Invisalign FAQ

Answers from Our Pittsburgh Orthodontic Clinic Orthodontist

Thank you for choosing us as your preferred Tien-Mou orthodontic practice. Our orthodontist believe that every patient deserves a perfect smile, and that it should be one of his or her best assets. Whether you are a parent of a young patient or an adult looking to improve your smile, Pittsburgh Orthodontic Clinic will use the treatment option that best fits your unique orthodontic needs and goals. One of our popular orthodontic treatment is Invisalign, which we offer for teens and adults.

If you are looking to straighten your teeth but want to avoid the look and feel of brackets and wires, Invisalign may be right for you. Using a series of clear aligners, Invisalign is a discreet way to get the smile you’ve always dreamed of. We understand that you may have a number of questions regarding this form of treatment, which is why we have provided a list of frequently asked questions about Invisalign below:

How often must I wear my aliganers? You must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours daily. You may remove them for eating, drinking and regular oral hygiene.

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Are there any restrictions to what I can eat while in treatment? No. Unlike braces, you may eat whatever you like as long as you remove the aligners before eating. Prior to placing the aligners back on, it is important to brush your teeth and the aligners after you eat.

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Will wearing the aligners affect my speech? Like any orthodontic treatment, there is a short adjustment period. The more you speak with the aligners on, the quicker you will adjust.

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Is there any discomfort with Invisalign treatment? There will be some pressure and minor discomfort for a day or two after each initial insertion. This is a sign that your teeth are moving sequentially into their final position.

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Can I chew gum? It is recommended that you remove your aligners prior to chewing gum as the gum will stick to the aligners.

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Can I smoke with the aligners in? We discourage smoking with aligners as the cigarette smoke will tend to discolor them.

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How do I keep my aligners clean? Brushing them with toothpaste will keep them fresh and clean.

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How often do I see an orthodontist while wearing Invisalign? Regular office visits are every two to six weeks. It depends on the clinical malocclusion situation. This will ensure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.

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What happens after my treatment is complete? Do I need retainers? All orthodontic patients are instructed to wear their retainers at night indefinitely, Sleeping with your retainers in at night ensure a healthy bite and maintain the new position of our teeth.

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How long does Invisalign treatment take? Treatment time varies depending on the severity of the misaligned teeth. Treatment time can be shorter than traditional braces, between six and 18 months.

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Does Invisalign work for kids? Yes, it depends on the severity of the situation of the malocclusion. Some kinds of malocclusion could be treated by Invisalign in children. However, it needs orthodontist to evaluate the malocclusion situation firstly.

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Contact Us!

Should you have any questions about Invisalign that we have not already answered here, please feel free to contact our orthodontic office during business hours and a members of our team will be happy to assist you. If you or a family member is interested in Invisalign treatment, please request an appointment with us. We hope to see you soon!