Some frequently asked questions that patients have about their Invisalign treatment.
Q: Can they come in more frequently for Invisalign review?
A: Dr. Tiffany explains that she takes great care in customizing the Invisalign treatment plan for each patient, which means that frequent visits aren't necessary. Plus, you can conveniently use the Invisalign App to capture photos of your progress, allowing us to monitor your treatment remotely. With over 800 Invisalign cases completed in the last 10 years, Dr. Tiffany has the experience to ensure your treatment is on track.
For most established Invisalign providers, monitoring typically occurs every 3-4 months. In fact, some clinics may only see you at the initial appointment to provide your aligner sets and then again at the end of your treatment.
Q: Retainers with Holes, Tiny Spots, or Rough Areas (Photo provided)
A: After consulting with our Lab and Dr. Tiffany, we want to reassure you that any wear you’re noticing is likely due to teeth grinding. If this is a recurring issue, you might consider using a night guard to protect your retainer and keep your smile looking its best.
Q: "I would like to change my set earlier. Is that okay?"
A: Dr. Tiffany says that if you've been wearing your aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day and using the Chewies, you can change to the next Invisalign set a bit earlier if it feels loose on any of your teeth. Just remember, you should wait a minimum of 7 days before making the switch.
Q: "When i wait for retainers, will my teeth shifting??"
A: Please continue wearing your aligners if they still fit. The retainers will take about 1 week, we do not expect any significant change in teeth position in one week. Even if minor changes occur, once the retainers are worn they will go back to the position that we did the retainer scan in.
Q: "I lost my Invisalign set!"
A: Could you please let us know which set number you lost? If it’s just one set, no worries! You can move on to your next set from now on. Just remember to use your Chewies each time and aim to wear them for more hours over the next 2 weeks. We recommend trying not to lose more than one set, as this can affect your progress, and we may need to arrange for a replacement. If you do need a replacement, please note that there will be a charge for it.
Dr. Tiffany will see you for your regular review and check your progress. There’s no need to reschedule your appointment!
Q: "My Invisalign have bubbles"
A: Please use your Chewies more! Make sure to chew on all your teeth thoroughly, from front to back, to help with the bubbles.
Q: "My attachment dropped"
A: Is it the button for your rubber bands? If so, you'll need to come back to have it replaced.
If not –
A: No worries at all! Dr Tiffany has provided extra attachments for you. When removing your Invisalign, please take it out from the inside part of your back teeth and gently loosen both sides before taking it out. It's important not to use any force! Dr Tiffany will check everything at your next scheduled appointment, so there's no need to come back earlier for a review.
Q: "I did not use force when one fell off while eating; this should not happen, right?"
A: It's completely understandable to be concerned! Since the attachments are bonded to your teeth without any invasive drilling, it's possible for them to come loose occasionally. To help prevent this, remember to remove your aligners by starting from the back teeth and from the inside, and gently loosening both the left and right sides before taking them out. You shouldn't need to use force or hear any loud sounds when doing so.
As for eating, feel free to enjoy any type of food you like! You can also continue your usual brushing routine without any worries.
Q: "I just had attachments put on my teeth, and it's quite difficult to bite into food."
A: I understand that it can be a bit challenging right now. The attachments are what you're feeling while chewing, which can affect your bite. As your teeth gradually adjust and move, you should find it gets easier over time!
Q: "Why is my Invisalign not covering my last second tooth?"
A: This can vary from case to case. In some situations, we may decide not to cover the last tooth if it isn’t essential, as doing so could make it more challenging to remove the Invisalign.
Q: "Didn’t receive my Invisalign plan"
A: We understand how important this is for you! Your scans and Invisalign plan will be sent to your email. Please note that it may take a few working days to arrive, as it comes directly from Invisalign. We appreciate your patience during this time!
Q: "I'm having Teeth sensitivity with my Invisalign"
A: It's completely normal to feel some sensitivity as your teeth begin to shift. We recommend using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, and just keep an eye on it—things should start to improve over time!
Q: "My Invisalign is loose now, and I still haven’t received my next aligners?"
A: Hello! If you have your next set of aligners, please go ahead and wear them. If you're on your last set, you can wear it for about 15 hours a day for now. This will help your teeth maintain their position while we wait for the new aligners to arrive. It's perfectly fine if they don't feel very tight at the moment!
