Invisalign Questions

Springfield, Holyoke, Longmeadow, and Wilbraham, MA

How does Invisalign work? Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position of your teeth to their final desired position. A series of custom-made aligners is created to move teeth incrementally. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and then replaced by the next in the series until the final straightening process is finished.

Is Invisalign effective? Thousands of dentists treat patients with Invisalign. It works for a wide range of people, including those whose teeth: 

• Are too crowded
• Have spaces between them
• May have shifted after having worn braces in their youth
• Have an overbite, underbite or crossbite

How often will I have to wear my Invisalign aligners? Invisalign only works while you are wearing the aligners. It is recommended that you wear your aligners at least 22 hours each day except to eat, brush and floss your teeth or as directed by your dentist.

What are the Invisalign aligner trays like?

The Invisalign aligners are clear plastic trays that look much like professional tooth whitening trays. Each set is molded to fit your teeth at their anticipated stage of realignment and to provide the appropriate amount of pressure on specific teeth. They do not contain BPA (Bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticizers), so you can wear them with full confidence.

How long does Invisalign take? The duration of treatment depends on the severity of your case, which determines the number of aligners you need. The average Invisalign process is approximately 12 months. Your dentist will determine the length of your treatment and show you on the chairside monitor how your teeth will be moved at each treatment stage. Before your aligners are even ordered from the Invisalign company, you will be able to see how your teeth will look after the straightening process is finished.

Are there any personal habits I should avoid when using Invisalign?

You should avoid smoking because it will stain your aligners yellow. Gum chewing is also discouraged because it will stick to the aligners. The good news is that you can remove the aligners when you eat so you do not have to worry about food getting stuck on them. Nor are there any metal wires or brackets to trap food particles.

To keep tooth decay and bad breath at bay, we highly recommend that you brush your teeth after eating and before you replace the aligners.

f you would like to see if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, please contact the Massachusetts cosmetic dentists at Baystate Dental for an initial cosmetic dentistry consultation in any of our Springfield, Longmeadow or Wilbraham offices.