Invisalign Q & A

What is Invisalign®?

The team at Michael S. Yung DDS offers Invisalign, an orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable plastic aligners molded to fit your teeth. These aligners are an alternative to traditional metal braces, which are more noticeable and can cause considerable discomfort.

Invisalign can treat most common orthodontic problems of mild to medium severity, including:

• Crowding
• Gaps
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites

You may think of Invisalign as an option only for minor orthodontic issues, but Invisalign technology has advanced to treat many of the same problems as metal braces, so don’t hesitate to ask your provider if Invisalign could work for you.

What should I expect from Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign treatment involves you wearing a series of custom-made aligners, for one to two weeks each. The aligners gradually move your teeth into their proper place. During this process, you schedule follow-up appointments with your provider every four to six weeks to monitor your progress and receive the next few sets of aligners.

With each set of new aligners, you may experience a sensation of light pressure, which goes away within two to three days.

Overall, Invisalign treatment lasts about one year, and you’re likely to see subtle results after two to three months. Expect to receive a retainer at the end of treatment to keep your new smile in place.

How often do I have to wear the aligners?

For optimal results, you must wear your aligners between 20 and 22 hours each day. You take out the aligners to eat or drink anything other than water, and brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily. Unlike traditional metal braces, you can eat anything, including a caramel-covered apple, and follow your regular oral hygiene routine.

Is Invisalign right for my teen?

Invisalign is inappropriate for children under age 14. For teens who have all of their adult teeth and are mature enough to comply with wearing the aligners every day, Invisalign can be an effective orthodontic option.

By using your input, your provider determines if your teen is a good candidate for Invisalign. If your teen undergoes Invisalign treatment, they receive aligners made specifically for teens with a blue dot. When your teen wears the aligner, the dot gradually fades, so you can tell if they are complying with treatment. To learn more about Invisalign treatment for you or your teen, call Michael S. Yung DDS today or request an appointment online.