5 of the Most Asked Questions About Invisalign, Answered!

Over the years, you may have heard the countless benefits of clear aligner treatment – from the virtually undetectable trays and shorter treatment timelines to the lack of dietary restrictions. If you haven’t taken the next step in your teeth-straightening journey because you have a few questions on your mind, then you’re in the right place! Below, you will find the answers to frequently asked questions about Invisalign.

1. Does Invisalign Hurt?

Not only does Invisalign not hurt, but any soreness that does arise from the movement of your teeth is temporary. Furthermore, you can alleviate this sensation with a few simple steps, like sipping on cool water, avoiding crunchy foods, taking OTC pain medication as directed, or switching to each new set of trays directly before bed.

2. Can I Take Out My Aligners Anytime I Want?

Yes – but you need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. In other words, while you can remove your trays at any time, you really should only do so when absolutely necessary (ex: to brush your teeth). Otherwise, your teeth won’t track properly, resulting in you falling off-track with your treatment plan.

3. What Are Cleaning Crystals?

In your Invisalign welcome kit, you will see a few packets of cleaning crystals. These are designed to give your aligners a deeper clean, which is helpful if you have to wear them longer than expected. To use them, simply dissolve them in a small, clean container filled with lukewarm water and allow your trays to soak in the solution for 15 minutes or so.

4. Why Are My Check-In Visits Important?

There are several reasons your routine check-in visits with your orthodontist are crucial, starting with the fact that they need to periodically check the movement of your teeth to ensure they match your treatment plan. If they don’t, then adjustments may be needed, which are easier to fix when caught early on.

5. How Long Does Invisalign Take?

The length of your Invisalign treatment will depend on a few key factors, beginning with how complex your case is and extending to how well you follow the treatment guidelines. With that said, the average timeline is 12-18 months, which is quite fast considering traditional braces can take 24 months or more.

About the Practice

At Chester County Dental Arts, we have a highly skilled dentist and orthodontist. As a result, our team can help patients with all sorts of dental needs – from routine checkups and dental implants to Invisalign. So, if you have a question about clear aligner treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (610) 383-1600.