Invisalign®: A Comfortable and Convenient Alternative to Braces

Straighten your teeth with clear aligners that are virtually invisible.

logo of Gold invisalign Provider 2021How is Invisalign® Different From Traditional Braces?

Invisalign® straightens your teeth just as effectively as traditional metal braces, but using a modern approach that is best suited for an active and social lifestyle. The clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible, so no one has to know they are there. And unlike traditional braces, they are removable! This makes it possible to brush and floss your teeth without the interference of brackets that can contribute to tooth decay. You can pop these clear braces out to eat and drink whatever you like with no food restrictions. Traditional braces use wires and metal that can poke and irritate your gums. Invisalign® is made of smooth plastic that is comfortable to wear. The convenience of Invisalign® appeals to people in all stages of life. Enjoy the significant benefits of improving your smile with minimal impact on how you look and feel.

How Does Invisalign® Work?

Invisalign® effectively corrects a wide variety of dental problems, including teeth that are widely gapped, overly crowded, or somewhere in between. Invisalign® treatment begins with a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate and to answer all of your questions. Not all dentists or orthodontists work with Invisalign®. We are specially trained providers who will develop an individualized treatment plan for your best results.

We’ll start with x-rays and impressions of your teeth to create a 3-dimensional image. Using this, we can map out the exact movements of your teeth and create a virtual image for you of how your teeth will look. Based on your individualized plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners are made specifically for you. The aligners are made of BPA-free clear plastic and fit easily over your teeth. They are smooth and should be comfortable to wear. You can remove them to clean your teeth and to eat and drink. About every two weeks you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, progressing you through to your treatment goals. To make sure things are going well, you will have a check-up in the office every six weeks or so to monitor your progress.

How Long Will I Have To Wear Invisalign®?

While each case is unique, depending on the treatment needed, Invisalign® usually takes approximately one year for adults. For teens, the length of treatment is comparable to that of traditional braces. For fastest results, you should wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually shift into place. Once you have achieved the beautiful smile you desire, we may recommend retainers to keep your teeth looking good.

What About Special Occasions or Playing Sports?

Since Invisalign® is designed to be removable, it is perfectly fine to take out your aligners for a special night or event. Or if you play a contact sport that requires a mouth guard, you can simply replace your aligners with the mouth guard while you play. If your contact sport does not require a mouth guard, an extra advantage to Invisalign® is that it allows you to continue to wear your aligners without worrying about sharp brackets or wire ends cutting your mouth.

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Invisalign® FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Invisalign® treatment?

Invisalign® Treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. No brackets and wires, and none of the restrictions that come with metal braces.

What are Invisalign® clear aligners made of and what do they look like?

Invisalign® clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack created exclusively for Invisalign® Treatment.

How will Invisalign® treatment straighten my teeth?

Your Invisalign® Provider will create a unique, digital treatment plan that maps out the exact movements of your teeth. Your Invisalign® clear aligners are then designed to apply the right amount of force to the right place at the right time based on your plan. Your Invisalign® Provider will be with you every step of the way to monitor your progress and ensure your aligners fit correctly.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign® treatment?

  • Invisalign® clear aligners are virtually invisible — people may not even notice you’re wearing them. You can remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions. There are no metal brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth or break.
  • Unlike other brands, Invisalign® clear aligners are made from patented SmartTrack material, which is more comfortable and provides a better fit.
  • Invisalign® aligners are also trimmed based on your gum line for comfort and appearance. As the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, we have successfully improved over 12 million smiles, including 3 million teen smiles.

Am I guaranteed to have straight teeth with Invisalign® treatment?

Every smile is unique, which is why your Invisalign® treatment starts with a consultation. During your consultation, your Invisalign® Provider will help you determine what Invisalign® treatment could do for your smile. We cannot guarantee a particular treatment outcome, however, we encourage you to share your treatment goals with your Invisalign® Provider at your consultation.

Who is Invisalign® treatment for – Is Invisalign® treatment right for me?

Yes! Invisalign® treatment can be a great solution for both adults and teens looking for a virtually invisible method to improve their smile. Our innovations and technological advancements make it possible to fix nearly all common teeth-straightening and bite issues, from simple to complex — all without interrupting your busy life. And, thanks to a discreet blue dot on the outside of teen aligners, parents can be sure their child is wearing their clear aligners enough.

