Invisalign FAQs
Who will be assisting you with my Invisalign treatment?
Your orthodontic treatment will be planned, managed and supervised by one of our specialist orthodontists. They are supported by a team of orthodontic therapists, orthodontic nurses and treatment coordinators. During your treatment, appointments will often be with our orthodontic therapists.
How often should I wear my Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign aligners should be worn as close to 20-22 hours per day as possible. However, you will need to remove them for eating, drinking anything other than water, contact sports, swimming, brushing and flossing your teeth. As your aligners are custom made to fit your exact gum line you should be able to wear them comfortably for the recommended time each day. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding or job interview but just remember to pop them back to get the best results.
Do I need to remove my aligners to drink a zero-sugar drink?
You will need to remove your aligners when you drink anything other than water. We will provide you with a small aligner case so you can keep them clean and safe when you take them out. We recommend brushing your teeth after eating and drinking before you pop your aligners back in.
Are there any restrictions on what I can eat during treatment?
Invisalign aligners are removed easily before eating, so there are no foods you need to avoid. Unlike fixed braces there are no wires or brackets that can become damaged or trap food. It is important to brush your teeth after each meal to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid your aligners becoming stained from any food residue.
How do I keep my aligners clean?
You should clean your aligners regularly with a toothbrush, toothpaste and cold water. Once or twice a week you may wish to use a product such as ‘Retainer Brite’. The Retainer Brite tablets have been designed to target odour-causing bacteria, plaque and tartare. Dissolve one tablet in a small cup of water and place your aligners in the cleaning fluid for 15 minutes to keep your aligners fresh, bright and odourless.
Will wearing aligners effect my speech?
Invisalign aligners can occasionally affect your speech and some people can intermittently experience a slight lisp. This is common when aligners are first fitted. This will soon disappear once your tongue gets used to having the aligners in your mouth.
Will Invisalign treatment be painful?
Invisalign treatment moves your teeth by applying gentle, constant force. Most people experience some mild discomfort for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. This is normal and is due to the pressure being applied to your teeth. It is a sign that the aligners are working and any discomfort will soon ease.
How old is the company behind Invisalign clear aligners?
Invisalign aligners are manufactured by Align Technology Inc. This company was founded in 1997 and over 9 million people have used Invisalign aligners to transform their smiles.
What should I do if I lose or break an aligner?
If you lose or break an aligner please contact us straight away. Your orthodontist will be able to advise the best course of action to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan. They may suggest that its possible for you to wear a previous set of aligners, move onto your next set of aligners or order you replacement aligners (which would incur a fee.)
Do you provide retainers at the end of my treatment?
Once you have completed your Invisalign treatment we will provide removeable and bonded retainers to prevent your teeth moving back to their original position. Removeable retainers are similar to Invisalign aligners and worn while you sleep, every night, for around 4-6 months. After this time, you will gradually wear them less frequently but may continue to wear them once or twice a week indefinitely. Bonded retainers are thin strands of wire bonded to the back of the upper and lower incisor and canine teeth. They should be considered as life-long fixtures.
