Invisalign

How does Invisalign work?

Inivisalign Clear Aligners FAQ Dentist Westland, MI

Wish you could straighten teeth without braces?Invisalign fits over your teeth and exerts enough pressure to safely move teeth into optimal alignment. Our Invisalign dentists use advanced 3D computer imaging to take pictures of your teeth, gums, and jaws. Your dentist then creates the best treatment plan for your smile.

Once you have a treatment plan, a series of clear aligners are custom made. You will wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks before it is replaced by the next in the series. Each set of aligners you wear will bring you closer to your ideal smile.

How often must I wear aligners?

You must wear your Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. Otherwise, your teeth will not move according to schedule. Only remove your aligners to brush your teeth and eat.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Many of our patients appreciate that Invisalign is subtle enough to go undetected by family, friends, and co-workers. If you would feel self-conscious wearing metal braces, ask your dentist about Invisalign.

Unlike teeth braces, you’ll be able to continue eating your favorite foods during Invisalign treatment. Simply remove your aligners to eat and drink. However, you will need to brush and floss your teeth after meals to prevent staining your clear aligners.

It’ll be much easier maintaining your oral health when you’re able to brush and floss normally. People with metal braces often have a hard time cleaning teeth around wires and brackets.

How long does it take Invisalign to straighten teeth?

In general, our adult patients achieve their best smiles between 12 and 18 months. However, keep in mind that the length of your treatment will depend on the complexity of your case. Each patient is different.

How often do I need to see the dentist during treatment?

Depending on the complexity of your case, your dentist will need to see you every 4 to 6 weeks to monitor your progress. If you’ve been diligent about wearing your aligners, your dentist will be able to give you the next set of aligners in the series.

Does Invisalign hurt?

Invisalign works by exerting pressure on teeth to safely move them into optimal alignment. While you will experience temporary discomfort within the first couple days of wearing new aligners, the pain will go away. The pressure you feel is a sign that your teeth are moving to their final destinations. Many of our patients feel that the temporary discomfort is worth having a beautiful healthy smile.

Will Invisalign restrict my diet?

No. Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can continue eating your favorite foods. However, make sure you brush and floss your teeth after meals to avoid staining your clear aligners.
Our dentists are dedicated to helping you achieve your best smile with Invisalign and other cosmetic dentistry services. To schedule your appointment with one of our Westland Invisalign dentists, call the Parkside Dental Team at (734) 261-6060.

(Invisalign case completed by Parkside Dental Team)

Frequently Asked Questions

Your aligners may feel uncomfortable at first as you get used to them, and they can hurt sometimes. They are still moving your teeth around. If you feel any sharp pain, you should contact our office as there may be something wrong with your aligners.

Most dental insurance companies cover part of the cost of Invisalign. Contact your insurance provider for more information about your coverage.

You should take out your Invisalign trays at least once a day to clean them. Rinse off your tray and use a soft-bristled toothbrush with toothpaste to clean in small circular motions. Brush both the inside and outside of your aligners.

Aligners should be removed whenever you eat or drink, and you can avoid staining as well as other issues by brushing your teeth

If you already have braces, you may be able to switch your treatment to Invisalign. Talk to us about your interest in switching to Invisalign, and your dentist can determine if it’s possible for you.

Invisalign trays are generally removable to allow you to eat and clean your trays as well as your teeth.

The Invisalign process usually takes about 12 to 18 months to complete, on average half the time of traditional metal braces.

You can eat and drink anything over the course of your Invisalign treatment unless otherwise instructed. Just make sure you remove your aligners when you eat and brush your teeth before putting them back in.

Yes, you can drink alcohol as long as you take out your aligners and make sure your teeth aren’t sticky when you put your aligners back on.

Yes, you can drink coffee as long as you take out your aligners and brush your teeth so you don’t stain your aligners when you put them back in.

Contact Us

If you’re interested in invisible aligners, our friendly and technology-adept office can provide you with the care you need. 

Schedule your Invisalign consultation by calling (731) 261-6060 or by filling out our easy online appointment request form. We’ll get back to you right away.