Invisalign FAQ Pembroke Pines, FL If you're considering straightening your teeth but want to avoid traditional metal braces, Invisalign might be the perfect solution for you. Everglades Family Dental has helped countless patients achieve beautiful, straight smiles using these clear aligners. The treatment has revolutionized orthodontics by offering a nearly invisible way to correct teeth alignment issues. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent, or a teenager, Invisalign provides the flexibility and discretion that traditional braces simply cannot match. How Long Does Invisalign Take?One of the most common questions we hear from patients is about treatment duration and how it works. Every case is unique; however most Invisalign treatments take between 12 to 18 months to complete. We've seen some cases resolve in as little as six months for minor corrections, while more complex cases might take up to two years. Several factors influence your treatment timeline. The severity of your teeth misalignment plays the biggest role. Simple crowding or minor spacing issues typically resolve faster than complex bite problems. Your age also matters, as younger patients often see quicker results due to their teeth moving more easily. Most importantly, your compliance with wearing the aligners consistently will directly impact how quickly you see results. During your initial consultation at our Pembroke Pines office, we will use advanced 3D imaging technology to create a precise treatment plan. This allows us to show you exactly how your teeth will move and provide you with an accurate timeline estimate for your specific case. Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?Invisalign has come a long way since its early days and can now treat a wide variety of orthodontic issues. We regularly use Invisalign with patients to correct crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. The technology has advanced significantly, and we can now handle cases that previously required traditional braces. The best candidates are typically teens and adults who have all of their permanent teeth. You'll need to be committed to wearing the aligners for the recommended time each day. Good oral hygiene is essential since you'll need to keep both your teeth and aligners clean throughout treatment. Some cases still require traditional braces or other orthodontic appliances. Severe rotations, significant bite issues, or teeth that need to be moved vertically might need alternative treatments. The only way to know for certain is through a thorough examination at our Pembroke Pines practice. How Often Do I Need to Wear My Invisalign Aligners?This is where patient commitment really matters. For Invisalign to work effectively, you need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day. You will only remove your aligners for meals and oral hygiene. Consistency is key. Skipping hours here and there might seem harmless, but it can significantly slow down your progress and potentially compromise your results. Your teeth need constant, gentle pressure to move properly, and removing aligners for extended periods disrupts this process. The good news is that most patients adapt to this routine quickly. You'll change to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, depending on your specific treatment plan. Each new set continues the gradual movement of your teeth toward their final positions. We will monitor your progress regularly to ensure everything is moving according to plan. Can I Eat and Drink with Invisalign?Here's one of the major advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces, you can eat whatever you want. Since you remove the aligners before eating, there are no food restrictions. You won't have to avoid popcorn, nuts, sticky candies, or any of the other foods that are off-limits with metal braces. However, you should only drink water while wearing your aligners. Other beverages can stain the clear plastic or, in the case of sugary or acidic drinks, increase your risk of tooth decay. Hot beverages are particularly problematic as they can warp the aligners. If you want to enjoy coffee, tea, or other beverages, simply remove your aligners first. After eating or drinking anything other than water, brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in. This prevents food particles and bacteria from getting trapped against your teeth, which could lead to decay or gum problems. If you can't brush immediately, at least rinse thoroughly with water. How Do I Care for My Invisalign Aligners?Proper aligner care is important for maintaining good oral health and keeping your aligners clear and odor-free. Each morning and evening, clean your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and scratch the plastic, making it more visible. Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water whenever you remove them. Never use hot water, as it can warp the plastic and affect the fit. When you're not wearing them, store your aligners in their protective case. Never wrap them in napkins or tissues, as this is a common way aligners get accidentally thrown away. You can also use special cleaning crystals or tablets designed for Invisalign, though they're not absolutely necessary if you're cleaning them properly twice daily. Some patients like to soak their aligners in a denture cleaning solution occasionally for extra freshness. The most important thing is consistency; clean them every time you brush your teeth. Why Choose Our Pembroke Pines Practice for Invisalign?At Everglades Family Dental, we've been providing Invisalign treatment to Pembroke Pines families for years. What sets our practice apart is our personalized approach to each patient's unique needs. We believe in taking the time to thoroughly explain your treatment plan and answer all of your questions. You'll never feel rushed, and our team is always available to address any concerns that arise during your treatment. We understand that orthodontic treatment is an investment in your smile and your confidence, and we're committed to helping you achieve the best possible results. Contact us today at (754) 764-0465 to get started with Invisalign! |