Are your teeth crooked? Do you have trouble brushing and flossing? In public, do you hide your smile because you don’t like the way that it looks? Have you ever looked at your smile and wished you could change something about it? You’re not alone. More and more, adults are choosing to improve their smiles with cosmetic dentistry and Invisalign.
In fact, Dr. Gonzalez was one of those adults.
Dr. Gonzales told us, “Since the age of 14, I was self-conscious about the spaces between my front teeth. Then one day, I decided to do something about it. After carefully researching my options for improving my smile with cosmetic dentistry, I chose Invisalign. Within the first two months, I began to notice a change in my smile—the spaces between my front teeth were closing! Looking back on my journey, I am very happy with my results and would not have done it any other way. In fact, my personal experience was so positive that it inspired me to become an Invisalign provider.”
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the modern alternative to braces that helps people achieve the smiles they’ve always dreamed about without metal brackets or wires. The aligners (clear retainers) offer a more discreet way to correct your smile than traditional braces. There are many advantages over traditional braces. You can take the aligners out, which means there are no limitations on the food you can eat, and you’ll never have to worry about food getting caught between the wires and brackets of braces.
If Invisalign is a treatment that you are considering, come to Olympia Hills Family Dental for a free consultation to learn if you are a candidate. Dr. Gonzales will meet with you personally to discuss your options.
“I’m 100% confident that Invisalign worked well for me”
Dr. Gonzalez
Get Started On Your Beautiful Smile!
Schedule your appointment today and we’ll show you dentistry worth smiling about.
Invisalign Clear Aligners FAQ
How long does Invisalign treatment typically take?
Treatment time with Invisalign varies depending on the complexity of your case and your specific orthodontic needs. For most adults, treatment typically takes between 6-18 months. Minor corrections may require as little as 3-6 months, while more complex cases could take up to 24 months. During your free consultation at Olympia Hills Family Dental, Dr. Gonzalez will evaluate your teeth and provide a more accurate timeline specific to your situation. Treatment progress is monitored through regular check-up appointments, usually scheduled every 6-8 weeks.
Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
Some patients experience a slight lisp or speech adjustment period when they first begin wearing Invisalign aligners. This is temporary and typically resolves within a few days as your tongue adapts to the presence of the aligners. The thin, custom-fit design of Invisalign makes any speech effects minimal compared to traditional braces. Many patients report that others don’t even notice they’re wearing the aligners during conversation. If you experience persistent speech issues, Dr. Gonzalez can make minor adjustments to improve comfort and speech clarity.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Proper cleaning of your Invisalign aligners is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing discoloration. Clean your aligners by:
- Rinsing them with lukewarm water whenever you remove them (never hot water, which can warp the plastic)
- Brushing them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals
- Soaking them in Invisalign cleaning solution or denture cleaner periodically
- Avoiding colored or scented soaps, toothpaste (which can be abrasive), or mouthwash for cleaning
- Storing aligners in their protective case when not in your mouth to prevent loss or damage
Can I eat and drink while wearing my Invisalign aligners?
One of the major advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, allowing you to eat and drink whatever you want during treatment. You should remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than cool water. Hot beverages can warp the plastic, and consuming food or colored drinks (like coffee, tea, or red wine) while wearing aligners can cause staining or trap particles between your teeth and the aligners. After eating or drinking, it’s important to brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent discoloration of both your teeth and the aligners.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign can effectively correct many orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Severe misalignment or complex bite problems might require traditional braces or other treatments. The most suitable candidates are also those committed to wearing their aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day and maintaining good oral hygiene. The best way to determine if Invisalign is right for you is to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Gonzalez at Olympia Hills Family Dental, who will evaluate your specific needs.
How often do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?
For optimal results, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking (except for cool water), brushing, and flossing. Consistent wear is crucial for successful treatment and keeping to your projected timeline. The aligners work by applying constant, gentle pressure to move your teeth, and this process can only occur while you’re actually wearing them. If you don’t wear your aligners for the recommended time each day, your treatment may take longer than initially projected. Compliance is one of the most important factors in achieving successful results with Invisalign.
Will Invisalign treatment be painful?
Most patients describe Invisalign treatment as causing mild discomfort rather than actual pain. When you first start wearing a new set of aligners, you may experience pressure or soreness for the first few days as your teeth begin to shift. This temporary discomfort is actually a sign that the aligners are working to move your teeth into their proper positions. The discomfort typically subsides within a few days as you adjust to each new set of aligners. Many patients find Invisalign more comfortable than traditional braces because there are no brackets or wires that can cause irritation to the inside of your cheeks and lips.
What happens after I complete my Invisalign treatment?
After completing your Invisalign treatment, Dr. Gonzalez will recommend wearing Vivera retainers to maintain your new smile. Without retention, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions over time. Typically, patients wear retainers full-time for a short period (a few months) immediately following treatment, then transition to nighttime-only wear. Some patients may eventually reduce to wearing retainers just a few nights per week for long-term maintenance. Retainer options include clear removable retainers similar to Invisalign aligners or fixed retainers that are bonded to the back of your teeth. Dr. Gonzalez will recommend the best retention strategy based on your specific case and lifestyle.