For patients who want a straighter smile but prefer to avoid the look and feel of traditional metal braces, Invisalign® clear aligners offer an advanced and discreet solution. The Invisalign system straightens teeth using a series of virtually invisible, custom-made aligners—eliminating the need for metal bands, brackets, or wires.

These smooth, comfortable trays are easy to remove for eating, brushing, flossing, and special occasions, making them a convenient choice for everyday life. Because the aligners are made from clear medical-grade plastic, most people will never notice you’re wearing them.

Invisalign aligners deliver the same orthodontic results as traditional braces—without the discomfort, dietary restrictions, or appearance concerns that often accompany metal appliances.ing them.

Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment Technology

The Invisalign® system uses advanced 3D computer imaging technology to map out a personalized treatment plan for each patient. This digital model predicts the precise movement of the teeth from their current position to the desired alignment, allowing the dentist to design a custom series of clear aligners tailored to each stage of progress.

Each set of Invisalign aligners is worn for approximately two weeks before being replaced with the next in the series. Over time, the gentle and continuous pressure from each aligner gradually moves the teeth into their ideal positions—creating a straighter, more balanced smile without the need for brackets or wires.

Candidates for Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment

Invisalign® clear aligners are highly effective in correcting many of the same orthodontic issues traditionally treated with metal braces. They can address a wide range of concerns in both teens and adults, including:

• Crooked or misaligned teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Gaps or spacing between teeth
• Bite issues, such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite

Whether used for minor cosmetic adjustments or more complex bite corrections, Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable, and precise solution for achieving a balanced, healthy smile.

Benefits of Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment

Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, and do not draw attention to the mouth; most people cannot tell when someone is wearing them. Invisalign aligners offer many benefits over traditional metal braces including:

• More cosmetically appealing
• Lower cost
• Little-to-no impact on daily life
• Less painful
• Greater flexibility because aligners can be removed at any time
• Easier to keep teeth clean and healthy
• No dietary restrictions

With no metal or wires to irritate the mouth, an active, athletic lifestyle, free from worry about injury or bracket breakage, can be maintained.

Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment Process

Step One: Consultation with a Certified Invisalign Provider

The Invisalign® treatment process begins with a comprehensive dental consultation. During this visit, the dentist evaluates whether Invisalign is the right solution for the patient’s specific alignment and bite concerns.

If Invisalign is appropriate, the dentist will create a personalized treatment plan designed to achieve the best possible results. To start, a series of digital X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions (or 3D scans) are taken to capture an accurate model of the patient’s teeth and bite. These detailed records are then used to design the custom aligners that will guide the teeth into their ideal positions over time.

Step Two: Fabrication of Invisalign Custom Aligners

Invisalign® treatment uses advanced 3D computer-imaging technology to transform digital impressions of a patient’s teeth into a customized series of clear, removable aligners. This innovative software allows the dentist to map out the entire treatment plan, showing the step-by-step movement of the teeth from start to finish.

Using the same imaging system, the dentist can even preview the anticipated results—providing patients with a clear visualization of what their new smile will look like before treatment begins. This digital analysis is completed in-office before any aligners are made, ensuring a highly accurate and personalized treatment plan.

Step Three: Receiving the Invisalign Aligners

At the next appointment, the patient receives their first sets of custom Invisalign® aligners. Each set of aligners is worn day and night for about two weeks, and removed only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Patients typically visit their dentist or orthodontist every four to six weeks to monitor progress and receive their next series of aligners. This ensures the teeth are moving according to plan and that adjustments can be made if needed.

Treatment is considered complete once all aligners in the series have been worn. The average treatment time varies depending on the complexity of the case, but most patients achieve their desired results in six months to one year.

The Invisalign® system has been clinically proven to be a highly effective and comfortable method for straightening teeth and achieving a confident, healthy smile.

Additional Resources

MedlinePlus
National Institutes of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
WebMD