Invisalign

Questions about Invisalign:

If you come in to see Dr. Salmon, she can take a quick picture of your smile and show you on an app what your smile will look like when you are finished.

What is Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign Treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. No brackets and wires, and none of the restrictions that come with metal braces.

How long will Invisalign treatment take?

Depending on the complexity of your case, you could complete your treatment in as little as 6 months.2 But you’ll start seeing results in a matter of weeks.

How is Invisalign treatment different than other teeth straightening options?

Invisalign treatment is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, backed by more than two decades of innovation. Unlike braces, Invisalign clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible. There are no wires and brackets, so you don’t need to change the way you brush and floss. And, you can continue to eat all your favorite foods.

Can I go to any dentist or orthodontist for Invisalign treatment?

Many orthodontists and dentists are Invisalign-trained doctors, but not all are. Doctors who want to offer Invisalign treatment must complete specialized training. Our smile concierge team can help you find an Invisalign-trained doctor near you or you can use our online locator.

Are there any restrictions on what i can eat while in treatment?

None! Invisalign clear aligners are removable, so there are no food restrictions at all (hello popcorn!). With traditional wires and brackets, there’s a long list of foods you unfortunately can’t enjoy because they can damage or get stuck in your braces.

Is Invisalign treatment right for me?

Yes! Invisalign treatment can be a great solution for both adults and teens looking for a virtually invisible method to improve their smile. Our innovations and technological advancements make it possible to fix nearly all common teeth-straightening and bite issues, from simple to complex — all without interrupting your busy life. And, thanks to a discreet blue dot on the outside of teen aligners, parents can be sure their child is wearing their clear aligners enough.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible — people may not even notice you’re wearing them. You can remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions. There are no metal brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth or break.

Proprietary SmartTrack material is designed exclusively for the Invisalign System to optimally deliver the desired force systems to more predictably move teeth.¹ Invisalign aligners are also trimmed based on your gum line for comfort and appearance. As the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, we have successfully improved over 15 million smiles², including 4 million teen smiles.³

Am I guaranteed to have straight teeth with Invisalign treatment?

Every smile is unique, which is why your Invisalign treatment starts with a consultation. During your consultation, your Invisalign Doctor will help you determine what Invisalign treatment could do for your smile. We cannot guarantee a particular treatment outcome, but encourage you to share your treatment goals with your Invisalign Doctor at your consultation.

What is the treatment process?

Invisalign Treatment starts with a consultation with an Invisalign-trained doctor. Your doctor will evaluate your smile and then map out a precise, customized digital treatment plan that showcases the step-by-step transformation of your smile. Once you approve your plan, your unique aligners will be created. You will wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by your doctor. Each set of aligners will gently and gradually shift your teeth into place, according to your treatment plan, until you reach your beautiful new smile.

What are Invisalign clear aligners made of and what do they look like?

Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack created exclusively for Invisalign Treatment.

Is Invisalign treatment more expensive than braces?

Invisalign treatment typically costs about the same as braces.

Will my insurance cover Invisalign treatment?

Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment the same way they cover braces. Your insurance may pay for a certain percentage of your Invisalign treatment, or it may pay for a certain dollar amount.

What payment options are available for Invisalign treatment?

Many doctors offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans, which allow you to make small payments through the course of your Invisalign treatment rather than all at once.

Doctors may also offer financing through LendingPoint. LendingPoint is a third-party patient financing program that makes it easier for you to get the treatment or procedures you want and need.

Additionally, you can use your FSA or HSA to pay for Invisalign treatment using tax-free dollars. For more information about payment options available with Invisalign treatment, click here.

How many people have used Invisalign clear aligners?

Over 15 million people², including more than 4 million teens³, have used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles.

Do Invisalign clear aligners contain Bisphenol A (BPA)?

All Invisalign aligner and retainer materials are made of medical-grade, high molecular weight, thermoplastic polymers. These materials were selected for use in aligners and retainers based on their properties and safety classification, and have a long history of FDA approvals for long term use inside the human body. Tests conducted to determine the biocompatibility of these materials show they are biocompatible and pass all applicable regulatory requirements and thresholds for human wear in the mouth.

Based on our current knowledge and testing of the raw materials and processes used in the manufacture of aligners and retainers, we are not aware of any latex, parabens, phthalates, glutaraldehyde, epoxy or Bisphenol A (BPA) present in our aligners or retainers. Of course, as with any medical device, you should consult with your health professional about your aligner or retainer treatment and any applicable risks of use.

Has the FDA approved Invisalign treatment?

Yes, Invisalign aligners are classified as Class II medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Align Technology, Inc. received the necessary 510(k) clearance from the FDA to sell and market Invisalign treatment in 1998.

Can I take my aligners off whenever I need to?

Yes, you can remove your Invisalign aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding, job interview, or for playing your favorite sport or instrument. Your doctor will tell you how long to wear your aligners each day, but typically people wear their Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results.

Is Invisalign treatment painful?

Invisalign treatment moves your teeth by applying gentle, constant force, but some people do feel temporary discomfort for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. Typically, people describe it as feeling “pressure” and it’s normal — it’s a sign your Invisalign clear aligners are working and transforming your smile.

Please see your doctor if you have any concerns or experience continued discomfort.

Will Invisalign treatment still work if I only wear my aligners while I sleep?

No....You need to wear your Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the results you want.

Will wearing Invisalign clear aligners affect my speech?

It may take a couple of days for your tongue to get used to having your Invisalign aligners in your mouth, and you may have a slight lisp. But this should disappear quickly.

Will smoking stain my aligners?

We discourage smoking while wearing Invisalign aligners because it can stain the aligners and your teeth.

I went on a trip and forgot to take my aligners with me. Will my aligners still fit?

The answer depends on how long you’ve gone without wearing your Invisalign aligners. If it’s only been a short time, your aligners should still fit, but they might feel uncomfortable. If it’s been a longer time, talk to your doctor about your unique situation.

What’s the best way to clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water and using the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or special cleaning tablets. It’s important that you brush your teeth after each meal before re-inserting your aligners to maintain good oral hygiene.
If I have food residue (like blueberries or pasta sauce) in my mouth when I put my aligners back in, can they become stained?
Yes. That’s why it’s important to brush after every meal, before placing your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth.
What if I lose or break an aligner. What should I do?
If you lose or break an Invisalign aligner, immediately let your Invisalign Doctor know. Your Invisalign Doctor will work with you to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan, which may involve wearing a previous set of aligners, your next set of aligners, or ordering replacements aligners.
Can I order replacement aligners from the Invisalign brand directly?
All aligners and retainers must be ordered through your Invisalign Doctor, as they are considered a prescription item. Please contact your Invisalign Doctor directly if you need to order a replacement.
What is covered in the Use and Care Instructions for my Invisalign®️ aligners?

Before using your Invisalign®️ aligners, we highly recommend that all patients—including parents and guardians—carefully read these Use and Care Instructions. It includes guidance on maintaining your aligners, oral hygiene recommendations, warnings and precautions to consider during treatment. We also suggest saving these instructions for future reference and if you have additional questions, contact your doctor.