Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign orthodontic treatment is a series of clear, custom aligners that straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.

Using advanced 3D computer imaging technology, we will create a treatment plan based on your unique smile.

Your Invisalign aligners will then be manufactured to fit your teeth precisely during each stage of the treatment process.

The features of Invisalign include:

• Smooth plastic construction for enhanced comfort
• A discreet, low-profile appearance
• Options for children, teens and adults
• No adjustment appointments
• Removable for brushing, flossing and eating

Your Invisalign treatment will come in a series clear plastic aligners. Each aligner in the series is designed to move your teeth in tiny increments. You will wear each aligner for about two weeks (or as prescribed by your orthodontist) before replacing it with the next one in the series, which will pick up where the last one left off.

This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions.

The cost of Invisalign orthodontic treatment will depend on the severity of your case and and how many aligners you'll need in your series to resolve it. The more severe or complex the misalignment is, the more aligners you'll need to correct it, and the more your treatment will cost.

Concerns about cost are completely understandable. We offer dental financing via LendCare Canada, and flexible, no-interest payment plans.

Learn More About Payment Plans & Financing

The answer to this question will depend on the nature and severity of your misalignment. Each case is different.

Based on a detailed evaluation of your bite during your initial consultation, your orthodontist will give you an accurate estimate of how long your treatment will last.

Your orthodontist will determine the approximate duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your specific needs.

Factors that may affect the duration of your treatment include the nature and severity of the misalignment of your teeth or jaw. This determines the amount of movement that will be required to correct the problem, and how many aligners you'll need to go through to accomplish this.

Invisalign aligners are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high-molecular-weight polyurethane resins that are BPA-free.

Yes! Almost anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.

Many adults these days are opting to undergo orthodontic treatment with Invisalign aligners because of their discreet look, and the convenience of being able to remove them to eat, and to brush and floss.

Yes! Teens certainly can be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign offers Invisalign Teen, a product line that is designed to meet the unique needs of teenagers.

Invisalign Teen aligners have two primary features that make them distinct from standard Invisalign aligners. They have compliance indicators on them (tiny blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn consistently for two weeks) to help teens keep track of their treatment and when the aligners need to be changed out.

They also come with eruption tabs for tweens and younger teens whose adult teeth are still in the process of growing in. These provide space for second molars and prevent them from growing crooked.

Yes, Invisalign has a product line called Invisalign First that case be used on kids as young as 7 in some cases.

Compared to standard Invisalign aligners, Invisalign First aligners have a smaller construction to fit baby teeth. It also has an Eruption Compensation feature that allows the aligns to accommodate baby teeth falling out and adult teeth growing in seamlessly.

Like any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign takes a bit of getting used to at first. But we believe you'll find that find that it fits very comfortably into your daily routines.

Invisalign aligners can be removed whenever you need to eat, drink, brush and floss. That means no dietary restrictions, and you can can maintain your normal oral hygiene routine.

And because the aligners are made of a lightweight, clear plastic, they are almost invisible when worn, meaning your orthodontic treatment won't be that apparent to anyone but you.

You'll need to visit the orthodontist every 12 weeks during your Invisalign treatment for a checkup, so that your orthodontist can assess your progress. If any refinements or adjustments are needed for your treatment, they may require some extra visits.

Invisalign aligners don't require any adjustments or tightening – you just switch to a new set of aligners as prescribed by your orthodontist – so you won't need to visit us for these types of appointments during your treatment.

When you first start treatment, your orthodontist will tell you exactly how often you should switch out your aligners. The frequency varies a bit among patients, but it's normally every two weeks or so.

You can remove your aligners to eat, so there aren't really any dietary restrictions while you're undergoing Invisalign treatment.

We recommend you take your aligners out to drink any beverages other than water (things like pop, coffee, juice, Slurpees, etc.) to avoid staining, and so that surgars and acids don't get trapped between the aligners and your teeth.

There are a few different steps involved when it comes to keeping your Invisalign clear aligners clean.

You'll want to rinse them off each time you take them out of your mouth to wash away dry saliva and plaque that may be beginning to develop.

You should also clean you aligners thoroughly each day. Use a soft toothbrush, clear anti-bacterial soap or toothpaste, and cool water to clean them. Brush your aligners gently so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!

In addition to cleaning the aligners themselves, you should make sure your mouth is nice and clean before you put them back in. This means brushing and flossing after each meal to ensure that no food particles get stuck between your teeth and the aligners, leading to bad breath, and possibly cavities and gum disease.

You should store your Invisalign aligners in the case they come with any time they're not in your mouth or soaking in cleaning solution. This will keep them safe and clean until it's time to put them back in.

Invisalign aligners are removable so you can play sports without worrying about damaging them.

However, keep in mind that in order to keep treatment on track, Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day (or as prescribed by your orthodontist), so plan your time carefully.

It's important to invest in a sports mouthguard to protect your teeth during orthodontic treatment in general. Orthodontic treatment causes your teeth to loosen slightly as they shift into their new positions, and this can make them more susceptible to damage than they normally are.

Yes! Simply remove your aligners to play your instrument, and pop them back in when you're done.

Keep in mind that you must keep your Invisalign aligners in for about 22 hours a day (or as prescribed by your orthodontist), so be sure to plan your practice time carefully.

Invisalign and braces are both effective orthodontic treatment options, but there are differences between them that may affect their suitability for different individuals. 

Factors to consider when choosing between Invisalign and braces include aesthetics, your personal preferences and lifestyle, cost, and the nature and severity of your misalignment. You can learn more here.

Your orthodontist will assess your specific case and recommend the best treatment option for your needs.