Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign® Treatment

Considering Invisalign clear aligners to enhance your smile? You probably have questions about the treatment process. We've gathered the questions we hear most frequently from patients interested in Invisalign treatment, covering everything from the fundamentals to daily aligner maintenance. 

At Serenity Dental, we believe in making your path to a straighter smile clear and worry-free. Take a moment to review these common questions about how Invisalign treatment fits into your everyday life. If you don't see your particular question answered here, Dr. Nair would be happy to discuss your specific concerns during a personal consultation.

How does Invisalign treatment work?
Invisalign treatment straightens teeth using a series of custom-made transparent aligners rather than traditional metal orthodontics. You'll progress through multiple sets of precisely engineered aligners, wearing each pair for one to two weeks before advancing to the next set in your sequence. At Serenity Dental, we create a computerized treatment simulation that shows the step-by-step transformation of your smile from beginning to completion.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The average Invisalign treatment completes in 12 months. To achieve optimal results, aligners should remain in place for at least 22 hours daily. They should only be removed during meals, drinking anything besides water, and for oral hygiene routines. We'll schedule periodic checkups to monitor your progress and ensure your smile transformation stays on schedule.
Does Invisalign treatment feel uncomfortable?
You may experience temporary pressure sensations for several days after inserting a new aligner set. This mild discomfort actually indicates successful treatment progress as your teeth gradually shift position. You'll find Invisalign treatment is significantly more comfortable than conventional braces since there are no metal components to cause mouth irritation. Over-the-counter pain medication can effectively manage any temporary soreness if necessary.
Can I eat and drink normally with Invisalign aligners?
You must remove your aligners before consuming anything except water. This actually provides greater dietary freedom than fixed braces, since you can enjoy all foods without restrictions. Always brush your teeth before reinserting aligners to prevent discoloration and decay. Remember that maintaining the recommended 22-24 hours of daily wear is crucial for achieving your treatment timeline and desired results.
What happens after my Invisalign treatment is complete?
Following your Invisalign treatment, retainers become essential for preserving your newly aligned smile. Consistent retainer use prevents teeth from gradually shifting back toward their original positions. Retainers are necessary as long as you wish to maintain your results. We'll provide custom-fitted retainers along with specific care instructions to protect your investment in your beautiful new smile.
Is Invisalign treatment suitable for teenagers?
Absolutely! We offer specialized Invisalign products designed for patients of all ages and their unique orthodontic needs. We successfully treat patients throughout all life stages from childhood through adulthood. Our treatment options are comprehensive and effective.
How do I get started with Invisalign treatment?
Beginning your Invisalign journey is straightforward. Simply schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Nair to evaluate your candidacy for clear aligner therapy. During this appointment, we'll thoroughly examine your teeth, discuss your smile goals, and address your questions. If you choose to proceed, we'll capture digital impressions of your teeth to develop your personalized treatment plan. You'll preview your potential smile transformation before your aligners are even manufactured.
Is Invisalign treatment right for me?
Absolutely! Invisalign therapy effectively addresses a wide variety of orthodontic concerns for patients seeking smile enhancement. The system works exceptionally well for correcting crowded teeth, closing gaps, and resolving various bite issues. We achieve outstanding outcomes for patients across all age groups, from children to seniors. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your specific situation and design a treatment approach tailored to your individual needs.
5 out of 5 stars - 533 votes

5 Stars (533 Reviews)

Read Why Our Patients Love Us

Dr. Nair and Staff at Serenity Dental were extremely professional and so nice—especially Esme, Bailey, and Anastasia. It made my experience a pleasant one. They provided me detailed information as they were working through each step in my treatment plan. I cannot say enough great things...
Dr. Nair and Staff at Serenity Dental were extremely professional and so nice—especially Esme, Bailey, and Anastasia. It made my experience a pleasant one. They provided me detailed information as they were working through each step in my treatment plan. I cannot say enough great things about this practice--so glad to have experienced it! I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

M. R. (Verified Patient)

As a dental hygienist myself I can wholeheartedly say that Dr. Nair does excellent dental work. I’ve had very thorough and gentle cleanings by her and her hygienists as well as had a filling placed on one of my front teeth due to a chip in a very visible area and it is seamless with my natural...
As a dental hygienist myself I can wholeheartedly say that Dr. Nair does excellent dental work. I’ve had very thorough and gentle cleanings by her and her hygienists as well as had a filling placed on one of my front teeth due to a chip in a very visible area and it is seamless with my natural tooth. The color match is perfect. I can also say that the equipment used here is top notch. I choose to get my cleanings done every 4 months and I get them done at the office I work at and here because I trust their work. I’ve been coming here for several years now and Dr. Nair and her team have not changed in their kind nature and fair prices.10/10 would recommend.

