Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?

No, gum will tend to stick to the aligners. We actually recommend removing the aligners for all meals and snacks.

What's the best way to clean my aligners?

It is a good idea to clean your aligners prior to each insertion. You can use your toothbrush with water and a small amount of toothpaste. After brushing the aligners rinse them thoroughly with water. In addition, Align Technology offers an Invisalign Aligner Cleaning System that you can order online to help remove plaque and stains from the aligners.

Will Invisalign effect my speech?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. However after a few days, any speech impediment like a lisp should disappear.

What is Invisalign?

It is a series of clear removable aligners that are custom fit to your teeth. Invisalign is an alternative to straighten your teeth without having to use traditional braces . Each aligner gradually moves your teeth by wearing them at least 22 hours a day for about 2 weeks.

What happens after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?

As with traditional braces, retainers are necessary to keep your teeth from moving after Invisalign treatment. We normally have our patients wear their retainers full-time for 6 months to allow for the bone to stabilize around the newly positioned teeth and then during nights thereafter. There are several types of retainers. The two main types of removable retainers are the traditional Hawley retainer and the Invisible retainer. The Hawley is made of acrylic and has a metal wire in the front. These retainers are very popular because they are very durable. The Invisible retainer looks just like the aligners for Invisalign, so going into this type of retainer after completing Invisalign becomes a smooth transition. Another option is a fixed retainer, which usually can only be done for the lower teeth. It holds the teeth probably the best, but it is harder to clean around your teeth. Speak to your orthodontist about the different types of retainers.