Top FAQs About Invisalign: Get the Answers You Need! 

Thinking about getting Invisalign? At Green Leaf Dental, Dr. Yoni is an expert in smile correction with Invisalign, and serve patients of all ages from Beacon Hill, Seward Park, and Rainier Valley. Not ready to commit to Invisalign? Still have questions? We are here to answer your top frequently asked questions.

1. Is Invisalign Faster Than Braces?

Yes. Most patients will require between 20-24 sets of aligners. Each one is worn for about 2 weeks, so the average treatment time is about a year. However, you should note that this will vary based on your orthodontic needs. Some patients may be able to straighten their teeth in under a year, while others may need a longer treatment time. 

2. How Many Hours Per Day Will I Wear My Aligners?

You will need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 20 hours per day. Ideally, they should be worn for 22+ hours per day, and you should only remove your aligners to eat and drink (except for water) and to brush and floss. 

If you do not wear your aligners for at least 20 hours per day, your treatment may be delayed, which will cost you more time and money. It’s very important to be diligent about wearing your aligners. 

3. Does Invisalign Hurt? 

Just like braces, Invisalign does exert pressure that will cause your teeth to shift over time. This means that some soreness is normal and expected. This is particularly true after you switch to a brand-new set of aligners. Luckily, most of this discomfort will subside in a few days.

However, Invisalign is much more comfortable than braces. The adjustments to your teeth are more gradual and gentle, and there are no metal components to poke and irritate your cheeks, gums, tongue, and lips.

4. How Do I Care for My Aligners? 

You will need to remove your aligners every time you eat or drink, and rinse them to remove bacteria. Never eat or chew while wearing your aligners, as this can damage them. Whenever your aligners are out of your mouth, keep them in the provided carrying case to keep them safe from damage.

Every night before you go to bed, clean your aligners with warm water and unscented antibacterial soap. This will remove bacteria from the aligners and prevent plaque buildup. 

5. Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign? 

If you have a healthy mouth and minor to moderate orthodontic problems, Invisalign is likely a good choice for you. It can be used to correct most issues with the alignment of your teeth, such as gaps in your smile, crowded and crooked teeth, and even minor bite problems. Find out if you’re a candidate by scheduling an appointment with our Seattle dentists at Green Leaf Dental right away!

Contact Green Leaf Dental to Learn More & Schedule an Invisalign Consultation 

Invisalign is a great way for adults to straighten their teeth without bulky, uncomfortable metal braces. If you’re interested in Invisalign in Columbia City or Seward Park, Green Leaf Dental is here to help. Contact us now at (206) 316-2351 to see if you’re a candidate for Invisalign, or stop by our office at 4219 S Othello Street, #105-D&E, Seattle, WA 98118 to get started.