Invisalign FAQ Brooklyn
Get answers to common Invisalign questions from Dr. Polina Ingberman. Learn about eating, drinking, pain, crossbites, underbites, and more.
Eating & Drinking With Invisalign
Q:
Can you eat with Invisalign?
A:
You have to remove aligners before you eat and put them on after you finish eating. Any hard food can wear down and break the aligners. If you’re really hungry and want to eat something very soft like yogurt or pudding, it’s possible, but you should remove and clean your aligners as soon as you’re done eating to ensure they stay clean.
Q:
What happens if you eat while having Invisalign?
A:
Any hard food can wear down and break the aligners.
Q:
Do I have to clean my Invisalign every time I eat?
A:
It’s preferable to brush it. But if that’s impossible, at least you should rinse it before putting it back in your mouth.
Q:
Can I chew gum with Invisalign?
A:
You shouldn’t chew gum with your Invisalign. And again, just like I said before, you should remove it when you eat, but if you’re very hungry, you can have something soft like yogurt or a smoothie.
Q:
Can you drink coffee with Invisalign?
A:
Yes, you can drink coffee, but aligners are likely to stain from drinking it. So if you want your Invisalign to stay nice and clean and clear, then it’s preferable to remove it when you drink coffee, but coffee will not damage the aligner.
Q:
What drinks are okay with Invisalign?
A:
The best thing to drink is something clear and hot. Water would be ideal.
Q:
Will coffee stain my aligners?
A:
Yes. If you want your aligners to minimize staining, you can drink coffee through a straw.
Fixing Crossbites
Q:
Can Invisalign fix a crossbite?
A:
It depends. Your doctor should evaluate it, but Invisalign can fix many types of crossbites, though not all of them.
Q:
How long does it take to fix a crossbite with Invisalign?
A:
That should be evaluated by your doctor because there are many different types of crossbites. There isn’t one answer that fits all cases.
Q:
How effective is Invisalign for crossbites?
A:
Again, it depends on a clinical evaluation and needs to be seen by a qualified dentist. Invisalign works for many, but not all, crossbites.
Q:
Can I fix my crossbite without surgery?
A:
Yes, many crossbites can be fixed without surgery, but it requires a clinical evaluation.
Fixing Underbites
Q:
Can Invisalign fix an underbite?
A:
It depends on the case of the underbite and again, just like I said before, a clinical evaluation is necessary. Invisalign can fix some underbites.
Q:
What age is best to fix an underbite?
A:
The best age to address an underbite depends again on the clinical situation, but usually in a growing child, from about 8 to 12 years old.
Treatment Timeline
Q:
How long do you have to wear Invisalign?
A:
It varies and depends on the clinical situation. Usually, it ranges from 4 to 24 months.
Q:
Can you ever stop wearing Invisalign?
A:
You can stop when the treatment is completed, or if a patient decides to end the treatment before completion, then it’s the patient’s choice to stop the treatment.
Q:
What is the shortest amount of time for Invisalign?
A:
Probably about four months.
Q:
Do you have to wear a retainer forever after Invisalign?
A:
You should wear a retainer for three to four months initially, but it’s recommended to maintain the alignment throughout your lifetime.
Removing & Wearing Aligners
Q:
How to remove Invisalign?
A:
Invisalign aligners are easily removed by using your finger and applying slight pressure on the edge of the aligner.
Q:
Is Invisalign painful to remove?
A:
No, it is not painful. Some people experience minor discomfort.
Q:
Is there an easier way to remove Invisalign?
A:
There are special devices that could be used, but usually, they’re not necessary as the aligner is not hard to remove with the finger.
Q:
How many times can you remove Invisalign in one day?
A:
Invisalign aligners can be removed multiple times as long as they’re worn for at least 22 hours a day. They can be removed several times for eating and brushing.
Side Effects & Discomfort
Q:
how long will invisalign pain last?
A:
Usually, when you start wearing the aligners, there is discomfort, not really pain, which lasts for a few days. Taking pain medications such as ibuprofen and abstaining from hard food also helps.
Q:
can invisalign cause headaches?
A:
Moving teeth can cause mild discomfort and for some people that might aggravate migraines if they have them.
Q:
how long do invisalign headaches last?
A:
Most people do not get headaches, but for those who do, especially if they have migraines, it depends on the severity of their existing condition.
Q:
how do i stop invisalign headaches
A:
Usually, people who have migraines have medications that they take for that problem. Continuing with those medications should help alleviate the headaches.
Q:
what are the side effects of invisalign aligners
A:
Just like with braces, moving teeth can cause some side effects such as discomfort. All the possible side effects should be discussed with the doctor because they vary greatly depending on the patient and any existing conditions they may have.
Invisalign With Dental Work
Q:
Invisalign With Dental Work
A:
Yes, Invisalign can be used even if you have an implant. The implant itself won’t move, but the surrounding teeth will adjust as usual.
Q:
can i straighten my teeth if i have an implant
A:
Yes, teeth can be straightened if someone has an implant, though the implant itself will not move but the surrounding teeth will adjust just as they normally would.
Q:
can you use invisalign with a crown
A:
Yes, the tooth with the crown will move just like any other tooth.
Q:
can invisalign create a gap for an implant
A:
Yes, Invisalign can move teeth to create space for an implant placement.
Who Qualifies for Invisalign
Q:
who would not qualify for invisalign
A:
That’s a difficult question as there isn’t one particular type of person who does not qualify, but screening for Invisalign treatment should be done by a dentist.
Q:
can invisalign fix jaw alignment
A:
It’s possible to adjust jaw alignment, but this depends on the specific case.