Answers to Your 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners and Invisalign® Questions
We’re sharing the answers to the questions we hear most frequently from our Denver Invisalign and Clarity Aligners patients. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for below, give us a call at (303) 694-4330 and a knowledgeable, friendly team member will be more than happy to help!
HOW DOES INVISALIGN/CLARITY WORK?
Our doctors create a personalized treatment plan for you and Invisalign or 3M fabricates a series of custom, clear, plastic aligners based on her specifications. Each set of aligners exerts controlled force to move teeth bit by bit based on the tooth movements our doctors prescribed at the start of your treatment. Often, in order to give your Clarity or Invisalign aligners something to grip onto to achieve complex tooth movements, our doctors may also bond tooth-colored attachments to your teeth. These composite buttons are discreet and most people won’t be able to see you have them. You’ll wear each set of aligners for about 20 to 22 hours per day, changing to a new set every one to two weeks. As you progress through the series, your teeth and bite will gradually shift into alignment.
HOW LONG DO CLEAR ALIGNERS TAKE?
The length of Clarity Aligners or Invisalign treatment varies by patient and depends on the complexity of your case and how closely you follow the instructions for wearing your aligners. Some patients will complete treatment in under a year, however, for most patients, 3M Clarity or Invisalign treatment will last for about 18-24 months.
DO CLEAR ALIGNERS HURT?
No, 3M Clarity Aligners and Invisalign do not hurt. However, while you won’t feel any real Invisalign pain, your teeth and gums can be slightly tender when you first start treatment and when putting in a new set of aligners. This just means your clear aligners are working! Sticking with soft foods and cold foods and drinks, and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, if needed, will help with discomfort.
WHAT CAN YOU EAT WITH INVISALIGN OR 3M CLARITY ALIGNERS?
There are no food restrictions with Invisalign or 3M Clarity Aligners. You can continue to eat all of the foods you love throughout your treatment since you’ll take your aligners out to eat and drink anything aside from plain water.
CAN I SMOKE WHILE WEARING CLEAR ALIGNERS?
No. You shouldn’t smoke with your Clarity or Invisalign aligners in your mouth. The nicotine will cause discoloration and your aligners will no longer be clear. It’s also worth noting that teeth move most efficiently in a healthy oral environment, so quitting smoking can be beneficial on every level.
HOW MANY HOURS PER DAY DO I NEED TO WEAR MY INVISALIGN OR CLARITY ALIGNERS?
It’s recommended that you wear your Invisalign or Clarity aligners for about 20 to 22 hours per day for the best results. Only take your aligners out to eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth, and to wear a mouthguard while playing sports.
WILL MY ALIGNERS AFFECT MY SPEECH?
Some patients don’t notice any change in their speech, while others have a slight lisp when they first start treatment. If this happens, don’t worry, your speech will return to normal once you get used to wearing your aligners. To speed up the process, try talking whenever you can. Sing along to your favorite songs or read aloud to yourself.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF 3M CLARITY ALIGNERS AND INVISALIGN?
Both 3M Clarity Aligners and Invisalign aligners have no brackets and wires, so they won’t irritate your mouth or interfere with playing sports or an instrument. The smooth, clear plastic aligners are comfortable and virtually invisible. Since you can take them out, there are no food restrictions and you can brush and floss as you normally would. They’re also a good option for our Denver TMJ patients, as many find they’re helpful for pain relief. While both types of clear aligners are effective, we typically use 3M Clarity Aligners because our doctors have more fine-tuning capabilities, and she’s able to get the bite exactly how she wants it with the clear aligner system.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY INVISALIGN ALIGNERS OR CLARITY ALIGNERS?
While you can purchase an Invisalign cleaning system, when it comes to how to clean Invisalign or 3M Clarity Aligners, the most affordable, simple solution is to brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush (don’t use toothpaste because it can be abrasive) and rinse them with lukewarm water in the morning and before bed.
HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO SEE OUR DOCTORS DURING CLEAR ALIGNER TREATMENT?
Clear aligner treatment, and orthodontic treatment in general, is more efficient and convenient than ever before. While most of our Denver Invisalign and Clarity patients will need to come to see us every 6 to 8 weeks for a check-up, we customize treatment for each patient, so appointment intervals may vary according to your unique needs and situation. Since clear aligners don’t require adjustments, these visits are quick and easy.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR INVISALIGN OR 3M CLARITY TREATMENT?
The good news is, clear aligners can treat a wider variety of cases than they could in the past, including those that are moderate to severe. Yet, every patient is unique. To find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign or 3M Clarity Aligners in Denver, schedule an exam with Dr. Moran and Dr. White today!
HOW MUCH DO 3M CLARITY ALIGNERS AND INVISALIGN COST?
The 3M Clarity or Invisalign cost varies and depends on the complexity of your case and your individual treatment plan. At Foundations Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on giving our patients the best value by offering the highest quality of care and in-depth, personalized treatment planning for a fair price. Our cost is all-inclusive, meaning every step of your treatment is included and there won’t be any surprises. At your pre-treatment consultation, our Treatment Coordinator will let you know your exact Invisalign or 3M Clarity Aligners cost. If you have insurance that covers Invisalign or Clarity treatment, this can reduce how much you pay out of pocket (we’ll even file claims on your behalf). We can also work with your HSA or FSA, and we offer flexible financing options to suit any budget.