You Asked, We Answered: Everything You Should Know About Invisalign

If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, you may feel self-conscious and hide them any chance you get. Well, Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted without the hassle of metal wires and brackets. Since the process is so unique, it’s completely normal to have several questions about it. Before committing to treatment, here’s what you should know about the Invisalign process.

Is Invisalign Treatment Painful?

When you first get your Invisalign aligners, your teeth will likely feel sore and sensitive. Additionally, your cheek and gum tissue may develop sore spots. But don’t worry – all of this is completely normal! It’s no different than what you would experience with traditional metal braces. The good news is that your discomfort should gradually fade after the first week or so. Once you’ve made it past the adjustment period, you shouldn’t notice a whole lot of soreness!

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

No two smiles are the same, which means the amount of time it’ll take to complete Invisalign treatment will vary from patient to patient. However, the average case takes about 12 months to accomplish. Of course, several factors influence the timeline of your specific treatment plan. For instance, if you only have minor crowding and spacing issues, you can expect to finish your plan much quicker than average. On the other hand, patients with major bite problems or severe misalignment can expect to take a lot more time. Most dentists and orthodontists should be able to give you a ballpark time period during your consultation.

Will Invisalign Affect the Way You Speak?

Short answer: yes, but not permanently. When you first get Invisalign, you’ll likely develop a mild lisp or speech impediment. That’s mainly because your tongue isn’t used to talking with the plastic trays in the mouth. Luckily, any speech alterations should go away fairly quickly, usually within a week. You can speed up the process by doing exercises like reading out loud, practicing your pronunciation of certain words, and having more conversations with loved ones.

Can You Whiten Teeth During Invisalign Treatment?

If you want to brighten your pearly whites, you can easily do so while undergoing Invisalign treatment. Start by applying a small amount of bleaching gel on each tooth in the tray. Make sure it’s enough to cover the tooth but not ooze out of the tray when you put it in. Wear the trays for about 30-60 minutes each day until you achieve your desired results.

What Should You Do If You Lose an Invisalign Tray?

Your first instinct may be to panic, but don’t worry – it happens more often than you think. If you only have a few days left until the next tray change, you should be able to safely move ahead to the next set. However, if you recently changed to that tray, you’ll probably need to order a replacement. Contact your dentist or orthodontist and ask them what your next steps should be.

Before committing to Invisalign treatment, you must be well-informed so you can confidently move forward with the process. If you have any other lingering questions, don’t hesitate to contact your dental team – they’re more than happy to help!

About the Practice

At All Smiles Leesburg, we offer exceptional and high-quality dental services the entire family can enjoy. Our team is passionate about helping patients of all ages achieve their happiest, healthiest smiles. If you would like to learn more about Invisalign, we’ll gladly answer any questions you have about the process. To make an appointment, visit our website or call (703) 777-4443.