What is the treatment process?

Invisalign® Treatment starts with a consultation with an Invisalign® -trained doctor. Your doctor will evaluate your smile and then map out a precise, customized digital treatment plan that showcases the step-by-step transformation of your smile. Once you approve your plan, your unique aligners will be created. You will wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by your doctor. Each set of aligners will gently and gradually shift your teeth into place, according to your treatment plan, until you reach your beautiful new smile.

How long does Invisalign® treatment take?

Depending on the complexity of your case, you could complete your treatment in as little as 6 months. But you’ll start seeing results in a matter of weeks.

What are Invisalign® clear aligners made of and what do they look like?

Invisalign® clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack created exclusively for Invisalign® Treatment.

How much does Invisalign® treatment cost and what are the payment options?

  • In most cases, the cost of Invisalign® treatment is comparable to the cost of braces. Your doctor will determine the cost of your treatment based on how complex your case is and how many aligners you need.
  • There are several options to make Invisalign® treatment more affordable for you, from using insurance and tax-free dollars to a monthly payment plan.

Will my insurance cover Invisalign® treatment?

Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign® treatment the same way they cover braces. Your insurance may pay for a certain percentage of your Invisalign® treatment, or it may pay for a certain dollar amount.

What payment options are available for Invisalign® treatment?

  • Many doctors offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans, which allow you to make small payments through the course of your Invisalign® treatment rather than all at once.
  • Doctors may also offer financing through Lending Point, Care Credit, or another third-party patient financing program. This makes it easier for you to get the treatment or procedures you want and need.
  • You can use your FSA or HSA to pay for Invisalign® treatment using tax-free dollars.

Why should I feel confident about Invisalign® treatment?

Over 12 million people, including more than 3 million teens, have used Invisalign® clear aligners to transform their smiles.

How is Invisalign® treatment different than other teeth straightening options?

Invisalign® clear aligners are made from patented SmartTrack material which moves teeth comfortably and predictably.

Do Invisalign® clear aligners contain Bisphenol A (BPA)?

  • All Invisalign® aligner and retainer materials are made of medical-grade, high molecular weight, thermoplastic polymers. These materials were selected for use in aligners and retainers based on their properties and safety classification, as well as have a long history of FDA approvals for long term use inside the human body. Tests conducted to determine the biocompatibility of these materials show they are biocompatible and pass all applicable regulatory requirements and thresholds for human wear in the mouth.
  • Based on our current knowledge and testing of the raw materials and processes used in the manufacture of aligners and retainers, we are not aware of any latex, parabens, phthalates, glutaraldehyde, epoxy, or Bisphenol A (BPA) present in our aligners or retainers. Of course, as with any medical device, you should consult with your health professional about your aligner or retainer treatment and any applicable risks of use.

How old is the company behind Invisalign® clear aligners?

Align Technology, Inc., the company that makes Invisalign® clear aligners, was founded in 1997.

Has the FDA approved Invisalign® treatment?

Yes, Invisalign® aligners are classified as Class II medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Align Technology, Inc. received the necessary 510(k) clearance from the FDA to sell and market Invisalign® treatment in 1998.

I am currently wearing braces. Can I make the switch to Invisalign® treatment?

Possibly! Doctors are treating a significant number of patients with a combination of braces and Invisalign® clear aligners — consult your doctor to determine the best treatment approach for your smile.

Since having my braces removed, my teeth have shifted. Can Invisalign® treatment fix this?

Yes, Invisalign® clear aligners can treat nearly all common teeth-straightening issues, from simple to complex. Many people who formerly had braces choose Invisalign® treatment as the discrete solution to improve their smile when they find that their teeth have shifted back.

I have veneers or crowns. Will Invisalign® clear aligners work with them?

It depends. Talk with your doctor about the dental work you’ve had done, including veneers and crowns, and he or she will evaluate your individual needs.

I have bridgework on several teeth. Will Invisalign® clear aligners still work?

Invisalign® clear aligners are designed to move each tooth individually. Because bridgework connects two or more teeth, clear aligners may not be effective.

Can anyone tell that I’m wearing the aligners?

