FAQ

Q: How much does Invisalign cost?

A: As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign is heavily dependent on the complexity of a patient's case. The cost is generally more expensive than traditional braces.

Q: Does Invisalign really work?

A: Yes. In both clinical research and in orthodontic practices nationwide, Invisalign has been proven effective at straightening teeth.

Q: Does insurance cover Invisalign?

A: Because medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, each patient should review their coverage. However, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.

Q: Where can I see pictures of actual finished Invisalign cases?

A: On the Invisalign website.

Q: How does Invisalign work?

A: Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made "Aligners" are produced. Each "Aligner" moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Q: What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?

A: There are four primary benefits of Invisalign:

1. Invisalign is nearly invisible - you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
2. Invisalign is removable - you can eat and drink what you want in treatment; you can also     brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
3. Invisalign is comfortable - there are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation; no     metal or wires also means you spend less time in the doctor's chair getting adjustments.
4. Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start - so you can     see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

Q: What are aligners made of?

A: Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

Q: How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?

A: Currently, doctors are treating more than 40,000 patients. The number grows daily.

While in Treatment

Q: Will the treatment be painful?

A: Most people experience temporary, minor 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.

Q: Will wearing Invisalign Aligners affect my speech?

A: Like all orthodontic treatments, Aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having Aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the Aligners should disappear.

Q: Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?

A: No. Unlike traditional wires & 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 after each meal and prior to re-inserting your Aligners to maintain proper hygiene.

Q: Will smoking stain the aligners?

A: We discourage smoking while wearing Aligners because it is possible for the Aligners to become discolored.

Q: Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?

A: No, gum will stick to the Aligners. We recommend removing your Aligners for all meals and snacks.

Q: What's the best way to clean my aligners?

A: The best way to clean your Aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

Q: How often must I wear my aligners?

A: Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing and flossing.


Q: What is Interdisciplinary Dental Treatment (IDT)?

A: IDT is where a number of dental care providers use a coordinated approach to provide the very best care for their patients.
A basic form of IDT is provided by General Dental Practitioners on a daily basis in the treatment of their patients. Occasionally, very difficult problems require coordinated treatment by specialist dentists (eg. Orthodontists, Endodontists, Periodontists etc.) who have undergone further university training in one discipline of dentistry. Generally these dentists then limit their practice to this discipline and become very good at treating patients in these areas. IDT is the term given to the coordinated treatment where more than one dentist is involved in the treatment for a patient.

Q : What is Orthognathic Surgery?

A: Orthognathic Surgery is jaw surgery designed to move the jaws to a normal position. With Orthodontics alone limited changes to the positions of the jaws are possible while a person is growing. If more extensive changes to jaw position is required and / or growth is complete then Orthognathic Surgery is necessary if correction is desired. Orthognathic Surgery is performed by an Oral & MaxilloFacial Surgeon (OMFS) after the teeth have been placed in their correct positions on their jaw bones by an Orthodontist. Orthognathic Surgery is normally only performed once a person has stopped growing. If surgery is undertaken prior to growth ceasing the surgery may need to redone.

Q:Can habits affect my teeth and jaws?

A: Most certainly habits (we call them oral habits) can and do affect the positions of the teeth and jaws. Finger or thumb sucking, lip biting, pencil biting, in fact, any habit where something is placed between or next to the teeth can result in an irreversible change to the position of the teeth and jaws. Generally if you stop the habit before 5 to 6 years of age (around the same time the first adult teeth erupt) the teeth and jaws can recover themselves. However, this does not always occur.
The best thing to do if you suspect a habit may be harming your childs teeth is to talk to your General Dental Practitioner or Orthodontist.