The Invisalign system is a series of clear aligners used to straighten teeth.

Will Invisalign treatment fit my lifestyle?

• Time for a snack? No problem. Take out your aligners to eat or drink whenever you want.
• You can remove your Invisalign aligners so you can brush and floss regularly, and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
• You can occasionally remove your Invisalign aligners to enjoy a special night out.
• There’s no need to change a thing. Continue your day-to-day activities while still straightening your teeth.
• Be yourself with Invisalign aligners. Since they are clear, you don’t have to hide your smile while going through treatment.
• With Invisalign treatment, it’s easy to make your smile picture-perfect for that special occasion.
• Invisalign treatment appointments work with your schedule. Most visits are in and out, with a quick progress check once every six weeks.

What is the Invisalign system?

The Invisalign system is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Invisalign treatment uses advanced 3D computer imaging technology to depict your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position.

Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth — and your teeth only — to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series until the final position of your teeth is achieved.

Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by your doctor based on your specific needs.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign aligners are clear, which makes Invisalign treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others. Invisalign aligners are also removable. Unlike braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment simply by removing the aligners when you eat. You can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and good oral hygiene.

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign treatment does not use metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth. In addition, you’ll spend less time in the doctor’s chair and scheduling appointments, and more time out doing the things you love.

Lastly, Invisalign treatment technology allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start your treatment, so you can preview how your straight teeth will look once your treatment is complete.

How many patients are in Invisalign treatment?

More than 5,000,000 patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign aligners. The number of Invisalign smiles grows daily. At your next appointment, we can answer any questions you might have, and get you started on the smile you’ve always wanted.

Invisalign and the Invisalign logo, among others, are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc., and are registered in the U.S. and other countries.

LIFE WITH INVISALIGN

Invisalign is a fantastic orthodontic treatment that is an alternative to traditional braces. However, much like braces, Invisalign aligners do need special care in order to function correctly. Below you can find some simple how-tos for common questions regarding your Invisalign treatment.

How Long Should I Wear My Invisalign Aligners?

While removable, Invisalign is meant to be worn for long periods of time in order to progress correctly. Always wear your aligners per Dr. Avila’s instructions, usually 20-22 hours per day and changing them every week. The best time to change to a new set of aligners after dinner before bedtime, so you body has a change to adapt to the change in tooth position while you sleep. They should only be removed to eat and when drinking anything but water.

To help avoid confusion, each aligner and aligner bag is marked with your unique case number, a “U” for upper and “L” for lower, followed by the tray number.

How to Insert Your Invisalign Aligners

When inserting each aligner, gently push the aligners over your front teeth. Then apply equal pressure, using your fingertips, to the tops of your left and right back molars until the aligner snaps in to place. Do NOT bite your aligners into position.

Removing Your Aligners

To remove aligners, on one side of your mouth, use your fingertip on the inside of your back molar to slowly pull the aligner from your molars.

Repeat this process on the other side of your mouth before trying to completely remove the aligner.

Once the aligner is disengaged from the molars on both sides, you should be able to slowly work your way forward with your fingertips to remove the tray completely.

Daily Care & Oral Hygiene

Clean your aligners prior to each insertion. Use a soft bristle toothbrush with water and a small amount of toothpaste. Be sure to rinse each aligner thoroughly with water after each cleaning.

Remove your aligners to eat and drink. (You do not need to remove your aligners to drink cool water.) Brush and floss your teeth after each meal or snack prior to re-inserting your aligners.

If your aligners are not in your mouth, they should be stored in your Invisalign case. Always keep aligners out of reach of children and pets. Aligners should not be left in extreme temperatures to avoid distortion.

Make sure to keep your regular dental checkups and cleanings during the course of your treatment. Always let your hygienist know that you are in Invisalign treatment and not to remove your attachments.

Changing Aligners

Aligners should be changed as instructed by Dr. Avila. It is best to change to your new aligner after dinner, as your trays are most effective in their first 10 hours.

Soreness and Discomfort

The most discomfort is experienced during the first few days of treatment. Similar to how your cheeks would need to adjust to braces, your tongue will need to adjust to your trays. Warm salt water rinses and Tylenol can be used for discomfort.

Tracking and Chewies

It is essential that your aligners fit well so that your treatment progresses as quickly as planned.

At the beginning of treatment, you will receive “chewies”, or small foam cylinders. When you first start a new set of aligner trays, they may not fit tightly against your teeth. Biting down on a chewie helps the aligners fit more closely to the teeth and express each tray’s activation

To use a chewie, place it between your teeth and bite down. Bite and hold for at least 10 seconds before releasing. Proceed to move the chewie from one end of your mouth to the other, continuing to bite and hold, until you have bitten on all your teeth. Continue to use your chewies for the first two days of each set of new aligner trays.

You can target individual locations that you notice a space between the aligner and your teeth by using the chewie on these locations for 10-15 minutes 4 to 5 times a day until the space disappears.

Lost or Broken Aligners

In the event that an aligner is lost or broken, you should immediately inform our office. You can proceed to your next tray but will need to wear it for the additional days that you would have worn the previous aligner.

If an attachment comes off, contact our office and we will schedule an appointment to replace it. Continue to wear your trays full time.

It is always best to keep your previous 3 trays. Should trays start to not track correctly, immediately call our office for an appointment and go back to the tray that fits properly.