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Invisalign : Frequently asked questions

16 April 2021 | Dr. Frédéric Lavoie

Your dentist informed you that you require orthodontic treatment? You want to get started with a more discreet solution than traditional metal braces and your orthodontist offers Invisalign treatment? Here are some questions Dr. F. Lavoie answers regularly!

  1. How do Invisalign aligners move teeth? 

    During your visit to Dr. F. Lavoie’s clinic, you will discuss together the number of aligners required for the duration of your treatment. Adjusting the position of your teeth is accomplished by wearing a sequential series of clear aligners. Together with proven technologies, your orthodontist sets up a treatment plan that only allows certain teeth to move at the desired time thanks to controlled force.

  2. Are Invisalign aligners painful? 

    Many patients feel almost nothing when wearing the aligners. However, some people may experience slight pressure or discomfort. This usually occurs at the beginning of each sequential series and lasts only a few days. It’s also a sign that the treatment is working! Don’t worry, even if you don’t feel any discomfort, the Invisalign treatment still works.

  3. Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech? 

    Any new device inside the mouth requires a certain adaptation, whether it’s traditional metal braces or Invisalign treatments. Some people will notice a slight and temporary impact on their speech, but it normally subsides within a day or two. A kind of lisp (talking on the tip of the tongue) may appear, but the tongue quickly gets used to the presence of the aligners. Most patients don’t notice a difference.

  4. What should I do if I lose my Invisalign aligner?

    In case of breakage or loss of Invisalign aligners, you must absolutely contact your orthodontic clinic. In the meantime, if you can wear the aligners from the previous step in order to prevent your teeth from moving. In some cases, it is possible to get ahead and skip to the next stage of aligners. In rare cases and only when absolutely necessary, we can replace lost or broken aligners and deliver them within a few days.

  5. Do cigarettes affect my aligners?

    We do not recommend smoking to begin with, let alone when doing Invisalign treatments. Nicotine stains and discolors the aligners, and a yellow smile takes away the invisible aspect of the treatment. That’s certainly not what you want!

  6. Are there any dietary restrictions during Invisalign treatments? 

    No! Since you remove your aligners during meals, you can eat all the foods you want, without limitations. Unlike traditional metal braces, you can now enjoy all types of food. However, it is necessary to brush your teeth and aligners after each meal, otherwise cavities can form and bacteria can develop.

  7. Do I need to wear a retainer at the end of my treatment? 

    Yes! Like all orthodontic treatments, it is necessary to wear a retainer at the end of your treatment. This is the only way to keep your teeth where they are without shifting, ensuring long-term results. However, you will only wear it at night, offering you absolute discretion in broad daylight and a result that will dazzle everyone!

  8. How much does an Invisalign treatment cost?

    The price of an Invisalign treatment is very similar to that of traditional metal braces. Since the length and specifics of each treatment vary from person to person, the total cost will be estimated at the time of your first visit with your orthodontist. This is also when we can discuss payment plans, which are offered interest-free. Also, don’t forget that some insurance policies cover a portion of an orthodontic treatment, which makes the intervention more affordable!

  9. Can Invisalign treatment correct the alignment of an adult’s teeth?

    Absolutely! Regardless of your age, you can consult Dr. Lavoie’s orthodontic clinic, located in Montreal, to find out if Invisalign treatment is possible for your specific condition. The transparent aligners allow to correct problems such as crowding, spaces, misaligned teeth as well as other types of malocclusions of simple or complex nature (crossbites, overbite, underbite, etc.). They are simple to use, comfortable, but also invisible, allowing you to continue your daily life without limitations!

  10. How effective is Invisalign?

    Representing the most advanced invisible aligner system in the world, Invisalign allows you to gradually move your teeth. In addition to being invisible to the eye, the Invisalign treatment is one of the most effective and hygienic there is. In fact, more than 6 million patients have trusted this technology to improve the appearance of their smile. The ease for patients to simply remove the shell for cleaning or during meals, for example, allows them to carry out their daily activities without hassle and without restrictions. Thanks to the help of the orthodontist, your teeth are moved to the desired result in order to offer you your most beautiful smile.

  11. How does the whole treatment take place?

    First, the orthodontist performs an analysis by taking photographs, x-rays and digital impressions of your teeth. We send this information to Invisalign, who takes care of molding the Invisalign aligners to fit your teeth perfectly. We proceed to establish the detailed treatment plan according to your needs and constraints with the help of which, Invisalign can manufacture a series of aligners in order to begin the treatment. The aligners will be worn for a week, after which they will be replaced by the next set in the series. This is how Invisalign gradually moves your teeth. When your treatment is complete, we will provide you with retainers that will help keep your new smile in place. Follow-up appointments will also be scheduled in order to preserve the alignment of your teeth and keep this magnificent smile for many years.

  12. What is the total duration of a treatment?

    The total duration of an Invisalign treatment will generally be determined during your first visit and following the analysis carried out by the orthodontist. Since the treatment plan differs from one patient to another, it will be necessary to take into account the complexity of the case, which is defined in particular by the number of gutters necessary for the correct alignment of your teeth. In general, the duration of an Invisalign treatment will be comparable to or shorter than a treatment where braces would have been used. In order to properly monitor the evolution and movement of the teeth, follow-up appointments will take place every 8 to 10 weeks.

  13. How to clean Invisalign aligners effectively?

    Although Invisalign clear aligners are changed weekly, it is necessary to take care of them and clean them to prevent the development and spread of bacteria. As soon as the first aligners are placed, the orthodontist will give you all the equipment necessary to clean your Invisalign shells properly. This set includes a case, so you can put your aligners away when you’re not wearing them, as well as cleaning sachets. This way, you will maintain perfect oral hygiene during your treatment. To learn more about the easy maintenance of Invisalign aligners, do not hesitate to contact us!