4 Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

While many find Invisalign to be more convenient than traditional braces, using this type of treatment still requires a commitment of your time and money. So it makes sense that people would have questions both before and during treatment. In addition to the most frequently asked questions like “How long does Invisalign take?” and “How much does Invisalign cost?” the following four questions have also been asked.

What Is the Invisalign Retention Phase?

Invisalign treatment has essentially two phases, the active phase and the retention phase. When the plastic aligners you are wearing are actually moving your teeth at the beginning of treatment, that is considered the active phase. After your teeth are in their proper positions, you will continue to wear aligners as your softened ligaments and bones regain their strength and solidify your teeth in their new places. This is the retention phase.

Even after the retention phase, your treatment is not completely over. Your orthodontist will provide you a retainer to wear for a certain length of time and number of days each month to keep your smile straight.

Can You Use Denture Cleaner on Invisalign?

The short answer is yes, you can. In addition to brushing your aligners with antibacterial handsoap and warm water every day, and rinsing them thoroughly when you can brush them, it’s important to soak them about once a week to keep them clean and free from bacteria. Invisalign has a product designed specifically for this task, but you can also use denture cleaner.

Will I Get Chapped Lips with Invisalign?

Anyone can get chapped lips, especially in the summer when the sun is relentless, and in the winter when the temperature drops. Invisalign wearers often report more frequent chapped lips, which may be the result of saliva getting trapped in the aligners, where it is unable to keep lips moist.

The best way to deal with Invisalign and chapped lips is to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and using a topical treatment such as chapstick or lip balm.

Can You Be Allergic to Invisalign?

Allergies related to any type of orthodontic treatment are pretty rare. Some people may experience an allergic reaction to the nickel used in braces, but that obviously isn’t a problem with plastic aligners. If a patient has a sensitivity or plastic, they may be allergic to Invisalign, but this is unlikely to occur.

Symptoms of being allergic to Invisalign include itchiness in your gums, tongue, or inside of your cheeks, swelling of the gums or tongue, or shortness of breath. If you are an Invisalign patient and experience any of these issues, remove your aligners and contact your orthodontist immediately.

If you have more questions about Invisalign or any other type of orthodontic treatment, please give us a call at (843) 642-8100.