Invisalign FAQs

Our dental team has provided answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding Invisalign clear aligners at Mayflower Dental in Sydney.

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Invisalign FAQs

Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions.

What are Invisalign clear aligners?

The Invisalign clear aligner system is a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that straighten your teeth without using brackets or metal wires.

In the consultation process, we use 3D computer imaging technology to create a treatment plan based on your individual smile.

A series of custom clear aligners will be crafted to fit your teeth precisely during each step of the Invisalign treatment process.

How does the Invisalign process work?

Invisalign's clear plastic aligners are designed to shift your teeth by tiny increments as your treatment progresses. You will wear each aligner for about two weeks before you change it to the next one in the series.

This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed places. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist depending on your indivdual needs.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Your dentist will base the duration of your Invisalign treatment on your unique needs.

Factors that could determine the duration of your treatment include the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, the shape of your bite, and the amount of movement needed to correct the problem.

What are Invisalign aligners made of?

The Invisalign aligners are made with BPA-free USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins.

How often do I have to visit the dentist?

Since Invisalign aligners don't require tightening or adjustments – you just change to a new set of aligners every two weeks – your dentist will book brief appointments with you every 4 - 6 weeks.

At these appointments, your dentist will take the opportunity to go over your progress and general oral health, answer your questions, and make any required adjustments to your treatment.

What are the primary features of Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are:

  • A more discreet treatment option
  • Smooth construction to help with comfort
  • Do not require adjustment appointments
  • Removable for eating, brushing, and flossing

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost will rely on the severity of your case and the length of your treatment. For instance, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners you will need and the more your treatment will cost.

What financing options do you offer?

We offer flexible financing options to support your Invisalign treatment journey. Speak to your dentist or click here to learn more.

How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?

You might find that Invisalign fits very comfortably into your day-to-day life.

You can take your aligners out to eat, or brush and floss your teeth. This means that there are no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing are as easy as ever.

Are there any food or drink restrictions?

Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out to eat. As a result, there are no dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can continue to enjoy all the foods you love!

To avoid staining your clear aligners, we suggest removing them when you consume beverages such as wine, coffee, or dark soda beverages.

How many sets of aligners will I need?

The answer to this question will depend on the severity of your misalignment.

Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how long your treatment will be based on a careful evaluation of your bite during the initial consultation.

Can adults use Invisalign?

Yes! Anyone who has healthy teeth and gums can be a potential candidate for Invisalign.

Can teenagers use Invisalign?

Yes! Teenagers can be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has developed a line of aligners to meet the unique needs of teens.

Invisalign Teen aligners have compliance indicators on them (small blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help teens stay on track during their treatment.

They also come with eruption tabs that provide space for second molars and prevent them from coming in crooked.

How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?

Most patients have to change to the next set of aligners approximately every two weeks. Your dentist can tell you exactly how often you should switch out your aligners.

How do I clean my aligners?

Rinse your aligners every time you remove them to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can result in dental decay and bad breath.

Soak your aligners using a denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.

Brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back in. Good oral hygiene plays an important part in maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. Failing to brush and floss properly can trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and aligner, increasing your risk of dental problems and bad breath.

Clean your aligners with a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap. Clear anti-bacterial soap can be an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria.

Brush your aligners carefully so you don't scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!

Can I play sports with Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are removable so you can play sports without worrying about causing damage to your aligners.

However, remember that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully.

You'll also want to invest in a sports mouthguard to protect your teeth, as orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they shift into their new positions, and this can make them more susceptible to damage.

Can I play my instrument with Invisalign?

Yes! Simply remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and put them back in when you're done.

How do I store my aligners?

Your Invisalign aligners will come with a case, and this is where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them safe.

Can't find the answers you are searching for?

Contact us. We will be glad to answer any other questions you have.

Book an appointment today with Mayflower Dental.

We're open from 8am to 7pm Monday-Friday and from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays.

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(902) 562-8600