Westend Dental Clinic Invisalign FAQs

Question 1

How does Invisalign actually move my teeth?

Accepted Answer

A custom series of transparent, medical-grade plastic aligners is printed from a 3-D scan of your bite; each tray applies gentle, targeted pressure so teeth track along the digital plan in 0.1–0.25 mm increments. You switch to a new tray every 1–2 weeks until the final position is reached.

Question 2

How many hours a day do I have to wear the aligners?

Accepted Answer

For predictable results you must keep them in 20–22 hours per day, removing them only for meals, hot drinks, and brushing/flossing. Less wear time is the number-one cause of extended treatment.

Question 3

Will Invisalign hurt?

Accepted Answer

Most people feel mild pressure or soreness for the first 24–48 hours of a new tray—similar to post-workout muscle ache. Discomfort rapidly subsides and over-the-counter pain relief is usually unnecessary.

Question 4

How long does treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Typical cases finish in 10–18 months; simple spacing or minor crowding can wrap up in 6 months, while complex bite corrections may run 18–24 months. Your orthodontist can refine the estimate after digital simulation.

Question 5

What problems can (and can’t) Invisalign fix?

Accepted Answer

Clear aligners predictably correct mild-to-moderate crowding, spacing, rotations, open bites, and many overbites/underbites. Very severe skeletal discrepancies or teeth that need vertical movement may still require braces or jaw surgery.

Question 6

How much does Invisalign cost, and will my insurance help?

Accepted Answer

National surveys put fees in the C$ 3,500 – 9,000 range, similar to traditional braces. In Canada and the U.S., 70–90 % of major dental plans classify Invisalign under orthodontic benefits and reimburse up to C$ 3,000 on average. Flexible monthly payment plans and FSA/HSA dollars can further reduce upfront cost.

Question 7

How often will I need check-ups?

Accepted Answer

Progress appointments are quick (15 – 20 min) and are normally scheduled every 4–6 weeks to verify tooth tracking and hand you the next sets of trays. Skipping visits risks delays or mis-tracking.

Question 8

How do I clean my aligners so they stay clear?

Accepted Answer

Rinse trays in cool water, then brush them gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, non-abrasive soap twice a day; avoid toothpaste, mouth-wash, or hot water, which can scratch or warp the plastic. Weekly soaks in manufacturer cleaning crystals keep odors at bay.

Question 9

Can I eat or drink whatever I want?

Accepted Answer

Yes—just pop the trays out first. Eating or drinking anything but water while they’re in can stain or crack them and lets sugars trap against enamel. Try to limit aligner-out time to ≤ 2 hours total per day to maintain the 20-hour wear goal.

Question 10

Do I have to wear retainers after I’m done?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Teeth relapse life-long, so a clear Vivera™-type retainer is worn full-time for the first few months, then nightly indefinitely to protect your new smile.

Straighter teeth, no brackets or wires

Why choose Invisalign?

Nearly invisible

Eat anything

Fewer visits

The Invisalign process

Step 1

Book a consultation to discuss your goals

Step 2

Receive a comfortable, mess-free 3-D digital scan

Step 3

Collect your custom aligners and begin smiling

Types of misalignment:

Overbite

Underbite

Crossbite

Gapped teeth

Open bite

Crooked teeth

Mixed baby teeth

Consultation Form

CONTACT INFO

Westend Dental Clinic

OUR HOURS

QUICK LINKS