A Gold Plus Provider of Invisalign Clear Braces in Stouffville
Dr. Tarra Elliott is an Official Invisalign Gold Plus Provider in Stouffville
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign treatment uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that apply controlled pressure to gradually move teeth toward their planned positions. Digital scans are used to create a three-dimensional model of your teeth and develop your treatment plan. You then progress through a series of aligners as your teeth move. You wear each set about 22 hours a day and switch to the next every one to two weeks as your teeth gradually move. Treatment often takes 6 to 24 months, depending on your case.
Why Do Patients Choose Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are:
clear and difficult to notice
removable for eating
removable for brushing and flossing
custom-made for your teeth
free of traditional brackets and wires
For many adults and teens, that combination makes orthodontic treatment easier to fit into everyday life.
How Many Hours a Day Do You Wear Invisalign?
Most Invisalign patients are instructed to wear their aligners for approximately 20 to 22 hours each day. They are generally removed for meals, drinking anything other than water, brushing and flossing. Following the prescribed wear schedule is important because the treatment plan assumes the aligners are being worn consistently.
How Often Do Invisalign Aligners Change?
Patients progress through different aligners throughout treatment. The timing can vary by treatment plan. Many patients move to a new aligner approximately every one to two weeks, but our team will provide the schedule appropriate for your case.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Treatment time depends on how much movement is required and how consistently the aligners are worn. Some relatively simple cases can be completed much more quickly than complex orthodontic treatment. Following your assessment and digital scan, our team can give you a more meaningful estimate based on your own teeth.
What Can Invisalign Correct?
Depending on the individual case, Invisalign may be used to address:
crowded teeth
spaces between teeth
certain overbites
certain underbites
crossbites
general tooth alignment
Not every orthodontic problem is best treated with clear aligners, which is why a careful assessment comes first.
Invisalign or Braces?
Both Invisalign and traditional braces move teeth. The major difference is that Invisalign uses clear removable aligners while traditional braces use brackets and wires attached to the teeth. The right choice depends on the type and complexity of tooth movement required, lifestyle preferences and the patient's ability to wear aligners consistently.
What Happens at an Invisalign Consultation?
During your consultation, our team can:
discuss what you would like to change
examine your teeth and bite
determine whether Invisalign is appropriate
explain the treatment process
discuss anticipated treatment time
answer questions about fees and payment options
Some Additional Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Invisalign hurt? | Most people feel pressure or mild soreness for a day or two after switching to a new set of aligners. This usually fades quickly. |
| Can I eat and drink with aligners in? | Take your aligners out to eat and to drink anything other than plain water. Brush your teeth before putting them back in. |
| Will I need a retainer afterward? | It depends. Teeth tend to shift back without a retainer. Many patients wear a retainer at night long-term to preserve their new smile. |
| Am I too old for Invisalign? | Never! Adults of any age can have their teeth moved if their gums and bone are healthy. We have many patients who decide to take action late in life and love the outcome. |
| Is Invisalign covered by insurance? | If your plan includes orthodontic coverage, it often covers part of Invisalign treatment. We can submit a pre-treatment estimate to confirm. |
Wondering what Invisalign could do for your smile?
Dr. Elliott is an official Invisalign Gold Plus Preferred Provider in the Stouffville area. She has helped thousands of patients achieve the smile they’ve always dreamed of with the convenience of Invisalign.