Do I need to wear my aligners all day?
You should wear each aligner for 20 to 22 hours a day during your treatment for best results and a timely outcome.
Are there restrictions on what I can eat while on treatment?
No, you can usually eat what you want while in treatment because the Invisalign aligners are removed when eating or drinking. Thus, there’s no need to refrain from your favourite foods and drinks unless instructed by your doctor. However, it’s recommended that you floss and brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Can I drink hot or cold beverages while wearing my aligners?
Except for cool water, we recommend that you don’t drink while wearing the aligners. This is to avoid cavities and stains forming on your teeth, or warping your aligners with hot beverages.
Can I drink alcohol while wearing the aligners?
You should remove your aligners to consume anything except for water. Leaving aligners on while drinking may stain them and you may risk developing tooth decay while consuming fluids with sugar in them.
Can I smoke while wearing the aligners?
We don’t encourage smoking while wearing aligners because it’s possible for them to become discoloured.
Can I chew gum while wearing the aligners?
You should not chew gum while wearing your aligners as the gum may stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, including chewing gum.
Can the aligners slip off while I'm sleeping?
It’s very unlikely that your aligners will ever fall out, no matter what you’re doing at the time (whether it’s sleeping, talking or laughing). Invisalign aligners are designed to fit firmly on the teeth so this should not be a cause for concern.
Will wearing the aligners affect my speech?
Similar to other orthodontic treatments, the Invisalign aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any misarticulation or minor speech impediment caused by the aligners should disappear. Please speak to your doctor about ways to help you get used to your aligners more quickly.
If I feel that my teeth look straight enough, can I stop the treatment?
It’s important that you follow the treatment plan developed by your doctor to ensure the best outcome. Your doctor will determine the recommended treatment duration for you depending on several considerations, including the spacing between your teeth and the need for retention.
I am moving to a different country. How can I continue my treatment?
Invisalign treatment is available in more than 100 countries worldwide, and you can transfer your Invisalign treatment to another Invisalign-trained doctor to continue your treatment. Please speak to your current Invisalign-trained doctor about the process.
Can I wear aligners if I'm pregnant?
The aligners are made of non-toxic, medical-grade plastic and can be worn during pregnancy. If you’re concerned, please consult your healthcare professional.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
While Invisalign treatment may move your teeth without the pain and anxiety of other straightening methods, some people might 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's a sign that the Invisalign aligners are sequentially moving your teeth to their final positions. This discomfort usually goes away a couple of days after you insert the new aligner in the series.
I am experiencing pain and discomfort while using my aligners. What should I do?
If you notice a sharp pain or have significant discomfort, stop using the aligners and contact your Invisalign-trained doctor.
Are there any warnings or contraindications with the use of Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign treatment is contraindicated in patients with active periodontal disease. If you have periodontal (gum) disease, you should consult your doctor before undergoing Invisalign treatment.
Warnings with Invisalign treatment include:
In rare instances, some patients may be allergic to the aligner material. If this occurs, discontinue use and speak to a healthcare professional immediately.
In rare instances, patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE), a genetic disorder, may experience rapid local swelling of tissues including the larynx. This may be triggered by mild stimuli including dental procedures. If this occurs, discontinue use and speak to a healthcare professional immediately.
Orthodontic appliances, or parts thereof, may be accidentally swallowed or inhaled.
If I'm travelling, can I get additional aligners at my appointment with the doctor?
It’s recommended to visit your doctor for regular visits to make sure your treatment plan is on track. If you need additional aligners due to travel periods, speak to your doctor as this is dependent on your specific case and treatment plan.
My attachments have turned yellow. What can I do?
Please speak with your doctor, as he or she may need to fully remove the stained attachments and replace them.
Why do some of my aligners have bumps or ridges on them?
Depending on your specific treatment, some of the movements may require either “attachments” or “ridges” to help the aligner grip the teeth. These bumps or wells are where the aligner grips the attachment the doctor places on your teeth. The attachments are actually small pieces of composite the doctor affixes to your teeth that are then gripped by bumps on your aligners. The ridges are slim indentations in your aligners. Your Invisalign-trained doctor will use one or both of these features to achieved the desired movement.
Are the aligners really invisible?
Aligners are virtually invisible and discreet, so most people will not even notice that you’re wearing them.
