Invisalign FAQ: Pain, Speech, Eating and Treatment Time Answered
cosmeticdentistry
Honest answers to common questions about clear aligners: soreness, lisps, eating, how long treatment takes, and what to ask your dentist.
Thinking about clear aligners? These are questions we hear often from patients in South Surrey and White Rock. Every smile is different, so your dentist will give you advice based on your own case.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Most people feel some pressure or tenderness for a day or two when they start a new set of aligners. That's a sign the aligners are doing their work. It usually settles quickly. If discomfort worries you, let your dentist know.
Will aligners change the way I speak?
Some people notice a slight lisp at first. Your tongue often adjusts within a few days to a couple of weeks as you get used to them.
Can I eat with my aligners in?
No. Take them out to eat and drink anything other than water, then brush before putting them back in.
How many hours a day do I wear them?
The usual goal is 20 to 22 hours a day, as your dentist directs.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on how much your teeth need to move. Your dentist can give you an estimate after a scan and plan, and regular check-ins show how things are progressing.
Do I need a retainer afterwards?
Yes, in most cases. Teeth can drift back after treatment, so wearing a retainer as advised helps protect your results.
Do I need impression trays?
Not at our office. We use a digital intraoral scanner, so most people skip messy trays. Learn more about our dental technology.
What about cost and insurance?
Our front desk explains costs and what your coverage may include before you begin. See dental insurance and CDCP coverage for general information.
How do aligners actually move teeth?
Gentle, steady pressure lets bone around each tooth reshape. We explain this in how Invisalign moves teeth.
Ready to ask your own question?
Visit Morgan Heights Dental Centre or call us.