Invisalign: Top 9 Questions & Answers About Clear Aligners
Are you considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth and correct your bite issues?
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment option that uses clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into place. But before making your decision, you may have questions about what Invisalign can and cannot fix, how long you’ll have to wear the aligners, and how to care for them.
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign, including whether it can fix overbites, crossbites, and even missing teeth, whether you can eat or drink specific things with the aligners, and more.
Keep reading to learn more about whether Invisalign is the right choice for you.
Can Invisalign Fix An Overbite?
Invisalign can potentially fix an overbite, but it depends on the severity of the overbite and the individual case. Invisalign is a clear aligner system that is used to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. It is an alternative to traditional metal braces, and it uses a series of custom-made aligners to gradually move the teeth into the desired position.
In some cases, Invisalign can be used to correct an overbite by applying pressure to specific teeth to move them into a more ideal position. However, it is not always possible to completely fix an overbite with Invisalign, and more severe overbites may require additional treatment such as surgery or traditional braces.
It is important to consult with a trained dental professional like Dr. Collins to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.
Can Invisalign Fix A Crossbite?
Invisalign can be used to fix a crossbite, depending on the severity of the crossbite and the individual case. A crossbite is a condition in which the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth or one or more upper teeth are behind the corresponding lower teeth when the jaws are closed.
It can cause multiple oral issues such as jaw pain, headaches, wear of teeth and gums, and even TMJ dysfunction.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made aligners to gradually move the teeth into the correct position. However, more severe crossbites may require additional treatment, such as surgical intervention or traditional braces.
Dr. Collins will be able to assess your case and provide a personalized treatment plan that may include Invisalign as part of the therapy. He will evaluate the complexity of the case, and the amount of movement required and will inform you about the duration of treatment and the expected outcome.
Can You Eat with Invisalign?
Yes, you can eat with Invisalign aligners, but it is recommended to remove them while eating. Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat and drink. Eating with the aligners in place can cause food to get trapped between the aligners and the teeth, leading to potential tooth decay or gum irritation. Additionally, certain foods and drinks, such as hard candy, ice, popcorn, and chewy cand can damage the aligners and can cause them to lose their shape.
It is recommended to brush your teeth and clean your aligners before putting them back in after eating. This will help to keep your teeth and aligners clean and reduce the risk of tooth decay or gum irritation.
If you have a busy schedule and might not be able to remove the aligners while eating, you should stick to softer foods and try to minimize snacking.
Overall, it is important to follow the instructions given by your dentist and maintain good oral hygiene throughout the treatment.
Can You Smoke with Invisalign?
It is not recommended to smoke with Invisalign aligners in place. Smoking can cause yellowing and discoloration of the aligners, making them less effective and less aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, smoking can also cause bad breath and can increase the risk of gum disease which can affect the treatment outcome.
Smoking also has detrimental effects on oral health overall and is not recommended regardless of whether you are undergoing orthodontic treatment or not. If you are undergoing treatment with Invisalign it would be best to avoid smoking altogether or to at least remove the aligners before smoking.
It’s also important to keep in mind that not only does smoking discolor the aligners, but it can also discolor the teeth and can cause staining, periodontal issues, and increase the risk of oral cancer. Therefore, it’s always better to avoid smoking and if you can’t, removing the aligners before having a cigarette can help you keep your aligners clear and your oral health intact.
Can You Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
You can drink coffee while wearing Invisalign aligners, but it is recommended to remove the aligners when drinking any colored beverages or anything hot in order to prevent staining or warping of the aligners.
Coffee, tea, and other colored drinks can cause staining of the aligners, making them less aesthetically pleasing, and can also cause tooth discoloration. Additionally, consuming hot drinks with the aligners in place can cause the aligners to warp or lose their shape, which could affect the effectiveness of the treatment.
It is recommended to brush your teeth and clean your aligners before putting them back in after drinking. This will help to keep your teeth and aligners clean and reduce the risk of tooth decay or gum irritation.
It’s also important to be mindful of the sugar and acid content of the beverages you consume while wearing the aligners, as they can increase the risk of tooth decay, so it’s best to drink water and brush your teeth regularly.
How Long Do You Have To Wear Invisalign?