Q: "Do you feel there is an edge to the Invisalign that is sharp and rubbing?"
A: If you notice any sharp edges or rough spots on the edge of your Invisalign, you can gently use an emery board to smooth them out.
Q: After wearing their current set for two weeks and attended their appointment with Dr Tiffany for attachments, patient may wonder:
"Should I switch to the new set or continue with the current one?"
A: You're welcome to switch to the new set right away! However, if you find that the new set feels uncomfortable or painful, it’s perfectly fine to stick with your current set for a few more days before making the change.
Q: "Can I just wear my Invisalign only at night? Can I wear it for less than 20 hours?"
A: We recommend wearing your Invisalign for at least 20 hours a day to achieve the best results. Wearing it for fewer hours can negatively impact your treatment outcome and may prolong the overall duration.
However, if you're okay with a less-than-ideal result, you can wear your aligners only at night. Just remember to change them every 14 days and use the chewies each time you put them in to help with fit and comfort.
For patients awaiting a new set, it's important to continue wearing your current set. If you find your aligners have become quite dirty, you may change to the next set, but ideally, limit it to one set change at a time.
Q: "What are the green dots shown on the teeth in the Clincheck?"
A: These are called bite turbos or bite ramps. They are small bumps on the Invisalign, not attachments. Their purpose is to open up the bite in the front, allowing the teeth to move freely without being blocked by the opposing teeth.
Q: "Are there any concerns or downsides to shaving the molar teeth?"
A: Shaving the molar teeth can be a bit different from shaving the front teeth since molars are larger and thicker, meaning that more of the tooth structure will be reduced. However, if shaving is something you prefer, rest assured that it can still be done safely!
Q: "My 1st set Invisalign the bottom left start to get loose .. is it normal?"
A: Certainly! It's perfectly normal to experience some looseness at this stage. Since we haven't added any attachments yet, a bit of looseness is to be expected. Just continue using your Chewies, and Dr Tiffany will review your progress during your upcoming appointment for the attachments and IPR.
Q: "I want to transfer my braces/Invisalign treatment to your clinic."
A: We're happy to assist you with that! To get started, we'll need to schedule a consultation where the dentist can go over all the details with you.
For cases involving the transfer of Invisalign treatment:
- The pricing will vary depending on which stage you are currently at. We recommend scheduling a consultation with the dentist to discuss the details and get an accurate quote.
- If you're considering removing your braces or Invisalign, we'll recommend scheduling a consultation first, which usually lasts about 30 minutes. During the consultation, we'll take some photographs to check if your teeth are properly aligned. If you're thinking about making any adjustments to your alignment, this will be considered a transfer of treatment.
- If your primary goal is to have your braces or Invisalign removed, we encourage you to schedule a one-hour appointment for this procedure. Please note that the cost for removal will be charged on a per-tooth basis.
- Please also note that retainers will be charged separately, and are typically ready for you to pick up within a week.
Q: "Can I book an appointment for IPR or attachments if my treatment wasn’t done at your clinic?"
A: If you're looking to schedule an appointment for Interproximal Reduction (IPR) or attachments and your treatment was not previously managed at our clinic, please take note of the following:
Before we proceed, you'll need to sign a consent form. This step is important to clarify that while we are here to support you, we are not taking over your entire treatment plan and won't be responsible for the overall outcomes. Please be aware that there will be fees associated with both the IPR and the attachments.
Q: "May I know if it is ok to use aligner removal tool like 'Orthokey' to remove my aligners?"
A: While it might be tempting to use tools like the 'Orthokey' for removing your aligners, we recommend using your fingers instead. By loosening the Invisalign from the inside on both sides, you can help avoid applying excessive force that could damage the aligners or attachments.
Q: "I would prefer to put attachments after my event, is that possible?"
A: Yes, that is an option. However, please be aware that postponing the attachments may affect your current treatment plan, potentially prolonging the overall duration of your treatment. If this arrangement works for you, we suggest scheduling an appointment for Interproximal Reduction (IPR) first. Keep in mind that this may create a small gap between your teeth.
Q: "How long will the gap take to close up after IPR (Interproximal Reduction)?"
A: The gap will be present until all the teeth have finished moving, but don’t worry! As your teeth shift into their new positions, you’ll notice the gaps gradually becoming smaller. It's a part of the Invisalign journey!
