Everything You Need to Know: Invisalign

Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that are custom-made for your teeth. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and moves your teeth closer to the desired position. As you continue to wear your aligners, your teeth will gradually move until they reach the final position. Each aligner is created to fit your mouth and gradually shift your teeth into place.

Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible and you wear them over your teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces, you can eat and drink whatever you want during treatment. You also remove the aligners to brush and floss your teeth.

Is Invisalign the proper treatment for me?

For the right candidates, Invisalign is a great option. First, patients must be eligible for Invisalign.

Patients must be over the age of 13 before beginning Invisalign treatment. Plus, they must have all of their permanent teeth.

Patients should also be willing and able to commit to their treatment. Invisalign aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day on average as it helps to reflect better results in the stipulated time period.

Invisalign vs. braces

Invisalign works with clear, removable aligners to shift your teeth into place. They are custom-made for your mouth, so they’re more comfortable and fit better than braces.

To get the most out of your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day. That means removing them to eat, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning your teeth. Invisalign aligners are removable, so there are fewer dietary restrictions than braces. With braces, you have to avoid sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy foods. Invisalign allows you to remove the aligners to eat, so switching to Invisalign doesn’t mean you have to stop eating your favorite foods.

Invisalign also requires fewer dental visits. During your Invisalign treatment, you’ll visit your dentist every six weeks to check on the progress of your treatment. With braces, you’ll visit the dentist every six weeks to months for adjustments.

How is Invisalign treatment performed?

Invisalign treatment is performed over the course of nine to 18 months. During treatment, you will be fitted with aligners custom-made to fit your teeth and your needs. 

Invisalign aligners should be worn except when eating, drinking hot liquids, or cleaning your teeth. Aligners can be removed for up to two hours a day, allowing you to eat, drink, and clean your teeth.

Please reach out to our dental practice in Pleasanton, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist in Pleasanton CA. Please call us at (925) 600-9006 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.