Thinking about straightening your teeth with Invisalign? Here are the most common questions we hear about Invisalign treatment at our Concord office.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
Most Invisalign cases take 12-18 months, though simpler cases can finish in as little as 6 months. Treatment time depends on the complexity of your bite and how well you wear your aligners. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, consistent wear (20-22 hours per day) is key to staying on schedule.
Dr. Best will give you a personalized timeline during your free consultation.
Can I Eat With Invisalign Aligners In?
No—you need to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. This prevents staining and damage to the plastic trays, and it prevents you from developing cavities during your treatment. Simply pop them out, eat your meal, brush your teeth (or at least rinse well with water), and put them back in.
This is one of the biggest advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces—no food restrictions!
How Often Do I Change My Aligners?
Typically, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners every week. Each new tray moves your teeth slightly closer to their final position. Dr. Best will give you several sets at once, so you won’t need to visit the office as frequently as you would with traditional braces.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Invisalign is generally more comfortable than braces, but you may feel pressure or soreness when switching to a new set of aligners. This is normal—it means your teeth are moving! The discomfort usually fades within a day or two.
Research published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics found that Invisalign patients report less frequent pain and fewer sores compared to traditional braces.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Invisalign costs vary based on your specific treatment needs, but they’re comparable to traditional braces. At Best Orthodontics, we offer:
- Low down payments
- Flexible monthly payment plans
- Acceptance of all major insurance, FSAs, HSAs, and CareCredit
Learn more about our affordable treatment options or contact us for a personalized quote.
Can Adults Get Invisalign?
Absolutely! In fact, many Invisalign patients are adults who want to straighten their teeth discreetly. Whether you’re 8 or 80, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you’re likely a candidate for Invisalign.
The American Association of Orthodontists reports that one in four orthodontic patients is an adult—and that number continues to grow.
Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign?
Yes. Just like with braces, you’ll need to wear a retainer after completing Invisalign treatment to prevent your teeth from shifting back. Most patients wear their retainer full-time for a few months, then switch to nighttime-only wear.
Learn more about retainers and post-treatment care on our website.
Ready to Get Started?
Still have questions? We’re here to help! Schedule your free consultation today:
- Phone/Text: 704-782-5146
- Social Media: @bestorthonc on TikTok and Instagram
- Website: Contact us here
Dr. Best and our team serve patients from Concord, Kannapolis, Mount Pleasant, Harrisburg, Albemarle, Landis, Midland, Salisbury, and beyond. We can’t wait to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!
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