Read the Answers to Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Invisalign clear aligners from Orchard Park Dental & Implant Center in Kelowna.
Invisalign FAQs
These are the most frequently asked questions we receive from our patients.
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What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that work to straighten your teeth - minus brackets and metal wires.
Using advanced 3D computer imaging technology during the consultation process, we will develop a treatment plan based on your unique smile.
A series of custom clear aligners will then be manufactured to fit your teeth precisely during every stage of the Invisalign treatment process.
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How does the Invisalign process work?
With Invisalign clear plastic aligners, your teeth will move in small increments as your treatment continues. You will wear each aligner for approximately two weeks before it is replaced by the next one in the series.
This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions. Your dentist will determine your specific needs, then decide the duration of your Invisalign treatment.
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How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Your dentist will determine your specific requirements and decide the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on these.
Factors that may determine the duration of your treatment include the shape of your bite, the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, and the amount of movement required to correct the issue.
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What financing options do you offer?
We offer flexible financing options to support your Invisalign treatment journey. Speak to your dentist or click here to learn more.
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What are Invisalign aligners made of?
The Invisalign aligners are made with BPA-free, USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight polyurethane resins.
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How often do I have to visit the dentist?
Since Invisalign aligners require no tightening or adjustments – you just change to a new set of aligners every two weeks – your dentist will schedule brief appointments with you, typically every 4 to 6 weeks.
During these appointments, your dentist will review your progress and overall oral health, answer any questions you may have, and adjust your treatment as required.
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What are the primary features of Invisalign?
The features of Invisalign include:
- A discreet, low profile appearance
- Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
- Do not require adjustment appointments
- Smooth construction
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How much does Invisalign cost?
Cost will be based on the severity of your case and duration of your treatment. For instance, the more severe your misalignment, the more aligners you'll require and the more your treatment will cost.
In many cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).
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How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?
You may find that Invisalign fits very easily into your day-to-day life.
You can take your aligners out whenever you need to brush, floss, eat or drink. That means absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as quick and convenient as ever.
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Are there any food or drink restrictions?
Because you can remove Invisalign aligners, you can take them out to eat. As a result, you'll have no dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can continue to eat all the foods you love!
To avoid staining your clear aligners, we recommend removing them when you consume beverages such as dark sodas, coffee, or wine.
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How many sets of aligners will I need?
Depending on the severity of your misalignment, your dentist can determine the answer to this question.
Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how many aligners you will require, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during an initial consultation.
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Can adults use Invisalign?
Yes! If your gums and teeth and healthy, you are a potential candidate for Invisalign.
More and more adults are choosing to undergo orthodontic treatment these days, partly because options like Invisalign have become available.
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Can teenagers use Invisalign?
Yes! Teens can definitely be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has developed a line of aligners to meet teenagers' unique needs.
Invisalign Teen aligners have compliance indicators on them (small blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help youths more easily track their treatment.
They also come with eruption tabs that provide space for second molars and keep them from growing in crooked.
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How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?
Every two weeks or so, most patients switch to their next set of aligners. Your dentist can tell you exactly how often you should change your aligners.
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How do I clean my aligners?
Each time you remove them, take time to rinse your aligners and wash away dry saliva and plaque. This can result in dental decay and bad breath.
Soak your aligners using the official Invisalign cleaning crystals, Retainer Brite, and/or denture cleaner.
Brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back in. Good oral hygiene is critical to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding decay and cavities. Not brushing or flossing properly can trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and aligner, increasing your risk of dental problems and bad breath.
Clean your aligners with a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap. Clear anti-bacterial soap is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria.
Brush your aligners gently so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!
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Can I play sports with Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are removable so you can play sports without accidentally causing damage to your aligners.
However, keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so schedule your time carefully.
You'll also want to invest in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, as orthodontic treatment may cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they move into their new positions, and this can make them more susceptible to damage.
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Can I play my instrument with Invisalign?
Yes! Just remove your aligners while you practice playing your instrument, and pop them back in when you're done.
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How do I store my aligners?
Your Invisalign aligners will arrive with a case, and this is where you should store your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them safe from bacteria or damage.