Q: "After wearing my Invisalign for about a week now, I notice a sort of swell and a line on both of my inner cheeks."
A: The swelling and line you're noticing might be due to unknowingly biting or clenching your teeth while wearing the aligners. We suggest trying to avoid from bringing your teeth together.
Q: "After pushing up, there will be a need to “fill up” the teeth to align with the rest. How long will it last if I am those that will take care of the teeth normally?"
A: We understand your concern about aligning your teeth and maintaining their health. One option you may consider is a ceramic veneer. This material is not only stronger and more durable, meaning it can handle everyday chewing forces without chipping, but it also remains vibrant and does not discolor over time. If there's a larger area of your tooth that needs attention, opting for a ceramic veneer is advisable as it offers a longer-lasting solution compared to regular fillings.
Q: "I want to do LAOP in another clinic but would like to do my Invisalign treatment with Dr. Tiffany."
A: Dr. Tiffany strongly recommends against this approach. It is crucial for us to ensure that the surgical procedure meets our standards, and promptly address any potential issues immediately. Furthermore, if Dr. Tiffany is planning to move teeth in that area, she will need to take an additional OPG X-ray after the surgery to verify that everything is progressing correctly before continuing with the movement of your teeth.
Q: "My pointy tooth tends to shift frequently. When I wear the aligner consistently, it stays straighter, but it becomes slanted when I wear it less."
A: Dr. Tiffany recommends that you can wear your retainer during the daytime until your teeth become more stable. As your teeth stabilize, you can gradually reduce the number of hours you wear the retainer. Additionally, you may consider using a wire retainer to maintain the position of your teeth, especially since they have moved significantly during the Invisalign treatment. If you're interested in this option, please let us know, and we can provide you with the pricing!
Q: "I am supposed to change to the 2nd set tomorrow - but over the last two weeks despite my best efforts I haven’t been able to wear my Invisalign for more than 15 hours. Should I change to the next set tomorrow or stick to set 1 for a while longer?"
A: Ideally, it's best to wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day to achieve the best results. If you're consistently wearing them for less than that, it may affect the outcome you're hoping for.
If you find that the aligners feel tight when you put them on, consider sticking with the first set for a little longer—perhaps an extra week—before transitioning to the next set. Just keep in mind that this might alter the expected results, as it deviates from the recommended wearing protocol. We're here to support you through this process, so please feel free to reach out with any further questions or concerns!
Q: "What is the purpose of wearing the Invisalign now since we have not made space for the teeth to move?"
A: That's a great question! Even in the initial sets of Invisalign, the aligners work gently to begin the movement of your teeth. This early phase is important as it sets the stage for the next steps involving attachments and interproximal reduction (IPR). By starting to wear your aligners now, you're helping to create a foundation for the upcoming adjustments, ensuring a smoother process down the line.
Q: "What do you mean by ‘the movement of the tooth may be affected’?"
A: Regarding the 2 attachments on your upper canine teeth, these 2 teeth are planned to move significantly with the Invisalign treatment which is why we have placed the attachments on. Attachments are like an extra grip on the tooth which the aligners can exert force in a focused area. If the attachments are removed, the movement may not happen completely.
That's a wonderful question! The two attachments on your upper canine teeth play a crucial role in your Invisalign treatment. These attachments are specifically designed to help these teeth move significantly during the process. Think of them as little helpers that allow the aligners to apply targeted pressure where it's needed most. If we were to remove the attachments, it could hinder the intended movement of those teeth, making it more challenging to achieve the desired results.
Q: "I had like a purple bump this morning when I woke up including bleeding could you please let the dentist know? Is this normal?"
A: Hello there! It sounds like you’re experiencing some gum swelling, which can often occur due to the buildup of bacteria and food particles. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential during your Invisalign Journey, so be sure to brush and floss after each meal to help prevent any buildup. You might also find it helpful to use a chlorhexidine mouth rinse three times a day for up to two weeks to support your recovery. If you have any concerns or if the swelling persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Q: "I have BLEEDING GUMS after changing or wearing a new set of aligners."
A: We're truly sorry to hear that you're experiencing bleeding gums. This can often be a sign of inflammation caused by bacteria. Dr. Tiffany recommends a gentle scaling and polishing treatment, which should help alleviate this issue.
Q: "My Invisalign doesn't feel tight anymore. Can I switch to the next set of aligners earlier?"
