Thinking about getting Invisalign®? More than 21 million people worldwide (including over 6 million teens) have chosen Invisalign clear aligners to improve their smiles!
And while most people know Invisalign is a more discreet way to straighten your teeth, there are a lot of other benefits people don’t always expect, like fewer office visits, more flexibility, and an easier day-to-day treatment experience.
If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Athens, Watkinsville, or Grayson, GA, or you’ve been wondering, “Should I get Invisalign?” you’re in the right place. Dr. Russell is a Top 1% Invisalign provider, known as THE Invisalign GOAT!
We’ve created a guide with 10 helpful things to know before getting started, so you can feel more confident about your decision.
Here are 10 things to know before starting Invisalign:
TL;DR: What to Know Before Starting Invisalign
- Invisalign is discreet, comfortable, and often easier to fit into your lifestyle than people expect.
- You’ll need to wear your aligners consistently, but most patients adjust to the routine quickly.
- There are some small learning curves, like brushing more often and getting used to tray changes, but they’re usually very manageable.
- Many patients love the flexibility of fewer appointments, no food restrictions, and a more convenient treatment experience.
- Want to see if it’s right for your smile? Explore Invisalign at our orthodontic office in Athens, Watkinsville, or Grayson, GA!
1. Invisalign Only Works If You Actually Wear It (But It’s Easier Than You Think)
One of the biggest things patients say after starting Invisalign is, “I didn’t realize how important wear time really was.”
At some point in treatment, you may think, “can I not wear my Invisalign for a day?” To get the best results, it’s important that you wear your aligners for 20–22 hours a day. That might sound like a lot at first, but most patients adjust quickly once it becomes part of their routine.
Not wearing your Invisalign can delay your treatment. The good news is that Invisalign aligners are clear, smooth, and comfortable, which makes them much easier to wear consistently throughout the day than many people expect. And once you get into the habit, it usually feels very manageable.
If you want your treatment to stay on track and finish as efficiently as possible, consistency is everything.
2. Invisalign Can Be Surprisingly Convenient for Busy Schedules
A lot of people assume orthodontic treatment automatically means frequent appointments, but Invisalign can be much more convenient than expected.
Because clear aligners don’t require adjustment appointments, you need fewer in-office visits than you would with traditional braces.
You’ll be changing out your aligner sets at home on your own, and when you visit us, we’re simply checking your smile and either giving you a big thumbs up, or making any adjustments to your treatment plan and giving you tips to support your progress.
With Russell Remote, powered by DentalMonitoring™ technology, you can also complete virtual check-ins from home by sending in photos of your smile through the app.
Dr. Russell will review your progress remotely and provide guidance along the way, helping you stay on track without unnecessary trips to the office.
That convenience is a huge benefit for busy adults, working professionals, students, and families balancing full schedules.
3. Virtual Monitoring Makes Treatment Even Easier
One thing many patients don’t realize before starting is how helpful virtual monitoring can be during Invisalign treatment.
With the DentalMonitoring™ app and ScanBoxpro, you can take photos of your smile from anywhere and send them directly to Dr. Russell at the recommended frequency.
We’ll review your progress, ensure everything is moving as planned, and communicate any guidance or next steps through the app.
You can even see your progress over time with photo time-lapse technology, which shows how your smile is transforming throughout treatment!
Small tools like this can make a big difference, especially during the first few weeks when you’re building new habits and getting used to your aligners.
4. Invisalign Can Actually Be Pretty Fun to Personalize
While many people choose Invisalign for their virtually-invisible appearance, some like a little colorful customization in their smile. Invisalign can do both!
Invisalign™ Stickables are colorful decorations designed to stick on your aligners, so you can show off a little personality while still keeping your treatment on track. Whether you like seasonal designs, sports themes, cute icons, or something playful, it’s a fun way to make treatment feel a little more like you.
Stickables are especially exciting for kids and teens, but a lot of adult patients love them too!
5. Invisalign Can Help You Build Better Oral Hygiene Habits
One unexpected benefit of Invisalign? A lot of patients end up taking even better care of their teeth during treatment.
Because you remove your aligners to eat and drink, and because it’s important to brush and floss before putting them back in, many people become much more consistent with their oral hygiene than they were before.
