Have you recently started the process of straightening your teeth with Invisalign, and now have questions about the process? Here are a few common questions you may have as a new user of these invisible braces. 

How Long Do The Attachments Stay On Your Teeth?

In order for the alignment trays to stay on your teeth, your dentist installed small attachment points on your teeth so that the trays can stay in place. These attachments will stay on your teeth for the duration of the treatment. It will get removed once the process is finished and you're done wearing the alignment trays.

What Do You Do If An Attachment Falls Off?

If you notice that an attachment comes off a tooth, it's important to contact your dentist immediately. The alignment trays have nothing to latch onto, and those attachment points are what move the teeth. You'll need to return to the dentist and have them put a new attachment point back on your teeth.

Can You Just Wear Aligners At Night And Wear The Trays Longer?

Your treatment is designed with you wearing the alignment trays for almost 24 hours a day, with some time where they can be removed to brush your teeth and eat. The alignment trays should not be removed aside from those times. You cannot make up for the lost time by wearing the alignment trays for more days, because your teeth can shift while the trays are not being worn. Your teeth can actually move in unintended directions, which will cause future trays to not work properly. 

What Happens If You Lose An Alignment Tray?

If you lost your current alignment tray, then you'll need to switch back to your previous tray until you can get a replacement tray from your dentist. That's why it is crucial to always hold onto your previous alignment tray until you move on to using the next one. A common way that alignment trays are lost is by taking them out to eat and putting them into a napkin. Make it a habit to always put your trays into the storage case so that you do not lose them.

When Should You Switch Alignment Trays? 

The most uncomfortable period of time when switching alignment trays is immediately after you switch them. That's why it is a good idea to switch trays right before you go to bed when the time comes. Then you'll be sleeping through the most uncomfortable part of the tray-switching process. 

Contact a local dental office to learn more about Invisalign.