Published on April 7, 2014, Updated on April 15, 2019

At Taft Hill Orthodontics, we want to enable our patients to make informed decisions about their dental health. To help decide if Invisalign® can help you achieve straight teeth and a more beautiful smile, Dr. T.C. Hardy has compiled some frequently asked questions about the treatment.

What is the cost of Invisalign®?
Invisalign® costs are often very similar to the price of traditional wire braces. However, depending on the condition of your teeth, the length of the treatment and the number of aligners required, the price will vary.

Will other people be able to see my Invisalign® aligners?
The Invisalign® aligners are made of clear plastic and are designed to be virtually undetectable, allowing you to correct your orthodontic issues in a discreet manner. In order to get the best result possible, most patients will require small, tooth colored bumps called attachments on several of their teeth. With tooth colored materials, they are practically invisible as well.

How does Invisalign® straighten teeth?
As you progress through the Invisalign® treatment, your teeth will be gently and gradually moved into their ideal position. By utilizing a series of these custom-fit aligners, you will begin to see the position of your teeth shift. Over the course of treatment, the trays are slightly adjusted, bringing you closer to that straight, beautiful smile.

Can I remove my Invisalign® aligners during the treatment process?
The Invisalign® aligners are designed to be removable, allowing you to eat, drink, and clean your teeth with ease. However, patients should keep in mind that in order to optimize the results of the treatment they should wear the aligners as often as possible.

Will Invisalign® have an impact on my speech?
During the first few days of your Invisalign® treatment, you may notice a slight lisp in your speech as you adjust to wearing the aligners. After this initial adjustment period, patients’ speech typically returns to normal.

Am I allowed to drink beverages while wearing my Invisalign® aligners?
Dr. Hardy recommends that patients only drink cold water when the trays are in. Occasionally a patient can drink from a straw when they are drinking anything other than water, but it should always be cold to prevent distortion of the trays. Please talk to the doctor or staff at the beginning of treatment concerning any eating or drinking habits.

How do I clean my Invisalign® aligners?
Invisalign® aligners can be easily cleaned by scrubbing them with a toothbrush and water. Occasionally, if needed, antibacterial hand soap and a toothbrush can give it an extra good cleaning. Just make sure you rinse the aligners and your toothbrush well before using them again!

How long will my Invisalign® treatment take to complete?
Although the length of your treatment will vary depending on your individual bite, most of our adult patients complete the treatment within 12 months. For patients using Invisalign Teen®, the growth of their permanent teeth will also impact treatment time.

Schedule a Consultation

If you have more questions about Invisalign® or wish to schedule an Invisalign® consultation with Dr. Hardy, please contact our office today.