Have you been considering Invisalign treatment but want to know more about treatment before making a decision? Here we will answer commonly asked questions about Invisalign treatment in our Chapel Hill, NC, office to help patients determine if Invisalign is right for their needs. Invisalign is a modern, minimally-invasive alternative to traditional metal braces that can help patients with mild to moderate orthodontic problems.
Answering Invisalign Questions in Chapel Hill, NC
Some of the most popular questions our patients ask about Invisalign include the following.
Are Invisalign results permanent?
Your results should last if you continue wearing a retainer following Invisalign treatment. Wearing a retainer can prevent orthodontic relapse, which occurs after Invisalign if you do not continue to wear your retainer. Teeth can shift to recreate your crooked teeth or tooth gaps.
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?
Yes, you can eat and drink what you would like during the Invisalign treatment. However, you need to remove your aligners before you eat or drink anything other than water. Foods and drinks can stain or damage your clear aligners. Many patients enjoy the fact that they do not have any dietary restrictions during their Invisalign treatment.
How do you clean Invisalign aligners?
After you remove your Invisalign aligners to eat and drink, brush and floss your teeth. Then, rinse your aligners in cool water and brush the inside of the aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and liquid soap. Do not use hot water because it can warp your aligners.
Does insurance cover Invisalign treatment?
On average, most dental insurance can cover a quarter to a half of Invisalign treatment. Each insurance plan is different. Patients can also use payment plans to pay for treatment in smaller increments.
How long do you wear Invisalign aligners each day?
We recommend that Invisalign patients wear their aligners at least 22 hours a day. Wearing them for consecutive hours ensures that teeth move more effectively. The only time that patients do not wear their aligners is when they are eating or drinking anything other than water. Leaving the aligners off of your teeth for several hours can impact your treatment time; it can take longer for you to complete treatment if you do not wear your Invisalign aligners consistently.
Is Invisalign treatment faster than braces?
Typically Invisalign treatments are faster than braces treatment because Invisalign treats milder orthodontic problems. Patients with severe overbites, underbites, or other dental issues will require more extensive care with braces. Invisalign can treat orthodontic issues that may not require lengthy, complex processes.
Do you want to learn more about Invisalign? Schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Jim Furgurson online. You can also call Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for treatment today at 919.736.6175.