Invisalign® FAQ

The Invisalign® system is a fully customized appliances.  Dr. Baird will design a series of clear aligners used to straighten teeth.

How does Invisalign work?

• Dr. Baird uses your 3D x-ray and a 3D scan of your teeth to create a digital model. After she designes your treatment plan, your custom clear Invisalign® aligners are made
• Each custom aligner is made to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Each aligner will be worn for about one week.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

• The duration of your treatment depends on the compelxity of your case, but most treatments take between 12 to 18 months.
• For adults: Treatment time depends on the tooth that has the most complex movement, as well as your own biology. Moving teeth faster is not always better!  Your plan is designed for maximum efficiency and saftey.  Treatment for adults can be as short as 6 months.
• For children: Treatment time depends on tooth movement as well as growth. Treatment for children is usually 12-24 months.

Is Invisalign painful?

• Our patients find Invisalign to be surprisingly comfortable.  Some patients may experience mild discomfort or pressure when starting a nerw set of aligners.  This is usually temporary and a sign that the aligners are working.
•  Invisalign places light constant pressure, since the aligners are changed every week.  Traditional braces have the roughness of the metal as well as higher forces, since they are adjusted only every 6 to 8 weeks. 

How often do I need to wear my aligners?

• For best results, aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking (except water), brushing and flossing

Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?

• Aligners should be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water to avoid staining and damaging them. 

How do I clean my aligners?

• Aligners can be cleaned using the Invisalign cleaning system or by brushing them with a toothbrush and rinsing them in lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as it can warp the plastic.

Will Invisalign affect my speech?

• Some patients may experience a slight lisp for a few days when they first start wearing the aligners, but this typically goes away as they get used to them.
• Most patients find that within one week, speech is back to normal.

Is Invisalign suitable for everyone?

• Invisalign is effective for treating a variety of orthodontic issues. However, not all orthodontists have the same experience with treating difficult cases. 
• 85% of Dr. Baird's patients are treated with Invisalign. 15% of per patients choose braces for various reasons including: "That cool retro vibe" and "I'm a chef and I eat all day."

How often do I have to come into the office?

• Visits at our office are about every 16 weeks. We feel confident that we can go even longer between visits when our patients take advantage of the My Invisalign App. This allows us to remotly monitor treatment using AI assisted photographic assessment.

What happens after Invisalign treatment?

• After completing Invisalign treatment, we ask our patients to wear retainers to maintain the position of their teeth and prevent further shifting with growth or age. 
• How much you need to wear your retainers depends on your own genetics as well as environmental factors such as clenching/grinding.
• Most patients are asked to wear their retainers nightly.  We provide two sets with treatment. "One to wear and one as a spare!"

Will Invisalign treatment fit my lifestyle?

• Time for a snack? No problem. Take out your aligners to eat or drink whenever you want.
• You can remove your Invisalign aligners so you can brush and floss regularly, and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
• You can occasionally remove your Invisalign aligners to enjoy a special night out.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign treatment?

• Invisalign aligners are clear, which makes Invisalign treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others.
• Invisalign aligners are also removable. Unlike braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment simply by removing the aligners when you eat. You can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and good oral hygiene.
• Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign treatment does not use metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth. In addition, you’ll spend less time in the doctor’s chair and scheduling appointments, and more time out doing the things you love.
• Lastly, Invisalign treatment technology allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start your treatment, so you can preview how your straight teeth will look once your treatment is complete.