Are there restrictions as to what I can eat while in treatment?

No. Thanks to the removable nature of the aligners, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment. In fact, you’re required to remove your aligners to eat and drink. So, unlike when undergoing traditional treatment using wires and brackets, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks unless you are instructed otherwise by your doctor.

Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to reinserting your aligners to maintain fresh breath and proper hygiene. Remember that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.

• Will smoking stain the aligners?
  We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discolored.
• Can I drink alcohol with the aligners in?
  Because of the high sugar content in alcohol, a moderate amount would be fine to consume, as long as care is taken to clean the teeth and the aligners soon after so as not to trap sugar between them. The same applies for any sugary beverage.
• Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?
  No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.
• How often must I wear my aligners?
  We find that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing
• How often must I see my Invisalign doctor?: Your doctor will schedule regular appointments, usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

• How long will treatment take?
  The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case and can only be determined by your doctor; however, the average case takes about 12 months for adults. The length of time necessary for a teen patient may vary and can be determined by your doctor.
• I went on a trip and forgot to take my aligners with me. Will my aligners still fit? The answer depends on how long you’ve gone without wearing them. If for a short period of time, the aligners should still be able to fit over your teeth. You might feel slight discomfort as your teeth readjust to the aligners. If the lapse in time is significant, please consult your Invisalign Provider. He or she will be best prepared to respond to your unique situation.

• What’s the best way to clean my aligners The best way to clean your aligners is to use the Invisalign Cleaning system, available for order at www.invisalignstore.com. As a secondary method, however, your aligners can also be cleaned by brushing them and rinsing them in lukewarm water.
• If I have food residue (like blueberries or pasta sauce) in my mouth when I put my aligners back in, can they become stained?
  Yes. That’s why it’s important to brush after every meal, before placing the aligners back in your mouth
• I dropped my aligners in an unsanitary place. Do I need to sterilize them after I clean them?
  It is very important to always ensure your aligners are clean and hygienic before placing them in your mouth. That’s why Invisalign offers its Cleaning System with special Cleaning Crystals. They keep your aligners clean, hygienic and clear.
  And as an added bonus, the Cleaning Crystals also quickly remove plaque, in as little as 15 minutes. Please do not use hot water at any time on your aligners as this may cause irreparable warping of the plastic.
• One of my aligners has cracked. What should I do?
  Please contact your Invisalign Provider. A cracked aligner will not be able to provide the necessary amount of pressure for proper tooth movement, so the aligner will need to be replaced. You should act on this as soon as possible so as not to cause your teeth to shift back into their old position while a replacement aligner is created for you.

•  Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again? Most doctors recommend that anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment, whether braces or Invisalign treatment, use a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back towards their initial position. Because every case is different, please speak to your doctor to confirm if you need post-treatment retainers and if they are needed for both upper and lower teeth
  What type of retainer should I use?
  While there are many different types of retainers, we recommend Vivera® retainers. Vivera’s proprietary material is 30% stronger than other leading clear retainer materials, which helps maintain your teeth in the final position. Because the retainers are custom made from an impression or scan of your teeth using the same state-of-the-art technology as Invisalign clear aligners, you will benefit from a more precise and comfortable fit.
  What is the cost of Vivera retainers?
  The price is established by your Invisalign provider and may vary based on your geographic location. You will receive a set of four retainers, so you can have an extra pair in case they are lost and/or misplaced.
  How do I order Vivera retainers?
  Vivera retainers can be ordered through your Invisalign provider.