A: While it may seem like your teeth are in position, it's important to remember that the roots of your teeth (located beneath the gums) often take longer to fully align. For this reason, we recommend wearing each set of aligners for a minimum of 7 days, ideally for 22 hours a day. This ensures that the entire tooth, including the root, has adequate time to shift into its proper place before progressing to the next set. If you've been wearing your aligners for fewer hours each day, it may take even longer—hence our suggestion of a 7 to 14-day timeframe for changing sets. Keep in mind that any sensation of pressure you feel indicates that your teeth are still adjusting, not that they have completed their movement for that particular aligner.
Q: "If I fall sick and don't wear my aligners for a few days, do I recount the days?"
A: We understand that being unwell can make it challenging to stick to your routine. However, it's really important to continue wearing your Invisalign aligners as much as you can, even when you're not feeling your best. If you skip wearing them, your teeth might start to shift back toward their original positions, which can affect how well the aligners fit. So, try to wear them whenever possible, and reach out to us if you have any concerns!
Q: "How do I know I am ready to transition to the next set? What if it’s too tight, etc.?"
A: To help you determine if you're ready to move on to the next set of Invisalign aligners, we recommend wearing your current set consistently for 20-22 hours a day over the course of two weeks. When it’s time to switch, it's completely normal to feel a bit of tightness with the new aligners. If the tightness is manageable and doesn’t cause you significant discomfort or pain, you can proceed to the next set. However, if you find that the new aligners feel excessively tight or lead to any unbearable discomfort, please reach out to us right away!
Q: "I feel pain/ gum ache during Invisalign treatment"
A: During your Invisalign treatment, it's not uncommon to experience some discomfort in your teeth, and there are a few reasons why this might happen:
- Food impaction - if food is stuck between the teeth causing gum issues. Please try flossing after meals and a chlorhexidine mouth rinse for a few days and the pain should resolve if it is due to this.
- Teeth movement - if there's a recent change to a new set, or if the aligners have not been worn consistently for a while, the pressure on the teeth may be more causing pain
- Teeth clenching - It's quite common for patients to unknowingly bite down or clench their aligners during the day or while sleeping. To help ease any discomfort, we encourage you to be mindful of keeping a gentle space between your teeth whenever possible. This small adjustment can make a wonderful difference, as clenching may lead to muscle soreness and headaches.
- Dental problems- Pain may also arise from dental issues, such as cavities. If you haven’t had a dental checkup recently, it might be a good idea to schedule one to rule out any underlying problems.
If you’re feeling concerned or if the pain doesn’t improve, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Q: "Regarding the shaving of my teeth…"
A: You can refer to the links below for more reference regarding about the shaving of teeth, or interproximal reduction. These well-cited articles discuss the safety of this technique and highlight that there are no adverse long-term outcomes associated with it.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889540606013357
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889540606003623
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889540610007596
- Interproximal reduction (IPR) is a technique used to trim the teeth on both sides, which involves the removal of a small amount of enamel (usually 0.1 - 0.5 millimeters) between the teeth using sandpaper or a similar abrasive material. This process helps create space and addresses issues such as crowding or the need for tooth shape improvement. The sensation experienced during IPR is similar to that of a dental scaling procedure, and it typically does not require anesthesia. The entire procedure usually takes around 1 hour to complete.
- While there are potential risks associated with IPR, they can generally be managed. One concern is an increased risk of dental decay if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Thinning of the enamel can make the teeth more vulnerable to decay if preventive measures are not taken. Additionally, some individuals may temporarily experience sensitivity during and after the procedure. Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and avoiding cold or acidic beverages can help alleviate this sensitivity. In rare cases, there may be minor damage to the gums, resulting in bleeding. It's important to note that IPR should not exceed 0.5mm per tooth surface (1mm between two teeth) to minimize potential risks. Studies have indicated that IPR up to 0.5mm per tooth surface, with regular oral hygiene practices, does not increase the risk of dental decay.
Q: "Which is more durable: Zendura or Vivera?"
A: Both Zendura and Vivera are top brands for clear retainers, and are very similar in durability. The main distinction lies in their design: Vivera retainers are shaped to align with the contours of the gums, similar to the Invisalign aligners. In contrast, Zendura retainers feature a straight edge that covers the top of the teeth and gums. This design difference may influence your comfort and fit, but both options are highly effective for maintaining teeth position.