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 - 554 votes

5 Stars (554 Reviews)

Read Why Our Patients Love Us

The staff is always polite and kind, and the office is always clean — you can feel it as soon as you walk in. I’ve been coming here for years, even since the pandemic, and the doctor is truly caring. They take the time to really get to know you and always make sure you follow up on your...
The staff is always polite and kind, and the office is always clean — you can feel it as soon as you walk in. I’ve been coming here for years, even since the pandemic, and the doctor is truly caring. They take the time to really get to know you and always make sure you follow up on your dental health. I’ve been able to keep her as my dentist because I truly trust her. I’ve never felt like they were trying to upsell or overcharge me. My dentist is also very direct — she tells me what I don’t want to hear, but what I need to hear. I know I’ll get “in trouble” if I don’t take care of my teeth — and honestly, I appreciate that accountability! If y’all want a dentist, this is the one to go for!!

R. P. (Verified Patient)

Dr. Brinda and her team at Serenity have always taken the best care of my teeth. They are super friendly, professional, and quick! 10/10 would recommend!

A. E. (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)

Very friendly and understanding staff who truly make you feel comfortable. Natalie, the dental assistant, was especially kind and reassuring. Great experience overall at Serenity Dental!

D. M. (Verified Patient)

Serenity Dental is truly awesome. The entire team is professional, kind, and attentive. They make you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in. Highly recommend

S. S. (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. Had such a great experience with Esme today! She was super friendly, gentle, and made the whole appointment super enjoyable. _____ 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)

Been coming here for a decade. Good people, good practice.

V. D. (Verified Patient)

Kind and gentle team led by Dr.Nair!!

S. M. (Verified Patient)

Always a very pleasant and comfortable experience especially for a dentist!!! :)

M. B. (Verified Patient)

I went in to Serenity dental to get a regular check up since I hadn’t been in a while. The ladies at the front desk, Ana and Bailey, greeted me with warm smiles and checked me in. Within 5 minutes I was on my way to the back to get checked out. To my dismay, they discovered 2 cavities. Dr....
I went in to Serenity dental to get a regular check up since I hadn’t been in a while. The ladies at the front desk, Ana and Bailey, greeted me with warm smiles and checked me in. Within 5 minutes I was on my way to the back to get checked out. To my dismay, they discovered 2 cavities. Dr. Nair was extremely friendly and suggested I come back and get them filled. She was transparent about pricing and procedure, which was relatively reasonable. Overall, it was as good as any experience at a dental office can be. I will be returning to Serenity Dental for all of my future dental procedures. 10/10

A. D. (Verified Patient)