The length of time you will need to wear Invisalign aligners will depend on the severity of your teeth alignment and bite issues, as well as your individual case.
For mild to moderate teeth misalignment, treatment with Invisalign can typically take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. This can vary depending on the specific issues being treated and the goals of treatment. In more severe cases or cases that require major changes to the teeth and bite, treatment can take longer, up to 2 years.
It’s also worth noticing that Invisalign treatment duration also depends on the adherence of the patient, it means that the aligners need to be worn for the recommended time by your dentist (usually around 22 hours a day) and be changed to the next set of aligners according to the schedule, for the treatment to progress in time.
It’s important to keep in mind that Invisalign treatment is tailored to each individual patient, and the duration of treatment can vary depending on the specific circumstances. Dr. Collins will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of the length of time you will need to wear Invisalign aligners based on your individual case.
It’s essential to follow the instructions given and attend all the scheduled appointments, this will help to keep the treatment on track and reach the goal in the estimated time.
Can You Get Invisalign with Crowns?
Yes, it is possible to get Invisalign treatment with crowns. However, it will depend on the specific circumstances and the location of the crowns in your mouth.
Invisalign aligners are designed to shift and move the position of your natural teeth, but they do not affect the position of dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, or dental implants. That means that if you have a crown or a bridge in your mouth, the aligners will only be able to move the teeth around them. This could cause the treatment to be less effective or require additional steps to achieve the desired result.
If you have crowns or bridges, it’s important to consult with Dr. Collins before starting Invisalign treatment to determine if it is the best option for you. He will evaluate your case and provide a personalized treatment plan that includes the use of Invisalign while taking into account the presence of any dental restorations.
It’s possible that some tooth preparation is necessary before starting the Invisalign treatment, to ensure that the crowns or bridges do not prevent the aligners from moving the teeth to the desired position.
It’s also important to take into account that the aligners need to be worn constantly, except while eating, brushing, or flossing. That means that they should be worn around the crowns or bridges, so if you have a crown or bridge with a large surface area, you may experience discomfort or difficulty cleaning them.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign Retainer?
To properly clean your Invisalign retainer, follow these steps:
- Rinse the retainer thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any food particles or debris.
- Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with lukewarm water. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the retainer, being sure to clean the fronts, backs, and edges.
- Rinse the retainer thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any soap residue.
- If your retainer has a visible buildup or stains, you can use a denture cleaner or a retainer cleaner specifically designed for clear aligners. Follow the instructions on the cleaner package.
- Rinse the retainer thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any cleaner residue.
- Place the retainer in a clean, dry container with a lid or a retainer case.
- Avoid using hot water to clean your retainer, as it can cause the retainer to warp or lose its shape.
It’s important to clean your retainer daily to prevent the buildup of bacteria, food particles, and stains. Proper cleaning will also help to extend the life of your retainer and ensure that it is effective in maintaining the proper alignment of your teeth.
What Can Invisalign Not Fix?
Invisalign is a highly effective orthodontic treatment option that can be used to correct a wide range of teeth alignment and bite issues, but it’s not suitable for every case. There are some dental issues that Invisalign is not suitable to correct or that would require additional treatment methods.
Here are some examples of dental issues that Invisalign may not be able to fully correct or treat:
- Severe crowding or spacing: In some cases, the teeth may be too crowded or too widely spaced for Invisalign to effectively correct. In these cases, other orthodontic treatments such as traditional metal braces may be necessary.
- Extreme overbites or underbites: Invisalign can correct some overbites or underbites, but severe cases may require additional treatment such as jaw surgery.
- Missing teeth: Invisalign aligners are designed to shift and move the position of natural teeth. If you have missing teeth, Invisalign treatment will not be able to close the gap caused by the missing tooth and other treatment options such as dental implant or bridges may be necessary.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ): Invisalign aligners can correct some bite issues, but if the root cause of the problem is related to the TMJ, Invisalign may not be effective and other treatments such as physical therapy or medication may be needed.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the effectiveness of Invisalign treatment also depends on the patient’s adherence to the treatment plan and schedule. Failure to wear the aligners for the recommended time or to follow the schedule set by your dentist can affect the outcome of the treatment.
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Schedule your complimentary Invisalign consultation online today.