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Invisalign Patient Information

Invisalign Patient Information

Because no two patients are alike and every patient has his or her preferences, Drs. Randal D. Morita and Scott Morita are proud to offer a wide array of options for straightening teeth. One of the most innovative treatment options our practice offers is the Invisalign system. This teeth straightening option consists of a series of clear, custom-made removable aligners which are designed to gradually move teeth. As an Invisalign patient, it’s important that the aligners are worn correctly to ensure that your treatment plan moves along seamlessly as planned.

Morita Orthodontics

Invisalign® Use & Care

Invisalign® Use & Care

  • Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn full time with the exception of eating and cleaning the teeth, amounting to a minimum of 22 hours per day.
  • 300 hours of wear time – Aligners require a minimum 300 hours of wear time to move teeth which is accomplished when aligners are worn 22 hours a day in a 2-week period
  • Treatment won’t progress when aligners are not being worn.
  • Possible relapse – If aligners aren’t worn as directed, small increments of relapse can occur to greatly affect treatment effectiveness and length.
  • You can drink while wearing aligners but avoid hot and colored drinks to avoid warping and staining.

Attachments are aligner components designed to either facilities difficult tooth movements or to stabilize aligners. The “bumps” or attachment on the teeth engage with the corresponding “bumps” in the aligner. Be sure to:

  • Use the Chewies – Every time you insert the aligner, bite the chewie several times along the full arch
  • Attachments must engage – When putting aligners in, check that the attachments are engaged as engagement is essential to your treatment.
  • Check attachments regularly – If one is chipped, broken or loose, notify us immediately.

After two weeks of wear, you can assess whether to move to the next set of aligners. Do not move on to next set of aligners if current aligners are still fitting tightly or if small clear edges appear between aligner and teeth in any area. Instead, continue wearing aligners for another week.

  • If after 3rd week of wear, any of above are still present, contact us.
  • If current aligner fits well and isn’t tight, do not move on to the next set unless it hasn’t been 2 weeks. Use your chewies.
  • Make sure all attachments are intact and tight. Report any problems to us immediately.
  • Make sure the attachments engage when placing next set of aligners. To monitor this, outline attachments with a wax pencil so you can see how the outer rim fits into the aligner bump.

Clean aligners at least once per day. Brush your aligners with your toothbrush after brushing or clean with some dishwasher soap. Remember to Brush & floss your teeth after eating and drinking.

If you lose or break an aligner – contact us immediately. If a lost aligner needs replacing, there is a fee for replacement aligners.

  • Sometimes an aligner can have a sharp edge, which can be shaven down with an emery board.
  • We may take scans during or at end of treatment to make necessary adjustments or to “detail your finish”.
  • Sometimes it’s necessary to wear another series of aligners at the end of the first series of aligners to complete your treatment plan.
  • Lack of cooperation/neglect to wear aligners can make treatment more costly.

Contact Us

Our Aiea & Honolulu orthodontics practice is proud to offer outstanding orthodontic care to the patients we serve. We want you to obtain the best possible result, which is a straight, and beautiful smile so don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions or concerns about Invisalign treatment.

Contact us today!

Locations

1441 Kapiolani Blvd #1000, Honolulu, HI 96814

1441 Kapiolani Blvd #1000, Honolulu, HI 96814

98-1247 Kaahumanu St #325, Aiea, HI 96701

98-1247 Kaahumanu St #325, Aiea, HI 96701

Notice of Temporary Closure

RE: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

To our valued patients,

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), President Trump, the American Dental Association and the Hawaii Dental Association are recommending all dentists postpone nonemergency dental procedures for 2 weeks. Our practice is committed to protecting the community and avoiding using valuable resources that our first responders and frontline healthcare providers will need.

Our office will be closed effective today, Wednesday, March 18, and we plan to resume regular hours on Wednesday, April 1. If you are experiencing a true dental emergency including swelling or severe tooth pain, please call your general dentist office, and listen closely as emergency contact info will be available. For all nonemergent questions, please email us at [email protected].

We are so sorry for the burden this places on your schedules, but your continued health and safety are our number one priority. Our office is working diligently to reschedule all patients with existing appointments within the next 2 weeks. We will continue to evaluate the situation as it evolves and determine on a weekly basis when it is appropriate for us to return to normal orthodontic patient care. We ask for your compassion and understanding at this time as we all work together to keep Hawaii healthy.

Sincerely,

Your Morita Orthodontics Ohana