Invisalign

Following your dentist's recommendation would be the best move.
For many years, Invisalign recommended changing trays every two weeks. However, research showed that weekly changes is successful in many situations, and Invisalign (in recent years) changed their recommendations to allow weekly tray progression.
I typically prefer weekly tray changes for 3 reasons:&nbsp;
(1) I design tooth movement for weekly tray changes. Orthodontists work directly with Invisalign to determine the exact tooth movements in every tray. I prefer weekly tray changes, so I make sure the amount of tooth movement set to be accomplished by each tray can actually be accomplished in one week.
(2) Patients like a new fresh set of trays each week. Even with perfect cleaning protocols, trays after one week of wear are not as pristine as when they are taken out of the packaging. A new set of trays is refreshing.
(3) Changing the trays weekly allows for easier planning for patients. Changing your trays every Thursday night is easier to remember than changing your trays every other Thursday night.
My main goal is for orthodontics is to be easy, predictable and successful!

So I see a ton of questions about changing invisalign trays early, and all the answers seem to say DONT DO IT!! But my question is has anyone actually tried it? Has there been tests done on patients who change their trays early? All the doctors who have answered the question seem to be so sure that you will have terrible results if you switch early, why is this so? Does anyone have a link to an invisalign patient who changed their trays early?if not I may be willing to do it myself. thanks.

Has Anyone Actually Switched Invisalign Trays Early?

Invisalign works extremely well as long as two things happen: (1) the patient wears the trays properly (2) the orthodontics is planned properly.
(1) PATIENT WEAR 
With proper wear, Invisalign is very predictable and successful. However, Invisalign trays only work if the patient wears them. The recommendation by Invisalign is 20-22 hours. There is a direct correlation with success and wear. Patients that wear the trays more see results faster. Over the years, many patients in my office have tried wearing the trays 10-15 hours a day and tooth movement was slow and unpredictable. This is of course frustrating for both patients and the orthodontist.&nbsp;
(2) PROPER PLANNING BY ORTHODONTIST
Your orthodontist works with Invisalign to design your beautiful end result. A 3D virtual simulation is establish showing tooth movement throughout the Invisalign process, tray by tray. You can actually track your progress and compare your tooth movement to the computer simulation throughout your Invisalign journey. This step-by-step virtual plan developed by Invisalign and your orthodontist is the key to your results - meaning the key to loving your smile at the end. This means that the designer (your orthodontist) is an integral part to Invisalign working the way that you hope. Before even starting your first tray, you should review the 3D simulation to make sure the result matches what you would like to accomplish.

before i spend thousands (ugh) I want to make sure <a href='/reviews/invisalign'>Invisalign</a> works as promised in the advertising.

Does Invisalign Work?

WHAT ARE INVISALIGN ATTACHMENTS? 
Invisalign attachments are small tooth-colored bumps that are temporarily placed during Invisalign treatment. These attachments are important as they serve as "handle-bars" that allow the Invisalign trays to easily grasp your teeth. At the end of Invisalign, these attachments are very easily polished off.
WHY USE ATTACHMENTS? 
Invisalign only works if the trays can adequately hold your teeth during tooth movement. If the trays are very loose, they are not gripping your teeth enough to move your teeth as desired. An important part of orthodontics, which should not be underestimated, is efficiency - the trays need to grasp your teeth properly for orthodontics to progress predictably and successfully.
Many patients say they feel the trays CLICK into place because of the attachments These attachments help establish that perfect fit of the trays that is essential for ideal orthodontics.
With all this being said, there still are situations - like very mild tooth movement&nbsp;- where attachments are less important and used less frequently.

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I just got my x-rays, etc. yesterday. Can someone explain this attachments/buttons thing to me? That is not something I had been educated on... do they go on the back of your teeth?
I have to say I'm looking forward to getting the whole process going. My two teeth next to my top front teeth are about 1/3 crowded behind my front teeth. I told myself that I'd fix them before I was 30. I'm 29 now so I'm finally getting it done! She is also going to trim down my front teeth - anyone had this done?
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What Are Invisalign "Buttons" and Where Are They Attached. 

Invisalign has been around for quite some time. For many years, Invisalign recommended changing trays every two weeks. However, Invisalign CHANGED their recommendation to allow for weekly Invisalign trays in recent years. The length of time - one week or two weeks - will be recommended by the dentist.
Orthodontics is planned in stages. During certain stages, two weeks may be recommended while weekly changes may be recommended during other stages. So, I would not be surprised if your Invisalign specialist changes&nbsp;from two weeks to one week (or vice versa) during treatment, based on the desired tooth movements at that particular stage.

