15 Questions About Invisalign – Answered

by Image Orthodontics

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June 23, 2025

Invisalign is one of the most popular options for teens and adults looking for a discreet way to improve their smile. At Image Orthodontics, we have helped many patients in the San Francisco Bay Area achieve great results with Invisalign.

If you’re thinking about Invisalign for your orthodontic treatment, you probably have some questions. Here are 15 questions about Invisalign, answered by our expert team.

1. Is Invisalign faster than braces?

In some cases, yes. Invisalign can be faster than traditional braces, especially for patients with mild to moderate alignment issues.

Treatment times vary from person to person. Most Invisalign cases are completed in 12 to 18 months. Usually, traditional braces take 18 to 24 months.

2. Can Invisalign treat overbite?

Yes, in the case of mild to moderate overbites. Using attachments and precision-mapped aligner movements, Invisalign can gradually shift both upper and lower teeth into the desired position.

For more severe overbites, additional orthodontic techniques may be recommended.

Learn more about what types of cases may be treated with clear aligners.

3. Can anyone get Invisalign?

Most teens and adults are good candidates for Invisalign. If you have healthy teeth and gums and are committed to wearing your aligners as instructed, there’s a good chance you’re eligible.

Complex cases may still require traditional braces. Book an Invisalign consultation with us, and we will analyze your case.

Are you a new patient?

Are you an existing patient?

4. Can you get Invisalign with implants?

Yes, you can still get Invisalign if you have dental implants. While implants can’t move, the surrounding teeth can be guided into better alignment.

We will customize your treatment to work around the implant and achieve your ideal bite.

5. Can you get Invisalign with wisdom teeth?

It depends. If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted and healthy, they usually don’t interfere with Invisalign treatment.

However, if they’re impacted or likely to cause crowding, we may recommend removing them before starting aligners.

6. Do you wear Invisalign all day?

Yes, Invisalign aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day to be effective. You’ll take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth.

Consistent wear is essential to keeping your treatment on track and getting the best results.

7. What are Invisalign chewies?

Invisalign chewies are small, soft foam cylinders that help your aligners fit snugly on your teeth.

Biting on chewies for a few minutes a day ensures the aligners are fully seated, which improves tooth movement and comfort.

8. Do you have to wear a retainer after Invisalign?

Yes. After completing Invisalign treatment, wearing a retainer is crucial to keeping your teeth in their new positions.

You can learn more about wearing retainers after Invisalign here.

We will provide a custom retainer and instructions on how often to wear it, typically full-time at first, then nighttime wear long-term. Learn more about our Retain my Smile program.

9. Can you use whitening strips with Invisalign?

It’s not recommended to use whitening strips while wearing aligners. Whitening agents can’t reach covered parts of your teeth, leading to uneven color.

Wait until after your Invisalign treatment or speak with a professional about possible whitening options.

10. Can you drink alcohol with Invisalign?

You should remove your aligners before drinking alcohol. Colored or sugary drinks can stain the aligners and increase the risk of cavities.

Always rinse your mouth and brush, and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in.

11. Can Invisalign fix crowded teeth?

Yes. Invisalign is usually effective at correcting mild to moderate crowding.

The aligners apply gentle, consistent pressure to gradually move teeth into better alignment. That creates more space and improves your overall bite and oral health.

12. What happens if you lose a clear aligner?

If you lose one of your clear aligners, contact us as soon as possible. Depending on your treatment stage, you may be advised to

Wear the previous tray
Move on to the next set early
Order a replacement aligner

Acting quickly can help avoid delays or shifting.

13. Is Invisalign painful?

You may feel mild pressure or soreness for the first day or two when switching to a new set of aligners. This is normal and usually goes away quickly as your teeth adjust.

If you notice any pain, we recommend you contact your orthodontist.

Are you a new patient?

Are you an existing patient?

14. Can you sleep with Invisalign?

Absolutely. You must wear your aligners while you sleep to maintain the required 20–22 hours of daily wear.

Nighttime wear is key to keeping your treatment on schedule.

15. How do you clean Invisalign aligners?

Clean your Invisalign aligners effectively by:

Rinsing them when removed
Brushing gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, fragrance-free soap
Avoiding toothpaste, which can scratch the surface

Always store your aligners in their case when not in use.

Invisalign in the San Francisco Bay Area

At Image Orthodontics, we’re proud to help patients throughout San Francisco and beyond get a healthy, confident smile. We offer Invisalign and clear aligner treatments in the following locations: