Invisalign
FAQ

Dr. Czarnik or Dr. Cronin plans out exactly when and where each individual tooth will move on a 3D model of your mouth. The Invisalign lab fabricates a series of clear aligners based on the doctor’s specifications. Similar to braces, your aligners exert controlled force that shifts the teeth into place. However, when comparing Invisalign vs. braces the difference is that clear aligners not only control how much force is being delivered, but also the timing of the force. At each stage of your treatment, only certain teeth are allowed to move. As you make your way through your aligners, your smile gradually takes shape.

While it will depend on your individual case, for many patients, yes, Invisalign is as effective as braces. In the past, clear aligners were reserved for mild and moderate cases. Today, however, thanks to improvements in the aligner material and the advent of SmartForce® attachments, that’s no longer true. Invisalign attachments are tooth-colored buttons that are bonded to certain teeth. They serve as handles for your aligners to push off of, allowing us to achieve complex tooth movements without having to resort to braces.

You should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day for the best results. You’ll only take the aligners out to eat, drink anything aside from plain water, and brush and floss your teeth. Depending on your treatment plan, you’ll likely change to a new set of aligners once a week.

No. You won’t feel any serious Invisalign pain. However, when you first start your Invisalign treatment and, sometimes, after putting in a new set of aligners, your teeth can feel a little bit tender. This just means your Invisalign is working! Discomfort is mild and will go away in a few days. If it’s bothersome, you can try sticking with a soft foods diet and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever (whatever you’d normally take for a headache).

How long Invisalign takes to straighten your teeth will depend on the severity of your case, how diligent you are about wearing your aligners for the prescribed amount of time, and how your body responds to treatment. Every patient is unique and Invisalign treatment can range anywhere from six months to 30 months. When you have a complimentary consultation with a Westminster Invisalign provider at our practice, they’ll take diagnostic records and perform an exam. Once they have a diagnosis and treatment plan in place, they’ll be able to tell you how long treatment will last.

We’ll fill you in on exactly how to clean Invisalign trays when you begin treatment. You can purchase Invisalign cleaning crystals and other products. However, the simplest, most affordable way to clean your Invisalign aligners is to simply brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse them in lukewarm water. We don’t recommend using toothpaste, because it can be abrasive and scratch the plastic. If you do need a deeper clean, you can use a mild, odorless, clear dish soap.

No, you shouldn’t smoke with Invisalign. Smoking with your aligners will stain them, which defeats the purpose of choosing a virtually invisible treatment option.

Since your aligners are removable, there are no food restrictions with Invisalign and that includes gum. However, you should take your Invisalign aligners out before chewing gum, otherwise, it can stick to your aligners and cause a mess. Remember, you need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, so chew gum accordingly.

Again, there are no food restrictions with Invisalign. You can eat and drink all of the things you love. You will have to take your aligners out of your mouth before eating or drinking anything aside from plain water though. This is because food particles and liquid can get trapped between your aligners and your teeth, leading to staining and an increased risk of tooth decay. Be sure to brush your teeth after eating or drinking and before putting your aligners back in.

Invisalign aligners are made of a durable, clear, BPA-free, medical-grade plastic, making them pretty much invisible when they’re worn.

While it will depend on your personalized treatment plan, most patients visit us for a check-up every six to eight weeks during their Invisalign treatment. These visits are quick, easy and a way for Dr. Cronin and Dr. Czarnik to monitor your progress.

Yup! Wearing a retainer is the only way to prevent your teeth from shifting after Invisalign. It will hold your teeth in place to lock in your results. The good news is, at Cronin & Czarnik Orthodontics, we offer removable, clear retainers that look, feel and function just like your Invisalign aligners.

Your Invisalign cost will depend on how complex your case is and, thus, the extent of treatment and number of aligners needed. While we can’t give you an exact cost, we strive to make Invisalign affordable. We accept most insurance and if your insurance covers orthodontics, it will reduce how much you pay out of pocket. We also offer flexible financing options to suit your budget.

To find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign in Westminster, Arvada and the surrounding Denver Metro area, visit our practice for a complimentary consultation. At this initial visit, Dr. Cronin or Dr. Czarnik will determine a diagnosis and let you know if Invisalign is the best way to get the results you want. Schedule your consultation online or by calling us at (303) 428-3613.