It seems that after about a week, my teeth have moved and will fit in the next tray. Is there any disadvantage to moving through the trays faster and replacing each tray after a week?

Can I Go on to my Next Invisalign Tray After Less Than 2 Weeks, if my Teeth Fit in It?

Your Invisalign trays are adapted perfectly to your teeth. However, beverages DO sneak between your trays and your teeth. And the Invisalign trays squeeze this beverage right up against your teeth.
I see absolutely no issue with drinking plain water with the trays in place as much as you would like. However, I recommend patients to drink other beverages (with sugar or lemon or lime) quickly with the trays out. When done with the beverage, I recommend rinsing with water before replacing the trays; even better would be to brush your teeth before replacing the trays but I understand that is not always feasible.
A lot of my patients are teenagers that play a lot of sports. The riskiest Invisalign patients are those that are drinking Gatorade or other sugary drinks for hours at practice each day after school with their Invisalign trays in place. The sugary beverage is pushed right against the tooth surface and can cause discolorations. Unfortunately, I have seen this - more than I like. For this reason, I recommend only plain water with the trays in place. Furthermore, for patients that insist on drinking these sugary drinks after school for hours, I recommend to avoid Invisalign. As an orthodontist, we want results to be beautiful at the end. Straight teeth that are discolored are not beautiful.

This is just my 2nd day with <a href='/reviews/invisalign'>Invisalign</a>. The little bit of discomfort is going away. I was told to ONLY drink water when the <a href='/Braces/reviews'>braces</a> are in, due to the possibility of causing decay. My question is this, how could other liquids (with sugar,etc.) present a problem if I will be brushing within 4-5 hours? Lots of people(without Invisalign) eat candy, etc. and don't brush until 12 or more hours later. Seems to me, exposure for only 4-5 hours can't possibly present much of a problem. Does it really need to be water-only when they're in?

With Invisalign, is It Okay to Drink Liquids Other Than Water?

Yes, Invisalign can certainly correct an overbite with great success. When Invisalign first came out a long time ago, for some reason, it developed a reputation for not being the best at fixing overbites. However, I have found overbite correction to be very predictable and successful. If considering Invisalign, I would highly recommend seeking treatment by a specialist with a high level of experience and expertise in fixing your individual bite issue.
Also, you should really watch your 3D virtual Invisalign simulation BEFORE you even start. This allows you to see your predicted results and overbite correction prior to putting in your first Invisalign tray. Throughout the Invisalign process, you can even&nbsp; review this 3D simulation to ensure your teeth are tracking what the Invisalign simulation shows.
Also, for extreme overbites, you should not be surprised if your orthodontist recommends wearing removable rubber bands along with the Invisalign trays. In this situation, you would place your upper and lower Invisalign trays in your mouth and then add a small clear rubber band that hooks on easily from your top tray to your bottom tray. Typically, these rubber bands are worn on your side teeth, so they are barely visible. Furthermore, the rubber bands are often only worn while you are at home and sleeping. These rubber bands would be worn in a way to move your upper teeth back and your lower teeth forward to reduce your overbite.

Is Invisalign overbite correction possible? Can a person use Invisalign to correct an overbite?

Will Invisalign Correct an Overbite?

I find most patients start noticing changes within the first 6-12 weeks with Invisalign. Your teeth will not move tremendously during these first weeks, but the changes should be significant enough where you will notice them and feel confident that the trays are working as expected. 
Each tray accomplishes a little bit of movement, which is why trays are changed frequently. Each tray does not move every tooth.
Orthodontics is accomplished in planned stages. For example, in a patient that has a tremendous amount of spacing between the teeth, all of the space is not closed simultaneously, space is closed in a sequenced order to make sure the results are as ideal as possible.
An amazing feature of Invisalign is the 3D virtual simulation of tooth movement that your orthodontist will likely review with you BEFORE you even start. By watching the simulation, you will be able to see the predicted tooth movement at each stage, so you know what to expect throughout your orthodontic treatment. This 3D simulation can be reviewed during the process at any time, so you can easily monitor your progress.

When Should I Start Seeing Invisalign Results?

