Invisalign Q & A: Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign Aligners

As one of the most popular invisible aligners on the market, Invisalign is the top choice among adults looking to straighten their teeth and achieve their dream smile. If you are new to Invisalign or you are still considering whether or not it is for you, you probably have a number of questions on your mind. Is Invisalign uncomfortable? Should I invest in Invisalign attachments? How long does the treatment take? That’s why we compiled a guide to all of your burning questions about Invisalign in our latest blog post.

What is Invisalign?

First, Let’s Start With the Basics and Give a Brief Overview of Invisalign

Invisalign® trays are clear aligners designed to gradually straighten a patient’s teeth. People who choose Invisalign enjoy the popular aligner for its high comfort levels and ability to camouflage itself well within the mouth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign trays are clear and removable. No longer do patients have to worry about developing canker sores from irritating brackets or suffering cuts from broken wires.

Made of a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack®, these FDA-approved aligners are built to help patients get their dream smile faster than ever before. Thanks to the SmartTrack® material, patients can enjoy extra comfort and control as well as a speedier treatment time than traditional braces.  

How Does the Treatment Process for Invisalign Work?

The Experts on Clear Aligners and Invisalign Attachments Review the Typical Treatment Process for Patients

New patients must complete an initial consultation with an Invisalign-trained dentist or orthodontist in order to determine whether they are proper candidates for the treatment. During the consultation, the dentist will examine their teeth and map out a customized treatment plan for them. Each plan is tailored specifically to the patient’s personal needs.

Once the plan is finalized, the dentist can initiate the process for creating the first set of aligners. Using a 3D image of the patient’s set of teeth captured by the dentist using a state-of-the-art iTero Element® scanner, Invisalign engineers will build a new set of aligners. Before sending them to the patient, the company will send the aligners through a strict quality check.

Do I Have to Purchase Invisalign Attachments?

Some People Will Need Invisalign Attachments — Find Out if You Are One of Them

Invisalign attachments are small, tooth-colored buttons attached to the surface of a patient’s teeth. The most effective area to place an Invisalign attachment is located around the middle of a tooth. Because of their small size, most observers barely notice the attachments once they are placed in the mouth. However, it is important to note that the attachments are easier to notice if they are placed on the front, middle teeth.

During the initial consultation, the dentist will decide whether or not extra Invisalign attachments are necessary. Dentists may attach these handles to a patient’s teeth either before or during their treatment. If a patient must use them during treatment, they can easily fit their Invisalign aligners around them.

Patients with more severe cases may have to wear Invisalign attachments during their treatment. Without them, the aligners would not be able to straighten their teeth as effectively. Luckily, adding attachments is simple and relatively pain-free.  

Is Invisalign Expensive?

Learn All of the Costs Associated with Purchasing an Aligner and Any Invisalign Attachments

Treatment costs for invisible trays can cost from $3,000 to $7,000. The price, unsurprisingly, depends on the severity of a patient’s dental insecurities and goals. Luckily, many patients can qualify for up to $3,000 in help from their insurance company for some financial aid. Patients might also have the chance to pay for the aligners through a monthly payment plan. Some people might be able to pay for their treatment with tax-free dollars from their Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA). Before you begin treatment, talk to your dentist for more information on what payment plans you can choose from.

How Do I Clean My Invisalign?

There are Correct and Incorrect Methods for Cleaning Your Invisalign

Keeping your aligners clean is imperative for keeping your breath fresh while preventing your trays from becoming damaged. Remember to clean your aligners every day while also maintaining your oral health. This will allow you to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment.

When cleaning your aligners, you should remember to keep these tips in mind:

• Avoid cleaning your aligners with toothpaste
• Always rinse your trays after removing them from your mouth
• Keep your trays stored away in their case when they are not in use
• Don’t drink or eat with your Invisalign trays in your mouth
• Clean your trays using gentle anti-bacterial soap

Will Invisalign Give Me Bad Breath?

Keeping Your Aligners and Teeth Clean is Critical for Keeping Your Breath Fresh

As long as you take proper care of your aligners, you won’t need to worry about developing bad breath from dirty or bacteria-filled trays. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fresh mint every once in a while. For patients looking to enjoy a fresh mint while keeping their aligners in place, Movemints might be the solution they need. Designed to fit between the aligners, Movemints allow users to freshen up their breath and reduce discomfort without having to remove their trays.

Once you receive your invisible aligners, it is imperative that you maintain proper care of the trays as well as any Invisalign attachments you have. Both your trays and your attachments are critical for helping you achieve your desired results. Feeling a little discomfort from your Invisalign? Visit Movemints — the popular solution for decreasing discomfort from new Invisalign attachments or trays — to learn more about how you can maintain your dental health and take care of your aligners. Experience minty freshness and ultimate comfort by giving the Mint that Fits™ a try today!