Invisalign FAQ

What does it feel like to wear Invisalign?

Compared to conventional metal braces with sharp wires and brackets, the smooth trays of Invisalign are comfortable and will never snag your lips or cheeks. It is normal to experience pressure, particularly at the start of each new set of trays, as your teeth and bite are shifted into their new positions. This sensation is normal and necessary because it indicates that the treatment is working.

Do I have to wear Invisalign all the time?

To be effective, Invisalign must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day, every day, throughout your entire treatment. The trays should only be removed for meals, snacks, and cleaning your teeth.

How does Invisalign straighten my teeth?

Invisalign trays are designed to move a few teeth at a time until your entire mouth is in alignment. Each set of aligners is customized to the patient and worn for about two weeks at a time, but the entire treatment plan is designed by your West Bloomfield Township Invisalign provider at the start, with periodic check-ups to ensure that movement is progressing properly. Though your dentist will outline your Invisalign plan, its success is all on you, the patient, and your adherence to the rules and changing the aligners as indicated so the work can get done in a timely manner.

Can I eat while wearing Invisalign?

No, you should never eat with the trays in place. You will be tempted to just pop in a little bite of something when you’re hungry or sip on a small cup of coffee, but behaviors liked these can damage or discolor your trays, which defeats the purpose of wearing nearly invisible aligners. The only thing you should ingest while wearing Invisalign is water. Remove the trays for every meal and snack to maintain their integrity.

How many days can I go without wearing Invisalign?

Invisalign is intended for near-constant wear. No Invisalign patient should ever go for more than an hour or two without wearing their trays. Leave the aligners out for days at a time and you risk compromising the progress of your treatment up to that point. The trays are designed to move certain teeth at certain times for a certain length of time – any departure from this schedule or lag in wear time will interfere with the success of your treatment.

How long does it take to complete Invisalign treatment?

On average, Invisalign is worn for about a year. However, some people will have minor issues that can be corrected with a less-intensive plan of Invisalign in six months or less, and some will have more complex issues that extend the treatment beyond a year.

Will I need attachments?

Many Invisalign wearers need the small, enamel-colored bumps known as attachments to make their trays fit even more snugly and move teeth more effectively. Attachments can take various shapes and are placed in strategic positions on the teeth to make aligners work better. They do make Invisalign slightly more visible and are noticeable when the trays are off your teeth.

How much does Invisalign cost?

Invisalign can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $6,000. The total will depend on the complexity of your case, length of treatment, and number of trays you wear, but it is a number you will be given at the start, so you aren’t surprised along the way. Invisalign is affordable, even if your insurance does not cover it, and we offer multiple financing options to make this a reality for many people.

Do I have to wear a retainer after Invisalign?

Yes. No matter what kind of orthodontic treatment you undergo, a retainer is necessary to help keep teeth in their newly aligned positions. You will have choices as to the type of retainers. Some patients will wear their last set of trays, others will want permanent retainers, and still others will wear the typical retainer all day and night. Permanent wear is usually the recommendation right after Invisalign is complete, followed by nighttime wear after six months or a year, depending on your case.

Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign is a truly revolutionary orthodontic alternative that has allowed millions of adults and teens to straighten their teeth discreetly. If you are interested in straightening your smile, consult with a certified Invisalign provider like Dr. Jacqueline Zoma at Zoma Dental in West Bloomfield Township to learn more.