Invisalign trays are clear so you can easily see any food or discoloration. This allows the trays to be easily cleaned because you always know if you have more work to do.
I recommend using a toothbrush with water and making sure you clean ALL of the nooks and crannies. Remember, your teeth have hills and valleys which come together to allow you to chew. Your aligners have all of these same hills and valleys, as the trays are manufactured specifically for your teeth down to the slightest detail. This means that you should get in there and clean every aspect, or the trays will gradually start to discolor, making them more noticeably to friends and peers. Simply cleaning them with a toothbrush and water - but being meticulous while doing so -&nbsp;can make them spotless and remain spotless.&nbsp;
I do not recommend using toothpaste when cleaning the trays, because toothpaste has tiny abrasives, which over time can make the trays appear less pristine and clear. Excessively brushing the trays with toothpaste can actually give the trays a more "cloudy" look - making the trays more noticeable.

What is involved in cleaning Invisalign aligners? &nbsp;How long does the invisalign cleaning process take?

How Does One Clean Invisalign?

If you would like your teeth to stay perfect after you finish Invisalign, a properly fitting retainer is essential. You don't have to wear the retainer all of the time but at least 3 to 4 nights per week. If you ever see your teeth shifting or space re-opening, then you can increase to 6-7 nights per week. Also, if you do not like wearing the retainer while you sleep, you can wear it during the day instead for around 6-8 hours.
Retainers are like orthodontic insurance. If you wear a properly fitting retainer every night, your teeth will not shift! If you don't wear a retainer, it is like throwing the cards up in the air. You don't know how they will land. For some people (the lucky ones), teeth don't shift; but for a lot of people, the teeth will shift over time.&nbsp;
I still wear a retainer every night. Yes, I have to because I'm an orthodontist. But even if I wasn't an orthodontist, I like my smile and want it stay like this for the rest of my life, and retainers are the answer.

After <a href='/reviews/invisalign'>invisalign</a> would I have to wear a retainer forever? I have a gap and my front left tooth is crooked. Many people includeing my bf say that I shouldnt even bother my teeth because he thinks that they are fine (he had really bad teeth, like horrible when he was younger and i believe had to wear <a href='/Braces/reviews'>braces</a> for like 3 years or more, so he wants me to stay away from anything that does something to your teeth). I want my teeth straight, but my only problem is I read someone's review and they said that they have to wear a retainer forever. I don't mind having to wear them for a while, but I really don't want to wear them forever, if i have to ask a ortho, could they be able to tell me if i have to wear it forever before they even start me with invisalign because I really don't want to?

How Long After Invisalign Do I Need a Retainer?

Invisalign and braces are BOTH amazing, but the two options are SO different. In almost all situations (except a few), very similar results can be accomplished with braces and Invisalign in a very similar amount of time. So, what makes them so different??? THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE
On one hand, Invisalign clear trays are removable and can be taken out whenever you like. On the other hand, braces are glued onto your teeth. The two options provide a VERY different experience.
PROS OF INVISALIGN: A) Esthetics - of course Invisalign looks better than braces B) Comfort while eating - you are able to take the trays out while eating which provides a nice sense of freedom C) Less diet restrictions - with braces, there are more restrictions on foods that you not supposed to eat 
PROS OF BRACES: A) Less responsibility - you don't have to worry about taking trays in and out because they are glued onto your teeth B) Predictability - because braces take compliance of wearing trays out of the picture
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN BRACES AND INVISALIGN: A) Your friends will know you are in the middle of orthodontic treatment whether your have braces or Invisalign - it's not a secret B)&nbsp;Mild discomfort - discomfort in orthodontics is from your teeth moving so soreness can be expected from either treatment modality. B) Time of treatment - if accomplished as efficiently as possible, braces and Invisalign should move your teeth in a similar amount of time&nbsp;
DECISION TIME!!!! I think the two most important aspects to make this decision are (1) Your view on the appearance of braces AND (2) Responsibility.
-If you do not like the appearance of braces and you know that you will be responsible wearing the Invisalign trays, you likely will choose Invisalign.
-If you do not like the appearance of braces but don't think you will be responsible wearing the Invisalign trays, you may try Invisalign but clear braces may really be the best option.
-If you do not mind the appearance of braces and know that you will be responsible wearing the Invisalign trays, any option is probably good.
-If you do not mind the appearance of braces and don't think you will be responsible wearing the Invisalign trays, you will likely choose metal braces or clear braces.

I saw the invisalign video on tv and it made it seem it works like normal metal braces. Can someone explain the difference between invisalign and braces?

What's the difference between Invisalign vs Braces?

Jordan Lissauer, DMD

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