How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Invisalign is a revolutionary way of straightening teeth. Instead of pulling teeth into new positions like metal braces, Invisalign’s clear aligners gently push teeth until they’re where you want them. To begin your Invisalign treatment, we work with you to design your dream smile. The lab will create your series of clear aligners based on this model. To straighten your teeth, just wear each set of trays for at least 22 hours each day for two weeks, then move on to the next set. Visit our office every 4-6 weeks for a check-in and to receive your next set of trays. Average treatment time is only about a year, and you’ll have a beautiful new smile to show off at the end!

Benefits of Invisalign

• Clear aligners are virtually invisible
• Smooth plastic material doesn’t cut cheeks or irritate gums
• Removable trays allow you to eat, drink, brush, and floss like normal
• Treatment time is shorter than traditional braces on average
• Check in with us less often

Invisalign FAQs

Will I have to wear a retainer?

Anyone who undergoes orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth must wear a retainer to retain their orthodontic progress. You may have to wear a retainer for many hours a day at first, which will be very similar to wearing clear aligners, but after a short time span, you can switch to wearing your retainer exclusively at night. We strongly encourage our patients to wear their retainers regularly, as the teeth will shift back to their original positions otherwise, and we want our patients to keep their beautiful straight smiles!

Do clear aligners hurt to wear?

When you first start wearing clear aligners regularly, your gums and mouth may feel a little sore for the first few days. This is perfectly normal, and it shouldn’t be anything that over-the-counter pain medication can’t relieve. You can also try eating cold foods like popsicles or applying dental wax onto areas that are making your mouth particularly sore. We recommend putting new aligners in before going to bed, so your teeth can begin shifting while you are asleep.

Can I eat or chew gum with Invisalign?

You should never eat, chew gum, or drink anything besides water while wearing clear aligners. Doing this can cause the aligners to stain and become less clear and discreet, and you would have to remove the aligner to clean it afterward anyway. Clear aligners can also be damaged from the pressure of chewing. Fortunately, Invisalign aligners are completely removable, so you are free to take out your aligners and chew all the gum or sticky foods that you wish!

Cost of Clear Aligner Therapy

Adding in the expense of orthodontics can put a strain on your budget, but we don’t want you to avoid getting a straight, healthy smile because of cost concerns. At Jackson Smiles Family Dentistry, we offer flexible financial options to help you afford the care you need. In addition to being insurance friendly, we gladly accept CareCredit^® patient financing and have an in-house savers plan. Join the Jackson Smiles Dental Plan for a small annual enrollment fee and receive $500 off Invisalign treatment. Speak with one of our friendly team members to learn more!