Oak Tree Dentistry
Pritpal Gill, DDS

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®

March 11, 2025
|
Posted By: Pritpal Gill, DDS

You likely have questions if you’re considering Invisalign® for your orthodontic goals. If you’re already in treatment, you may also have concerns. Of course, you can always call our dental office for guidance or read through the questions below.

Remember, if your question is not addressed here, we want to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign in Lodi or Elk Grove

Q: Is Invisalign Expensive?

A: Invisalign costs vary by patient and depend on several factors, including how long you will be in aligners and necessary pretreatments like extraction or preventive maintenance. Your dentist will determine the costs at your initial consultation.

Q: Do You Offer Invisalign Specials?

A: At the time of this blog’s publishing (March 2025), we offer free Invisalign consultations. Always check our specials page for changes and new offers!

Q: What Is ClearCorrect®?

A: ClearCorrect is an alternative to Invisalign. They share many things in common but also vary in materials and technology. Your dentist will discuss the differences with you, and we offer both options in our dental offices!

Q: Am I a Candidate for Treatment?

A: Your dentist determines candidacy after examining your teeth and misalignment issues. If Invisalign is unsuitable for your orthodontic needs, the dentist may recommend an alternative therapy.

Q: How Long Will I Be in Treatment?

A: Treatment time varies by patient, but your dentist can determine the timeframe before you start Invisalign therapy. On average, patients spend 18 months in aligners. However, for complex orthodontic issues, treatment can last longer.

Q: What If I Forget to Wear My Aligners?

A: It’s important to remember to wear your aligners. While forgetting for a few hours may not be cause for concern, repeatedly forgetting can disrupt treatment and impact your results. You can set an alarm on your phone (after oral hygiene sessions and meals) to remind yourself to put your aligners back in.

Q: How Often Should I Wear My Invisalign Aligners?

A: Your dentist will instruct you on how many hours per day to wear your aligners (usually 22) and how often to move on to the next set in the series (usually every two weeks).

Q: What If I Lose or Damage My Aligners?

A: If you lose or damage your Invisalign aligner, contact your Elk Grove or Lodi dentist for guidance. Depending on your treatment progress, we may ask you to move on to the next set in the series or discuss replacement. Be sure to keep your aligner in its case when not in use to avoid loss or damage.

Q: How Often Do I See the Dentist?

A: Your dentist will have you visit us periodically for orthodontic monitoring. When you come in to pick up your aligners, we'll provide a schedule for these evaluations.

Q: How Do I Clean My Aligners?

A: You can use a mild hand soap and room-temperature water, or a special cleaning solution sold by Invisalign. We recommend rinsing or cleaning your aligners after every meal to avoid aligner stains and oral health issues like tooth decay that can disrupt treatment.

Q: What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

A: Invisalign in Lodi or Elk Grove offers a whole host of benefits, including:

  • Ease of wear due to smooth plastic
  • Discreet treatment due to clear plastic
  • No eating restrictions due to removability
  • A beautiful and healthier smile that’s easier to care for

Q: Why Do I Need a Retainer?

A: Your teeth have spent years in misalignment and will return to that stage without the retainer, which acts as a reminder or “trainer” to maintain proper alignment. Typically, you wear your aligner only at night. It’s essential to follow your dentist’s instructions for retainer use.

Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today

To learn more about Invisalign clear aligners and our other treatments and services, contact a dental team member today at (916) 714-6644 or (209) 642-4111. We offer two convenient locations in Lodi and Elk Grove to meet your needs.

If you have difficulty using our website, please email us or call us at (916) 714-6644
View the ADA Accessibility Statement