Clear Aligners FAQs in Edmonton

Invisalign works best for teens and adults with mild to moderate alignment issues, such as slightly crowded teeth, small gaps, or minor bite concerns. Candidates should have healthy teeth and gums, be able to wear their aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, and maintain good oral hygiene. It is ideal for anyone looking for a clear and removable alternative to traditional braces.

Most patients finish Invisalign treatment in 12 to 18 months. Mild cases may take 6 to 9 months, while complex cases can take 18 to 24 months or longer. The total time depends on how severe your misalignment is, how consistently you wear your aligners, and whether refinements are needed. You can usually see noticeable improvements within the first few months.

The number of Invisalign trays depends on your teeth and how much they need to move. Mild cases usually need 14 to 30 trays and take 6 to 12 months. Moderate cases require 30 to 40 trays and often take 12 to 18 months. Complex cases can need 30 to 50 or more trays, depending on spacing or bite issues. You change trays every 1 to 2 weeks, and your dentist will determine the exact number during your assessment.

If you wear your aligners less than recommended, your teeth may not move as planned. This can make the next tray feel tight or not fit properly, which can delay treatment. Inconsistent wear can also affect how well your teeth track with the aligners, meaning you may need extra time or adjustments. For the best results, it is important to wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours each day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, or floss.

It is best to remove your aligners when drinking alcohol. Alcohol can stain your trays, trap sugar against your teeth, and warp the plastic if the drink is warm. If you must drink with aligners in, choose clear low-sugar drinks, rinse your mouth and trays afterward, or use a straw to reduce contact with the aligners.

No. Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch or cloud your clear aligners. Use lukewarm water and mild clear soap instead to keep your trays clean and clear.

Some patients experience a temporary lisp or extra saliva when starting a new tray. Each tray is shaped to move your teeth, which can slightly change how your tongue and lips interact with your teeth. The lisp usually goes away within a few days as you get used to each new tray.

Yes. You can safely whiten your teeth while wearing Invisalign. The Invisalign Professional Whitening System is designed to be used during treatment under dentist supervision. It can help you achieve a brighter smile while your teeth straighten. Always follow your dentist’s instructions to avoid sensitivity or gum irritation.

If your aligners feel loose, tight, or uncomfortable, try the following:

• Use a bite stick or Chewies: Bite down several times a day to help trays seat properly.
• Check for damage: Cracks or splits can prevent proper fit. Contact your dentist if you notice any damage.
• Wear them consistently: Aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. Inconsistent wear can cause poor fit.
• Backtrack if needed: If a new tray does not fit, go back to the previous set until your teeth are ready. Teeth move at different rates, and your dentist can guide you if trays do not fit properly.

Yes. Many Invisalign providers offer flexible payment options to make treatment more affordable. You may be able to start with low or no down payment, pay in monthly installments, and set amounts that fit your budget. Your Invisalign-trained dentist can create a plan tailored to your financial needs.

After finishing Invisalign, most patients wear their retainers full-time for 2 to 3 months, then nighttime only for 6 to 8 months. After that, wearing the retainer 2 to 3 nights per week is usually enough to maintain your smile unless you grind your teeth at night. Annual checkups are recommended to ensure the retainer still fits properly. Smokers should remove aligners or clean teeth after smoking to prevent staining and clean retainers regularly to reduce discoloration from nicotine or tar.