3520 St. Johns Ave.
Palatka, FL 32177

459 W. Call St.
Starke, FL 32091

Chapman Orthodontics Palatka, FL 32177
386-328-8351

Chapman Orthodontics Starke, FL 32091
386-328-8351

Invisalign® FAQs

The Invisalign system is a series of clear aligners used to straighten teeth.

  • Time for a snack? No problem. Take out your aligners to eat or drink whenever you want.
  • You can remove your Invisalign aligners so you can brush and floss regularly, and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  • You can occasionally remove your Invisalign aligners to enjoy a special night out.
  • There’s no need to change a thing. Continue your day-to-day activities while still straightening your teeth.
  • Be yourself with Invisalign aligners. Since they are clear, you don’t have to hide your smile while going through treatment.
  • With Invisalign treatment, it’s easy to make your smile picture-perfect for that special occasion.
  • Invisalign treatment appointments work with your schedule. Most visits are in and out, with a quick progress check once every six weeks.

The Invisalign system is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Invisalign treatment uses advanced 3D computer imaging technology to depict your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position.

Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth — and your teeth only — to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series until the final position of your teeth is achieved.

Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by your doctor based on your specific needs.

Invisalign aligners are clear, which makes Invisalign treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others. Invisalign aligners are also removable. Unlike braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment simply by removing the aligners when you eat. You can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and good oral hygiene.

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign treatment does not use metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth. In addition, you’ll spend less time in the doctor’s chair and scheduling appointments, and more time out doing the things you love.

Lastly, Invisalign treatment technology allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start your treatment, so you can preview how your straight teeth will look once your treatment is complete.

More than 5,000,000 patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign aligners. The number of Invisalign smiles grows daily. At your next appointment, we can answer any questions you might have, and get you started on the smile you’ve always wanted.

Q. How often must I wear my aligners?
A. You must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours daily. You may remove them for eating, drinking and regular oral hygiene.

Q. Are there any restrictions to what I can eat while in treatment?
A. No. Unlike braces, you may eat whatever you like as long as you remove the aligners before eating. Prior to placing the aligners back on, it is important to brush your teeth and the aligners after you eat.

Q. Will wearing the aligners affect my speech?
A. Like any orthodontic treatment, there is a short adjustment period. The more you speak with the aligners on, the quicker you will adjust.

Q. Is there any discomfort with Invisalign® treatment?
A. There will be some pressure and minor discomfort for a day or two after each initial insertion. This is a sign that your teeth are moving sequentially into their final position.

Q. Can I chew gum?
A. It is recommended that you remove your aligners prior to chewing gum as the gum will stick to the aligners.

Q. Can I smoke with the aligners in?
A. We discourage smoking with aligners as the cigarette smoke will tend to discolor them.

Q. How do I keep my aligners clean?
A. Brushing them with toothpaste will keep them fresh and clean.

Q. How often do I see an orthodontist while wearing Invisalign®?
A. Regular office visits are every five to six weeks. This will ensure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.

Q. What happens after my treatment is complete? Do I need retainers?
A. All orthodontic patients are instructed to wear their retainers at night indefinitely. Sleeping with your retainers in at night will ensure a healthy bite and maintain the new position of your teeth.

Q. How long does Invisalign treatment take?
A. Treatment time varies depending on the severity of the misaligned teeth. Treatment time can be shorter than traditional braces, between six and 18 months.

Q. Does Invisalign work for kids?
A. Yes, if their teeth, including second molars, have grown in completely.

Invisalign and the Invisalign logo, among others, are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc., and are registered in the U.S. and other countries.