Yes, it does mean brushing and flossing more often, but that extra attention can be a really positive thing for your overall oral health. Many patients finish treatment not only with a straighter smile, but with cleaner habits too.
To keep your aligners fresh and clear, it also helps to clean them regularly with products like Invisalign Cleaning Crystals.
6. There’s Usually a Short Adjustment Period (and Then It Gets Way Easier)
Like anything new, Invisalign comes with a bit of an adjustment period at first.
For the first few days, you may notice that speaking feels slightly different, your mouth feels a little more aware of the trays, or you have a mild lisp here and there. This is all very normal.
Most patients adjust very quickly. Your mouth, tongue, and speech usually adapt within just a few days, and before long, wearing your aligners starts to feel second nature.
Reading out loud, talking more often, and simply giving yourself a little time can help speed up the adjustment.
7. A Little Pressure Is Normal (and It Usually Means It’s Working)
When you switch to a new set of aligners, it’s common to feel some pressure or mild soreness for a day or two.
That can sound intimidating if you’ve never had orthodontic treatment before, but in reality, it’s usually a sign that your teeth are moving exactly the way they’re supposed to.
Most patients describe Invisalign discomfort as manageable and temporary, especially compared to what they expected. So if you’re wondering, does Invisalign hurt? Invisalign should not ‘hurt’, but you may feel a little pressure.
Switching to a new tray before bed, eating softer foods for a day or two, and using an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed can all help make things easier.
8. You’ll Need to Take Them Out to Eat (Which Many Patients Love)
At first, removing your aligners every time you eat or drink anything besides water may sound inconvenient.
But for a lot of patients, this is actually one of the biggest benefits of Invisalign.
You can enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about brackets, wires, or food getting stuck in braces. No food restrictions. No navigating around appliances. Just take your aligners out, eat, brush, and pop them back in.
It does require a little planning, especially if you snack often or drink coffee throughout the day, but many patients find the freedom well worth it.
9. You Might Need Invisalign Attachments or Buttons (But They Help Invisalign Do More)
A lot of people picture Invisalign as just clear trays, but some smiles need a little extra help to get the best result.
That’s where Invisalign attachments and buttons come in.
Attachments are small, tooth-colored shapes placed on certain teeth to help your aligners create more precise movement. Buttons may be used with rubber bands to improve your bite and how your teeth fit together.
While they can make treatment slightly more noticeable, they also allow Invisalign to treat more complex orthodontic issues more effectively. In other words: they’re there to help your smile turn out even better.
10. Retainers Are Part of Keeping Your Results for Life
One of the best things to know before starting Invisalign is that treatment doesn’t just end the day your final tray comes out.
To keep your new smile looking the way it should, you’ll need to wear your retainers after treatment. For most patients, that means transitioning into nighttime wear long-term.
The good news is that this part is usually a very easy adjustment, especially if you’re already used to wearing clear trays. In many cases, retainers look and feel very similar to Invisalign aligners.
A straighter smile is an investment, and retainers are what help protect it. That’s why we offer the SmileLock retainer program to help you protect your retainer and ultimately, your smile!
Bonus: Some Weird Little Invisalign Side Effects Are Totally Normal
There are also a few funny things patients don’t always expect when they first start Invisalign, like producing a little more saliva than usual or feeling extra aware of the trays for the first day or two.
As strange as that feels at first, it’s completely normal. Your body is simply adjusting to something new in your mouth, and those sensations usually fade pretty quickly.
In other words: if Invisalign feels a little weird at first, that doesn’t mean anything is wrong. It usually just means you’re adjusting.
Ready to live your best Invisalife?
Invisalign can be a great option if you want a straighter smile with more flexibility, fewer interruptions to your lifestyle, and a treatment experience that feels a little easier to manage day to day.
If you’re still wondering whether Invisalign is right for you, you’re in the right place. The next step is to schedule a complimentary consultation and talk through your options with Doc Russell. Meet with us in person or virtually first!
At Russell Orthodontics in Athens, Watkinsville, and Grayson GA, we’re here to answer your questions, explain what to expect, and help you decide whether Invisalign is the right fit for your smile.