A. C. (Verified Patient)

Great and welcoming staff. They do a great job and are always very thorough and honest on status of my teeth and ways to improve my dental hygiene. Highly recommend.

M. M. (Verified Patient)

Hands down the best dental experience around! Dr. Nair is excellent, as are every single one of the staff. Great communication, great systems, great people. Worth the drive, even with the Oak Hill highway construction! Thanks y'all.

H. Y. (Verified Patient)

I’ve been coming here to Serenity Dental for about three years Dr. Brinda Nair yes, provided excellent service always shows that she cares about your treatment plan and everyone else is just as great here

E. G. (Verified Patient)

Edit: I absolutely love Dr. Rao as well, both her and Dr. Nair are amazing dentist. Also I'd like to give a shoutout to the front desk team, Bailey and Anastasia, they are the sweetest. They’re always welcoming, super helpful with scheduling, and make the whole experience so easy from start to...
Edit: I absolutely love Dr. Rao as well, both her and Dr. Nair are amazing dentist. Also I'd like to give a shoutout to the front desk team, Bailey and Anastasia, they are the sweetest. They’re always welcoming, super helpful with scheduling, and make the whole experience so easy from start to finish. The office itself is clean, calm, and has such a welcoming vibe. _____ Dr. Nair is an excellent dentist. I recently relocated to Austin from Seattle and was worrying about looking for a new dentist, but I got lucky I found Dr. Nair. She is a professional and has a naturally lovely personality. We had a little chat after my care and I love talking to her :) On top of that, she took extra time to explain every procedure she was doing to me and make sure that I am always comfortable. Not to mention, the whole staff crews are so nice. I tested positive for covid a couple of days before the appointment. I tried calling the office but realized they are closed due to the holiday. I sent them an email and to my surprise, they called me right away to inform me it is okay to reschedule when I'm feeling better. The staff also waived my last-minute cancelation fee ~ The whole experience was 10/5 ✨✨✨ I would recommend Dr. Nair and this business to everyone. She and the team are the best dental crew in town!

K. M. (Verified Patient)

Dr. Nair is great at explaining proposed treatments and keep you updated and informed during treatment. Her gentle demeanor no doubt puts patients at ease. Her staff (shout out to Elizabeth) are super friendly as well.

R. R. (Verified Patient)

Everyone is so kind and helpful! Elizabeth did a fantastic job of cleaning and telling me care information to make sure my teeth stay with me forever!

V. S. (Verified Patient)

From start to finish the service was great. This was my first ever time seeing a dentist and getting dental work in all of my 33 years of life and I could do it again. My son also had an appointment. He had been traumatized by a recent, unrelated, hospital visit, and was unsure about seeing the...
From start to finish the service was great. This was my first ever time seeing a dentist and getting dental work in all of my 33 years of life and I could do it again. My son also had an appointment. He had been traumatized by a recent, unrelated, hospital visit, and was unsure about seeing the dentist. He was hesitant at first, but Dr. Nair walked him through his dental appointment. He started off turning his body sideways to avoid making eye contact, but in the end he ended up laying back and listening, even responding to her questions at times. When it was my turn, I had Esmeralda as a hygienist. She walked me through the cleaning and was so reassuring and patient with me. With this being my first time ever seeing a dentist or getting dental work, I had no idea what to expect. There was a minimal amount of times I expressed discomfort and as soon as I did, she stopped immediately, applied more gel, then worked on another area until she discomforted area was for sure numb. Dr. Nair literally walked me through it. As soon as I heard the drill come on, I felt a little anxiety. As soon as the filling started, I hear her not only comforting me through it but also coaching and explaining things to the assistant who was helping her at the time. As soon as a major part was done, she offered to take a break so that I can gather myself. I told her that it was not what I expected and went so smoothly that I was ready to start the next part right away. It was over before I knew it. For my first dental appointment, this was not only thorough, but very comforting through the entire process. I don’t want to find a professional to help back home in the DFW, I am perfectly fine coming back to Dr. Nair’s office in the future.

I. C. (Verified Patient)

Dr. Nair and her team are fantastic. They go through great lengths to ensure their patients are as comfortable as they can be. It's obvious they care about their patients. I've recommended numerous friends and family to go and I'll continue doing so. PS: Esme (like the character from Twilight)...
Dr. Nair and her team are fantastic. They go through great lengths to ensure their patients are as comfortable as they can be. It's obvious they care about their patients. I've recommended numerous friends and family to go and I'll continue doing so. PS: Esme (like the character from Twilight) is great.

D. H. (Verified Patient)