Dr. Choonara Answers Your Invisalign Questions
If you’re looking for answers about Invisalign, you’ve come to the right place! At Choonara Orthodontics, we’re proud providers of Invisalign, the virtually-invisible treatment that straightens your teeth without anyone knowing you’re undergoing treatment. For our teenage and adult patients, Invisalign is the perfect option to help improve self-confidence and overall oral health.
Dr. Choonara is a Diamond Provider of Invisalign, making him one of the most experienced and knowledgeable orthodontists in all of South Africa. Below, you’ll find some answers to the most common questions we receive. If you’re ready to get started, feel free to schedule an appointment, and Dr. Choonara would be happy to help determine if you’re a candidate for Invisalign.
Q: Can I take the aligners out at bedtime?
A: No. In order for Invisalign to work as it’s designed, you must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours every day, including overnight. You can take your aligners out while you eat, and brush and floss your teeth. It is also fine to take them out briefly for those special occasions like job interviews or school photos, as long as you put them right back in afterward.
Q: How long will treatment take with Invisalign?
A: The length of your treatment depends on the specific type of orthodontic problem you have and how compliant you are with wearing your aligners and making all your scheduled appointments. You could be in treatment for as little as six months or as long as 18 months. Dr. Choonara will let you know how long your treatment will take once he’s done providing you with your initial examination.
Q: Are there any foods I have to avoid eating as an Invisalign patient?
A: No. The aligners are designed to be removed before eating. This means you can continue enjoying all your favorite foods for the duration of your treatment. However, be conscious of your diet, as cavities and tooth decay are still possibilities with improper oral care.
Q: Will my speech sound different when I have the aligners in?
A: You may notice that your speech is not as clear as it normally is for the first day or so after you start wearing Invisalign. However, once you get used to having the aligners in your mouth, your speech will quickly return to normal.
Q: Can I smoke and chew gum while I’m wearing my aligners?
A: We do not recommend smoking or chewing gum when you have the aligners in. Tobacco smoke can discolor and stain your aligners and chewing gum will stick to them to make a gooey mess.
Q: How do I keep the aligners fresh and clean?
A: It is easy to clean your aligners as all you need to do is brush them gently using a toothbrush with soft bristles. Then just rinse them off with cool water to keep them fresh and clean.
Q: How often will I need to see Dr. Choonara during treatment?
A: At the beginning of your treatment, we will ask you to come into our office every three or four weeks so Dr. Choonara can make sure your treatment is going along as planned. As your treatment continues to progress, we may tell you that you don’t need to visit us so often.
Q: Will I have to wear a retainer once I’m done wearing my aligners?
A: Yes. It is necessary to wear a retainer after you’re finished being treated with Invisalign. Without a retainer, your teeth will shift back into their previous locations to make all the time, effort and money you invested in your new smile a waste. We will have a discussion with you about your retainer toward the end of your Invisalign treatment and let you know when and how long to wear it.
Interested in Johannesburg Invisalign Treatment?
We encourage you to visit one of the most experienced Invisalign providers in South Africa, Choonara Orthodontics. Just give us a call at (011) 678-8090 or request an appointment with us today and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible to help you set up a time that’s convenient for you. We look forward to seeing you soon!