At Iris Erdell Orthodontics, we receive many questions from our patients about Invisalign. Below are the answers to the five most common questions we receive. We hope it’s helpful to you as you make your decision about which orthodontic treatment may be right for you.

1) How does Invisalign work?

At Iris Erdell Orthodontics we use precision technology to take 3 dimensional, high-resolution, interactive images of your teeth. Dr. Erdell uses these and other records to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that creates the pathway to a straighter, healthier smile. You’ll receive a series of clear trays called aligners, which you’ll change every two weeks on average. Each successive aligner applies just the right amount of small force on your teeth to shift them gradually along the pathway toward the end result that we have envisioned for your smile. Watch this video for a glimpse into the technology behind Invisalign and how it works in practice. Most patients will need some tooth colored buttons bonded to their teeth to enhance the effectiveness of the clear aligners.

2) How do I clean my aligners?

Caring for your aligners is easy. Rinse them twice a day and gently brush both the inside and the outside with a toothbrush and mouthwash or hand soap. Dr. Erdell recommends using whitening mouthwash to make sure the aligners stay nice and clear.

3) What can’t I eat?

That's a trick question: there’s nothing you can’t eat! Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign doesn’t have restrictions on what you can’t chew while undergoing treatment because aligners are removable. That said, we wouldn’t be doing our duty if we didn’t warn you against eating sugary snacks and encouraging you to brush and floss after every meal or snack. Otherwise, when it comes to enjoying all of your favorite foods, we say go for it! Just remember that you need to wear your aligners between 20 to 22 hours a day for them to work properly.

4) Are they comfortable?

We take a precise scan of your teeth and every aligner is custom made. This ensures comfort while you’re wearing them. The patented plastic material used to make your aligners is flexible for a snug fit over your teeth.

5) Is Invisalign plastic safe?

The aligners are made from SmartTrack material, an FDA-approved, flexible plastic. They contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten.

...and one more for good measure:

6) Is Invisalign good for teens?

Yes. Invisalign is not just for adults who don’t want to wear traditional metal braces. If your teen wants the benefits that come with Invisalign, especially as they enter those tricky adolescent years, please click below to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Are you interested in Invisalign? Click below to book a complimentary consultation at Iris Erdell Orthodontics. We look forward to meeting you!