Frequently Asked Questions

The Invisalign system

Invisalign and your smile

Invisalign and your life



The Invisalign system

What is Invisalign©?

The Invisalign© system is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the dazzling smile you've always dreamed of. Using advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth - and your teeth only - to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, until the final position of your teeth is achieved. Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by Dr. Rota, based on your specific needs.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are practically clear. No one may even notice that you're wearing these virtually invisible "braces," making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others.
Invisalign is removable. Unlike braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and good oral hygiene.
Unlike braces, there are no metal brackets or wires with the Invisalign system that could cause irritation to your mouth. Plus since your office visits during treatment don't involve metal or wire adjustments, you'll likely spend less time in the doctor's chair.
And finally, Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

How do I get started with Invisalign?

Just make an appointment for an initial consultation.

How will Invisalign effectively move my teeth?

Like brackets and arch wires are to braces, Invisalign aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on your teeth. The main difference is that Invisalign not only controls forces, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements are determined by your doctor as he maps out your unique Invisalign treatment plan.

What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?

The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to tooth-whitening trays. Invisalign aligners are custom-made for you and only you to move your teeth in the sequence determined by the doctor.

How old is the company?

Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997.

How old is the technology?

In 1945, Dr. H.D. Kesling envisioned that one day modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Technology has made this vision a reality. Using advanced computer technology, Align Technology produces Invisalign, a series of customized clear appliances, or aligners. Each aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.

How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?

More than 500,000 patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. The number of Invisalign smiles grows daily.

Has the FDA cleared Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are classified as Class II medical devices by the FDA, and Align Technology, Inc.has held the necessary 510K clearance from the FDA since 1998 to be able to sell and market the Invisalign system.

Do Invisalign aligners contain Bisphenol-A (BPA)?

No. Invisalign aligners and Vivera Retainers do not contain Bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticizers. These aligners and retainers are made with USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. Tests have been conducted to determine the biocompatibility of these materials, and show that they are biocompatible and pass all applicable regulatory requirements and thresholds for human wear in the mouth. Of course, as with any medical device, you should consult with your health professional about your aligner or retainer treatment and any applicable risks of use.



Invisalign and your smile

What is the minimum age of a patient that a doctor can treat with Invisalign®?

Doctors can use Invisalign to treat the vast majority of patients with fully erupted molars. Our office only accepts patients from age 16 and older.

I am currently wearing braces. Can I make the switch to Invisalign?

Doctors are treating a significant number of patients with a combination of braces and Invisalign. Consult Dr. Rota to determine the best treatment for you.

Does the procedure work on overbites?

An experienced doctor can use Invisalign to treat overbites in the vast majority of adults and adolescents.

Are there certain dental conditions that automatically exclude someone from being an eligible patient?

Only your doctor can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.

Are bridges a factor in Invisalign treatment?

Because bridges firmly link two or more teeth together, they can offer significant resistance to tooth movement. Dr. Rota will be able to determine whether bridges will be a factor in your treatment.

Are crowns a factor in Invisalign treatment?

No, crowns are usually not a factor in Invisalign treatment. However, sometimes small composites called "attachments" are bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements. In these cases, the location of crowns must be carefully evaluated by Dr. Rota. To find out if crowns will adversely impact your orthodontic treatment, consult with Dr. Rota..

Can Invisalign close gaps?

Yes. Spaces between teeth are generally easy to close with Invisalign.

Will TMJ affect Invisalign treatment?

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular (jaw) joint. People with a TMJ condition can have a number of problems with the jaw joint, some of which can be aggravated by appliances and treatments like Invisalign. To find out if your TMJ problem will adversely impact treatment, consult with Dr. Rota.

Since having my braces removed, my teeth have shifted. Can Invisalign correct this?

A number of Invisalign patients have undergone a previous treatment involving braces at some point in their past, often during their youth. Invisalign can usually correct the shifting that occurs after braces, and do so without having to go through the trauma and social awkwardness of wearing metal braces.



Invisalign and your life

Will Invisalign treatment be painful?

While Invisalign moves your teeth without the pain and anxiety of metal braces, some people will experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It's also a sign that Invisalign is working, as it moves your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.

Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?

Similar to other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.

Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?

No. Thanks to the removable nature of the aligners, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment. In fact, you're required to remove your aligners to eat and drink. So, unlike undergoing traditional treatment using wires and brackets, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks unless instructed otherwise by the doctor. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain fresh breath and proper hygiene.

Will smoking stain the aligners?

We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discolored.

Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?

No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.

What's the best way to clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is to use the Invisalign cleaning kit, available for order at our office.. As a secondary method, however, your aligners can also be cleaned by brushing them and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I wear my aligners?

For the best, quickest results, wear your aligners all day, except when eating, brushing or flossing.

How often must I see the Invisalign doctor?

Dr. Rota will schedule regular appointments - usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits are to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

What happens after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?

This varies person to person and depends on the outcome of the treatment. Some patients might need a positioner, or conventional retainer. Other patients might need a clear plastic retainer similar to the ones Invisalign makes, such as Align Technology's Vivera Retainer. Discuss this with Dr. Rota. Every patient is different, and outcomes vary.

Will my insurance cover Invisalign?

Because medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, you should review your personal coverage plan. However, in general, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.

What payment options are available for Invisalign?

Click here to see payment options and cost.

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