Can anyone tell that I’m wearing the aligners?
Invisalign® aligners are virtually invisible. Others may not even notice you’re wearing them, making Invisalign® treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle.
Can I take my aligners off whenever I need to?
Yes, you can remove your Invisalign® aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding, a job interview, or for playing your favourite sport or instrument. Just remember to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results.
Are there any restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
None! Invisalign® clear aligners are removable, so there are no food restrictions at all (hello popcorn!). With traditional wires and brackets, there’s a long list of foods you unfortunately can’t enjoy, as they can damage or get stuck in your braces.
Is Invisalign® treatment painful?
Invisalign® treatment moves your teeth by applying gentle, constant force, but some people do feel temporary discomfort for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. Typically, people describe it as feeling “pressure,” and it’s normal — it’s a sign that your Invisalign® clear aligners are working and transforming your smile.
Please see your Invisalign® dentist if you have any concerns or experience continued discomfort.
Sometimes, when I remove my aligners, my teeth feel loose. Is that common?
Yes. As your Invisalign® aligners gradually shift your teeth into their proper position, your gums are re-forming around each tooth as it moves. Be sure to talk to your Invisalign® dentist about any concerns.
Will Invisalign® treatment still work if I only wear my aligners while I sleep?
You need to wear your Invisalign® aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the results you want.
Will wearing Invisalign® clear aligners affect my speech?
It may take a couple of days for your tongue to get used to having your Invisalign® aligners in your mouth, and you may have a slight lisp. But this should disappear quickly.
Will smoking stain my aligners?
We discourage smoking while wearing Invisalign® aligners because it can stain them.
Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?
No, gum will stick to your Invisalign® aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, including gum.
Can the aligners slip off while I’m asleep?
It is very unlikely that your aligners will ever fall out, no matter what you are doing: sleeping, talking, laughing, etc. Invisalign® clear aligners are designed to fit snugly around your teeth, so this should not be a cause for concern.
I went on a trip and forgot to take my aligners with me. Will my aligners still fit?
The answer depends on how long you’ve gone without wearing your Invisalign® aligners. If it’s only been a short time, your aligners should still fit, but they might feel uncomfortable. If it’s been a longer time, talk to your Invisalign® dentist about your unique situation.