The Invisalign 101: Everything You Need to Know

Remember that yearbook photo you wish didn't exist? You know the one — an awkward, fake smile, unspeakable haircut, and an overall look of adolescent confusion.

For many, that photo also included a mouth full of metal braces. Odds are, most of your classmates had braces, but they were more of a necessity than an aesthetic fix.

Today, a lot of people are anxious to improve their smiles but don't want the bulky hardware that comes with it. Instead, they're turning to a more modern solution — Invisalign.

If you're ready to straighten your teeth but aren't sure about what the Invisalign process entails, here's a guide to everything you need to know:

Invisalign is the modern alternative to traditional metal braces. Whether your teeth have gaps, crowding, an underbite, or overbite, they can be straightened with Invisalign, which uses clear tray aligners.

The plastic trays are created using a mold of your mouth, and they put pressure on the problem areas to slowly shift your teeth into the correct position.

The aligners are replaced every one to two weeks to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. They should be worn 20-22 hours a day and only removed when eating, brushing your teeth, or flossing. Their appearance mimics that of a retainer, but they actually reposition your teeth instead of just holding them in place.

You've decided to pursue Invisalign treatment — great! What happens next?

Here's a run-down of what you can expect:

The Consultation

At your initial meeting, you'll talk about any issues you have with your teeth, the Invisalign meaning, and what your ultimate goal is for your smile. The dentist will examine your teeth to determine whether or not Invisalign is the right option and discuss any questions you have. (Be sure to bring up anything you're curious, hesitant or concerned about.)

If you both determine Invisalign is the best option, you'll discuss the cost and how long it will take to achieve your new smile.

Molding

The next step is for the dentist to get a mold of your teeth. The good news? It's not that uncomfortably sticky mold you're thinking of — it's all digital.

A special scanner is used to capture a 3D image of your teeth. It is then sent to the Invisalign lab, where your custom aligners are created, trimmed, and checked for quality before being sent back to your dentist.

Checking the Fit and Following-up

When the aligners are ready, you'll head into your dental office to make sure they fit correctly. The dentist will have you try them on and, if needed, add small, temporary attachments to help keep them in place. Once the fit is approved, the Invisalign process is ready to begin.

A few weeks after your fitting, you'll go back to the dentist for a follow-up. Your progress and tray fit will be examined to ensure everything is working the way it should be. After that, you'll switch out aligners every one to two weeks on your own. Unlike traditional braces, there's no need for regular dentist appointments. Simply check in to keep track of your progress, or address any issues that come up.

At the end of the treatment process, you'll have the straight teeth you've always wanted!

The Invisalign process may sound simple, but you're bound to have questions. Here are some of the main inquiries about the Invisalign process:

How Much Does It Cost?

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,500 to $8,000 , but your dentist can give you a better estimate based on your needs. There are a few factors that determine the price, including the extent of your alignment and how many trays you will need to complete treatment.

How Do I Eat or Brush My Teeth?

It's simple — take the aligners out! Although you should be wearing them all day, it's okay to remove them to brush your teeth, floss, eat, or enjoy a special occasion.

The frequency in which you take out the trays is up to you, but keep in mind; they need to be worn at least 20 hours a day for your teeth to continue shifting into the correct position.

Is Invisalign Painful?

Just like any orthodontic treatment, there may be discomfort in the beginning. While some patients have no issues, others might feel some pain during the adjustment period. (Over-the-counter pain medication should help!)

Once you're over that initial hump, the pain begins to subside, and the pressure from your aligners becomes unnoticeable. That said, your pain threshold plays a significant role in how well you adjust.

How Long Does It Take to Straighten Teeth?

Since everyone's teeth are different, there isn't a direct answer to how long it takes for Invisalign to work its magic. On average, it takes about 12 months, but that's only a rough estimate. If your teeth have gaps, crowding, or other more complicated issues, it could take longer.

Straightening your teeth with Invisalign in the shortest amount of time possible comes down to one key factor — wearing them as often as you should be. The more you take them out, the longer the process will take. Remaining diligent about it will ensure you get straighter teeth in the least amount of time.

How Do I Clean My Invisalign Trays?

It's essential to clean your Invisalign retainer as often as possible. Since you wear it while you sleep, it should be cleaned every morning at the same time you brush your teeth. You should also rinse it every time you take it out to keep plaque and saliva from building up.

You can use an Invisalign cleaning kit or mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and water to soak them.

Since everyone's teeth are different, there isn't a direct answer to how long it takes for Invisalign to work its magic. On average, it takes about 12 months, but that's only a rough estimate. If your teeth have gaps, crowding, or other more complicated issues, it could take longer.

Straightening your teeth with Invisalign in the shortest amount of time possible comes down to one key factor — wearing them as often as you should be. The more you take them out, the longer the process will take. Remaining diligent about it will ensure you get straighter teeth in the least amount of time.

If you live in Manhattan, Riverside Dental Care in New York, NY, offers Invisalign services to help you achieve the smile you want. For nearly 20 years, we've provided a variety of dental services to keep your teeth healthy.