yourself or a loved one, it's natural to have questions about how it works, what to expect, and how it might impact your daily life — we've got you covered with the essential information you need to know.
Can Invisalign Fix my Crossbite or Overbite?
Yes, Invisalign can effectively treat jaw misalignments, including crossbites and overbites in many cases. However, the effectiveness depends on the severity of the bite issue. Mild to moderate cases are typically well-suited for Invisalign treatment, while severe cases might require traditional braces or additional orthodontic interventions such as palatal expanders.
Can I Eat Whatever I Want With Invisalign?
One of the major advantages of Invisalign is that you can eat whatever you want, but there is an important caveat: you must remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.
Unlike traditional braces, which have dietary restrictions to prevent damage to the brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are removable. This means you can enjoy all your favorite foods and drinks without worry, including:
- Crunchy foods like apples or carrots
- Chewy foods like bagels or steak
- Sticky foods like caramel or gum
However, it's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid bad breath by brushing and flossing after eating and before reinserting your aligners. Also, remember that your aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours per day, so plan your meals and snacks accordingly to ensure you're meeting this requirement.
Can I Smoke While Wearing Invisalign?
While it's technically possible to smoke while wearing Invisalign aligners, it's strongly discouraged for several reasons:
- Smoking can discolor your aligners, making them more noticeable and defeating the purpose of having nearly invisible braces
- The heat from smoking can warp or damage the plastic aligners
- Smoking is harmful to oral health and increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay
- Smoking while wearing aligners can trap smoke and harmful chemicals against your teeth, potentially further increasing the risk of dental problems
If you do smoke, it's recommended to remove your aligners before you smoke, then brush your teeth and clean your aligners before reinserting them. However, the best advice is to use this opportunity to quit smoking altogether for your overall health.
Can I Drink Coffee While Wearing Invisalign?
Generally, dentists recommend that you avoid drinking coffee while wearing your Invisalign aligners for several reasons:
- Coffee can stain your aligners, making them more noticeable
- Hot beverages can potentially warp the plastic aligners, affecting their fit and effectiveness — this warping can also cause discomfort along the gum tissue
- If your coffee contains sugar, it can get trapped between your teeth and the aligners, increasing the risk of tooth decay
- Coffee can leave residue on your aligners that's difficult to clean off
The best practice is to remove your aligners before drinking coffee. After finishing your coffee, brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners.
How Do I Clean my Invisalign Aligners?
Proper cleaning of your Invisalign aligners is important for maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping your aligners clear and odor-free. Here's a comprehensive cleaning routine:
- Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water every time you remove them — this will help remove any large particles or bacteria before storing your aligners in their case.
- Gently brush your aligners twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and the non-abrasive cleanser that comes with your aligners.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water before reinserting.
Things to avoid when caring for your aligners include:
- Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
- Avoid cleaning your aligners with toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and scratch the aligners.
- Don't use soaps to clean your aligners, as they can potentially damage the aligners’ integrity.
Remember to clean your aligners every time you remove them to eat or drink, and always brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your aligners.
What Can Invisalign Not Fix?
While Invisalign is a versatile orthodontic treatment, there are some limitations to what it can achieve:
- Severe misalignments: Extremely crooked teeth or significant jaw misalignments may require traditional braces or even dental surgery or jaw surgery.
- Large gaps between the teeth: While Invisalign can close small to moderate gaps, large spaces between teeth might require additional treatments.
- Intrusion and extrusion: Moving teeth up or down in the jawbone can be challenging or impossible, depending on the severity of the intrusion or extrusion.
- Midline movements: Significant adjustments to the midline — the imaginary line between your central incisors — can be difficult with Invisalign alone.
- Previous dental work: Certain types of bridgework, veneers, or other dental restorations may complicate Invisalign treatment.
- Tooth shape: Teeth that are too short — also known as peg teeth — may not allow the aligners to get a good grip for movement.
Consulting with an experienced Invisalign provider who can assess your unique case is the best way to know if they are the right treatment for you.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Teeth?
The duration of Invisalign treatment varies depending on several factors:
- The complexity of the case
- Your commitment level to wearing aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day
- Your age – as teeth generally move faster in younger patients who have all their permanent teeth
On average, Invisalign treatment typically takes about 12 to 18 months. However, you may see noticeable improvements within a few weeks of treatment.
Your orthodontist or Invisalign dentist will provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific case. They may use advanced dental imaging, including 3D imaging, to create a treatment plan showing your teeth’s projected movement over time.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign works through a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. The process typically starts with a consultation to assess if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment, followed by dental X-rays and 3D imaging or dental impressions of your teeth.
A custom treatment plan is created using advanced computer software, 3D imaging, or dental impressions. This treatment plan is then sent to a lab where your custom aligners are fabricated — each set of aligners is designed to move your upper and lower teeth incrementally into a corrected position.
When your treatment begins, you will start wearing your Invisalign clear aligners in order — each aligner will be worn for one to two weeks before moving to the next aligner in the series. Every six to eight weeks, you will have a dental check-up to monitor the progress of your aligners and make adjustments if necessary. After treatment, you will likely need to wear a retainer to maintain your new smile.
Key to Invisalign's success is patient compliance. Wearing the aligners as directed and maintaining good oral hygiene are both essential for achieving the desired results in the projected time frame.
Where Can I Find the Best Invisalign Dentist in Los Gatos?
If you're ready to transform your smile discreetly and comfortably, the Invisalign experts at Smiles Los Gatos are here to guide you with their extensive experience as Invisalign providers and state-of-the-art technology — including 3D dental imaging for the most predictable and precise results.
The dedicated team at Smiles Los Gatos understands that straightening your teeth is more than just an aesthetic choice — it's an investment in your overall health and confidence. That's why we take a comprehensive approach to Invisalign treatment, considering your dental alignment and how it impacts your bite, jaw health, and even your breathing.
Our team, led by Dr. Bliss Zin and Dr. Alyssa Takeda, works closely with you to create a personalized Invisalign plan that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, ensuring optimal results with minimal disruption to your lifestyle.
Ready to get the smile of your dreams without the discomfort of metal braces with the leading Invisalign dentist in Los Gatos?