Essential Invisalign Q&A with Your Family Dentist in Marietta

You may know about Invisalign, the revolutionary orthodontic treatment that relies on custom-made, clear acrylic aligners to reposition teeth. Just the description sounds enticing enough to sign up! But what’s the reality behind the product? What do Invisalign users ask Google? In today’s blog, your family dentist in Marietta, Dr. Jeffrey Salatino answers 10 of the top questions we found about Invisalign when conducting a Google search.

We’ll answer these questions, so be sure to read the full post!

1. What does Invisalign cost?

2. What’s the downside to Invisalign?

3. Is Invisalign really worth it?

4. What’s the failure rate of Invisalign?

5. Can I wear Invisalign aligners only at night?

6. Do teeth go back to crooked after Invisalign?

7. Is it okay if I don’t wear my Invisalign for a day?

8. Can I drink alcohol with Invisalign in?

9. How long do I soak my Invisalign trays in crystals?

10. Can I use a straw while wearing Invisalign?

Let’s dive right in…

What does Invisalign cost?

Since every case varies from the next, it’s difficult to provide an exact cost for Invisalign. For instance, some people need to wear the aligners for 18 months, while others can complete treatment in just nine months. Of course, the cost of Invisalign is based in part on the length of treatment because it correlates with the number of office visits and the number of aligners the patient will need.

Generally, Invisalign treatment costs between $3000 and $5000. Traditional braces fall in this same range, with some treatments surpassing $5K. Every insurance plan does not cover Invisalign, but as a family dentist in Marietta, Dr. Salatino employs an insurance and financing expert to help you determine what your case fees may look like. We also work with CareCredit, a reputable patient financing firm, to help patients afford Invisalign and other treatments at Healthy Smiles of East Cobb. 

What’s the downside to Invisalign?

Compliance is certainly an issue, meaning that patients must wear their Invisalign trays for 22 hours per day to remain on track with the estimated treatment completion date. Patients who do not comply with this regimen can fall behind in their treatment plan. If aligners aren’t worn enough, teeth can shift back out of alignment. When this happens, a revision plan has to be created. Additional aligners must be fabricated, and cost increases. 

Another issue is that while Invisalign has come a long, long way since its inception, very complex orthodontic cases may not qualify. In rare cases, patients need traditional orthodontics. One example of this is when a tooth needs to be twisted or pulled further out of the jaw. Invisalign doesn’t accomplish these movements.

All in all, though, Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces for most patients. 

Is Invisalign really worth it?

Yes. If your case qualifies for Invisalign, you’ll not have to worry about:

• Mouth sores from brackets

• Poking wires

• Wires and brackets coming loose

• Tightening appointments

• Teeth stains and possible enamel damage when brackets come off

• The juvenile appearance of wearing braces

What’s the failure rate of Invisalign?

Invisalign has a 98% success rate! That’s an awesome number. As a family dentist in Marietta, Dr. Salatino carefully screens potential patients to make sure Invisalign is the right choice for their case, lifestyle, and expectations. As long as you comply with wearing your trays as directed, 22 hours per day, treatment should progress as planned.

Can I wear Invisalign aligners only at night?

I just want us to look at the facts to answer this question. If you wear Invisalign trays for 8 or 10 hours at night and not during the daytime, you’ll be non-compliant with the 22-hour-per-day standard. Teeth will relapse to or toward their original misalignment during the daytime when trays aren’t worn. Treatment results will be extremely slow or nonexistent. 

So, no, you cannot only wear Invisalign aligners at night. If this is your plan, we’ll suggest an alternative treatment like porcelain veneers.

Do teeth go back to crooked after Invisalign?

After completing your Invisalign treatment plan, your family dentist in Marietta, Dr. Salatino, will provide you with an Invisalign-brand retainer. If you will not or cannot wear the retainer as prescribed, we can permanently attach a retainer to the back of your teeth. 

Patients who do not wear their retainer can expect teeth to shift over time. 

Is it okay if I don’t wear my Invisalign for a day?

Again, Invisalign trays must be worn every day during treatment, for at least 22 hours per day. Any deviation from this will hinder treatment and can result in relapse and the need to revise treatment. Additional aligners will be necessary, and costs will increase.

Can I drink alcohol with Invisalign in?

To keep Invisalign aligners transparent, you shouldn’t eat with them in your mouth. All alcohol, because it’s acidic, can stain aligners. Therefore, we suggest you remove your aligners when imbibing.

How long do I soak my Invisalign trays in crystals?

To use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, stir a package of crystals into a clean glass of tap water. Place your aligners in the solution and let them soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Afterward, rinse the aligners under water before wearing them. This will keep your aligners clear, clean, and reliable. 

If you don’t have access to Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, you can soak them in a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide and one part lukewarm tap water (never hot water). Soak them for 20 minutes, rinse, and wear.

For tough stains, you can brush the trays gently, using fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Rinse thoroughly before wearing the trays. DO NOT USE TOOTHPASTE ON YOUR ALIGNERS. It’s abrasive and will cause small scratches that attract stains. 

Can I use a straw while wearing Invisalign?

Absolutely! In fact, using a straw will help keep your aligners from exposure to staining elements, like acid and dark pigments. A straw won’t eliminate the potential for stains. To ensure your aligners stay clear, remove them when drinking anything other than water.

Dr. Salatino, Your Invisalign and Family Dentist in Marietta, GA

Are you ready to talk with Dr. Salatino about Invisalign or another treatment? Give Healthy Smiles of East Cobb a call today at 770-973-9765 or schedule online. Dr. Salatino is accepting new patients now. He’ll take time to answer all of your questions, address your concerns, and help you find the perfect treatment plan for your goals. Our office has invested in the iTero Element(R) scanner for precision treatment planning, and we take great pride in ensuring optimal patient comfort at every appointment.