Invisalign FAQ

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Dr. Cohen Answers Your Invisalign Questions

Regardless of what orthodontic treatment method you choose, it's important to Dr. Cohen and his team at Surrideo Orthodontics that you know as much as possible about your treatment so it goes along as planned without any big surprises or unexpected occurrences. For our patients interested in improving their smiles with Invisalign, Dr. Cohen answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the clear, removable aligners.

A: In order for Invisalign treatment to work as it should, you must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours each day. You can take them out when eating, drinking and when brushing & flossing. You may also remove them temporarily for special occasions such as school pictures or interviews.

A: Yes, one of the greatest benefits associated with wearing Invisalign is the fact that there are no food restrictions whatsoever. You can continue enjoying all your favorite foods as long as you remove the aligners before eating.

A: When you first start wearing Invisalign, you many notice that you have a slight lisp when you speak. With just a little practice talking out loud or singing, you will start to notice improvement, and before you know it your speech will be normal once again.

A: You will feel some pressure and minor discomfort for the first day or two after putting in new aligners. This is an indication that your teeth are moving step-by-step into their final position.

A: No, it is not a good idea to chew gum because it will stick to your aligners.

A: It is not a good idea to smoke while wearing aligners as the smoke may discolor or stain the aligners.

A: Yes, it is easy to clean your aligners. Simply brush them gently with toothpaste, then rinse to keep them fresh and clean.

A: We will ask you to come in every few weeks so we can check your progress and make sure your treatment is on track.

A: Yes, once your active stage of treatment is complete, you will begin the passive stage, which is when you will wear a retainer at night. It is important to wear your retainer every night so your teeth don't shift back into their original positions.

A: Every patient is different in terms of how long treatment takes. You could be in treatment for as little as 6 months or as long as 18 months – it all depends upon the specific type of orthodontic problem you have and how compliant you are with keeping appointments and wearing & caring for your aligners.

Interested in Invisalign Treatment in Calgary?

Surrideo Orthodontics offers orthodontic care to patients of all ages living in Calgary and the surrounding areas. If you would like to find out if you're a good candidate for Invisalign, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us. Dr. Cohen will provide you with a thorough examination followed by a discussion of your potential treatment options, which may include Invisalign clear aligners.