What Patients Should Know Before Starting Invisalign®

June 25, 2026
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Posted By: Dr. Joo, DDS

 

Gone are the days when bulky, uncomfortable braces were the only way to straighten your teeth, and although traditional braces work well for severe orthodontic concerns, clear aligners are a fantastic option for teens and adults with mild to moderate issues.

But before you commit to Invisalign® treatment, there are some things you should know so you can make an informed decision.

Before Treatment: What You Need to Know

Invisalign clear aligners work well for misaligned, gapped, or crooked teeth, but there are some things you’ll need to do to get the most from your treatment plan, including the following:

  • Wear time — For best results, you must wear your clear aligners for 22 hours a day. You’ll only remove them to eat, brush, and floss.
  • Brushing and flossing — After you eat, it’s important to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. This will keep you from trapping food and bacteria against your tooth enamel.
  • Speech adjustments — It’s normal to experience a slight lisp when you begin wearing aligners. Once you get used to them, this issue should resolve itself.
  • Discomfort — You may experience some soreness when you switch to a new tray every one to two weeks. We recommend changing trays at night before you go to sleep. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to combat this issue.
  • Cleaning your trays — Keep your aligners clean by brushing them with a soft toothbrush and antibacterial soap. Also, always store them in their case so you don’t accidentally lose them or throw them away.
  • Costs — We’ll discuss your Invisalign costs with you ahead of time, and if you have dental insurance, we’ll check your coverage. That way, you’ll know exactly what to expect so you can make the appropriate arrangements. We accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, and we work with the Affirm Payment Program.

Orthodontic Treatment in Scarborough, ON

When you’re ready to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, we’d love to talk to you about clear aligner therapy! Visiting our dental clinic for an orthodontic consultation is the first step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile.

To get started, please call us at (416) 366-8188.