Invisalign® aligners are virtually invisible. Others may not even notice you’re wearing them, making Invisalign® treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle.

Can I take my aligners off whenever I need to?

Yes, you can remove your Invisalign® aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding, job interview, or for playing your favorite sport or instrument. Just remember to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results.

Are there any restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?

None! Invisalign® clear aligners are removable, so there are no food restrictions at all (hello popcorn!). With traditional wires and brackets, there’s a long list of foods you unfortunately can’t enjoy because they can damage or get stuck in your braces.

Is Invisalign® treatment painful?

Invisalign® treatment moves your teeth by applying gentle, constant force, but some people do feel temporary discomfort for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. Typically, people describe it as feeling “pressure” and it’s normal — it’s a sign your Invisalign® clear aligners are working and transforming your smile. Please see your doctor if you have any concerns or experience continued discomfort.

Sometimes when I remove my aligners, my teeth feel loose. Is that common?

As your Invisalign® aligners gradually shift your teeth into their proper position, your gums are re-forming around each tooth as it moves. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns.

Will Invisalign® treatment still work if I only wear my aligners while I sleep?

You need to wear your Invisalign® aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the results you want.

Will wearing Invisalign® clear aligners affect my speech?

It may take a couple of days for your tongue to get used to having your Invisalign® aligners in your mouth, and you may have a slight lisp. But this should disappear quickly.

Will smoking stain my aligners?

We discourage smoking while wearing Invisalign® aligners because it can stain them.

Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?

No, gum will stick to your Invisalign® aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, including gum.

Can the aligners slip off while I’m asleep?

It is very unlikely that your aligners would ever fall out, no matter what you are doing: sleeping, talking, laughing, etc. Invisalign® clear aligners are designed to fit snugly around your teeth, so this should not be a cause for concern.

I went on a trip and forgot to take my aligners with me. Will my aligners still fit?

The answer depends on how long you’ve gone without wearing your Invisalign® aligners. If it’s only been a short time, your aligners should still fit, but they might feel uncomfortable. If it’s been a longer time, talk to your doctor about your unique situation.

How do I take care of my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water and using the Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals or special cleaning tablets. It’s important that you brush your teeth after each meal before re-inserting your aligners to maintain good oral hygiene.

If I have food residue (like blueberries or pasta sauce) in my mouth when I put my aligners back in, can they become stained?

That’s why it’s important to brush after every meal, before placing your Invisalign® aligners back in your mouth.

What if I lose or break an aligner? What should I do?

If you lose or break an Invisalign® aligner, immediately let your Invisalign® Provider know. Your Invisalign® Provider will work with you to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan, which may involve wearing a previous set of aligners, your next set of aligners, or ordering replacements aligners.

Can I order replacement aligners from the Invisalign® brand directly?

All aligners and retainers must be ordered through your Invisalign® Provider as they are considered a prescription item. Please contact your Invisalign® Provider directly if you need to order a replacement.

Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?

Most doctors recommend that anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment, whether with braces or Invisalign® treatment, use a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back toward their initial position. Every case is different, so ask your doctor if you need retainers.

What type of retainer should I use?

  • While there are many different types of retainers, we recommend Vivera® retainers. Vivera® retainers are virtually invisible and made from a proprietary material 30% stronger than other leading clear retainer materials, which helps you keep your new smile.
  • Your Vivera® retainers will be custom-made from an impression or scan of your teeth using the same state-of-the-art technology used for Invisalign® clear aligners.

How much do Vivera® retainers’ cost?

Contact your doctor for more information on Vivera® retainers, as pricing can be based on your individual needs. All Vivera® retainer orders will include an extra set; in case you lose one.

How do I order Vivera® retainers?

You can order Vivera® retainers through your doctor.

How long will I have to wear my Vivera® retainers?

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how often you need to wear your retainers. Typically, you wear your first set full time, then based on your doctor’s recommendation you may gradually reduce how much you wear them until you only wear them at night.

What if I lose my Vivera® retainer?

No problem. If you lose or break your last set of Vivera® retainers, or simply run out, just get in touch with your doctor. Your doctor can work with you on purchasing a new set of Vivera® retainers, so you can keep showing off that smile!

More than One Million Patients Worldwide Have Been Treated with Invisalign®. Call us for an appointment to get the smile you want without having to change a thing!