Hey there, parents! In your busy day-to-day, you may be wondering if it’s still possible to fix your crooked teeth and get the smile you’ve always dreamed of. And if you can benefit from orthodontics, can your 7 year old or teenager benefit too? Well the team at Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics is here to tell you “yes”! And even better…you’ll be able to embark on your smile journey together using a discreet and comfortable treatment, Invisalign clear aligners.
Now you may have more questions about this popular orthodontic treatment so we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Invisalign FAQs, just for you:
1. What is Invisalign and how does it work?
Invisalign® is one of the most popular clear aligner systems on the market today – and with good reason! This teeth-straightening system uses a series of clear, removable aligners to apply consistent, gentle force to move your teeth and jaws into healthy alignment. The best part? They’re custom made just for your smile! So each tray will give you a comfortable and discreet fit.
2. How long does Invisalign take to fix an overbite?
While how long you wear your Invisalign aligners varies from patient to patient, Dr. Matsumoto will assess and diagnose the severity of your overbite (and any other orthodontic conditions you may have) at your complimentary orthodontic consultation. During this time, he’ll go over your personalized treatment plan, including your treatment timeline.
3. What are the Invisalign instructions I need to follow?
Sticking to your treatment plan is an important part of your Invisalign journey. The standard for Invisalign instructions is as follows:
- Only drink water with your aligners in, other beverages like coffee or juice require aligner removal.
- Only remove your aligners for eating, brushing, and flossing.
- Always rinse off or clean your aligners before putting them back in.
- Clean your aligners daily using safe and approved methods.
4. How long per day should I wear Invisalign clear aligners?
On average, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Your orthodontist will include your unique timeframe in your treatment plan. Complying with your wear time is going to give you the best possible smile results – and when your aligners aren’t in, they’re not applying the forces needed for healthy tooth movement.
5. What is the average treatment time for Invisalign?
Just like how long you’ll wear your aligners on a day-to-day basis, the length of Invisalign treatment varies by case. While the average Invisalign treatment time length is 12 to 18 months, Dr. Matsumoto will include your treatment estimate in your personalized treatment plan.
6. I had braces before and didn’t wear my retainers. Can Invisalign help me?
Yes! Invisalign can be a simple and discreet way to correct any shifting due to orthodontic relapse. Just be sure to wear your aligners as prescribed to reveal that beautiful, healthy smile again!
7. Why should I choose an orthodontist over DIY/mail-order companies?
Orthodontists are experts in diagnosing and treating the root cause of malocclusions (or misalignments in the teeth or jaws). By finding the right orthodontist for your family, you’ll receive the comprehensive and individualized care you and your smile deserve. DIY and mail order aligner companies lack doctor-monitored treatment and care and can lead to tooth loss.
8. How do I know if I can benefit from Invisalign?
Invisalign (in the right hands) can treat a wide range of orthodontic problems, from mild to moderate. If you have crowded teeth, spacing, overbite, or any other common orthodontic condition and are ready to fall in love with your smile again, we invite you to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Matsumoto. He will assess your smile health and determine if Invisalign treatment can benefit you.
9. Are there any restrictions on what I can eat or drink with Invisalign?
No, there are no food restrictions when it comes to Invisalign treatment. You’re able to enjoy all your favorite foods and snacks; just simply remove your aligners first and be sure to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. As for drinking, we recommend that you remove your aligners before drinking any other beverage than water. This will help prevent staining and plaque-build up from acidic or sugary drinks.
10. Will Invisalign affect my speech?
During your first few days with Invisalign, you may experience a slight lisp as you adjust to your new orthodontic appliance, especially with the “sh”, “ch”, and “th” sounds. But within the week, you’ll be used to your aligners and speaking as normal.
Still have more Invisalign questions?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. We provide the highest quality care in the area, and we’d be more than happy to discuss your options with you! Get started today by requesting your complimentary consultation with Dr. Matsumoto, a top orthodontist in Wilmington!
