Will the treatment be painful?
Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment.  This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure.  It is a sign that Invisalign® is working - sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.  This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new aligner in the series.

Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
Like all orthodontic treatments, aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and some may have a slight lisp for a day or two.  However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.

Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
No.  Unlike traditional wires and brackets, you can eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your aligners to eat and drink.  Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.  Also, it is important that you brush your teeth and aligners after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.

Will smoking stain the aligners?
We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discolored.

Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?
No, gum will stick to the aligners.  We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.

What's the best way to clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I wear my aligners?
Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing and flossing.

Can patients use aligners for bleaching teeth while active tooth movement is occurring?
While we are aware that some patients are using aligners for bleaching, Align has not examined the compatibility of currently available bleaching products with our aligners, nor have we demonstrated its efficacy in clinical studies.   Align recommends that you consult your dentist for more information on whitening teeth.

How often must I see my Invisalign Certified Dentist?

Your dentist will schedule regular appointments - usually about once every 4 to 6 weeks.  This is the only way your doctor can be sure that the treatment is progressing as planned.

What happens after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?
This depends on the outcome of the treatment.  Some patients might need a positioner, or conventional retainer.  Other patients might need a clear plastic retainer similar to the ones Invisalign makes.  Discuss these possibilities with your treating dentist.  Every patient is different and outcomes vary.