Invisalign Clear Aligners

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, customised 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.

What is Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. There are no brackets and wires and no 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 Doctor 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 Doctor 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, 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 8 million smiles, including 1.4 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 Doctor will help you determine what Invisalign treatment could do for your smile. We cannot guarantee a particular treatment outcome but encourage you to share your treatment goals with your Invisalign Doctor at your consultation.

Could Invisalign treatment be right for me?

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 Invisalign Doctor will evaluate your smile and then map out a precise, customised 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 Invisalign Doctor. Each set of aligners will gently and gradually shift your teeth into place, according to your treatment plan, towards your beautiful new smile.

How do I get started with Invisalign treatment?

Our Smile Concierge Team can help you make an appointment with an Invisalign-trained Doctor near you. You can also find an Invisalign-trained Doctor near you using our online locator.

Many Invisalign Doctors offer free initial consultations. For the best experience, take the time to find the right Invisalign Doctor for you — someone who makes you feel comfortable and has the experience you’re looking for.

What is the Smile Concierge Team, and what can they do for me?

The Smile Concierge Team is a friendly squad here to help make getting started with Invisalign treatment even easier. They can help you schedule a consultation and find an Invisalign-trained Doctor near you.

Can I go to any dentist or orthodontist for Invisalign treatment?

Many orthodontists and dentists are Invisalign-trained Doctors, but not all are. Orthodontists and dentists who want to offer Invisalign treatment must complete specialised training. Our Smile Concierge Team can help you find an Invisalign-trained Doctor near you, or you can use our online locator.

What should I bring to my consultation with my doctor?

Bring your questions (we’ve got a list to get you started here). You should also bring any information you might have about your dental history.

What should I expect during my consultation?

During your consultation, your Invisalign Doctor will discuss your teeth-straightening goals with you and examine your smile in order to determine your specific needs. Your Invisalign Doctor may also talk to you about how quickly you could reach your new smile and your individual treatment cost.

Your Invisalign Doctor will most likely recommend scheduling a dental check-up and cleaning before you begin Invisalign treatment to ensure your teeth and gums are in top health and avoid unnecessary risks.

How long will treatment take?

The length of treatment depends on multiple factors, like how complex your case is and how often you wear your aligners. Your Invisalign Doctor will determine precisely how long your treatment could take based on your specific needs. On average, Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months, though you can start seeing results in a matter of weeks.

How often will I change my Invisalign aligners?

Your Invisalign Doctor will tell you how often you should change to new Invisalign aligners (this can vary based on your individual treatment plan). Many Invisalign Doctors recommend changing Invisalign clear aligners weekly or every other week.

How often will I have appointments with my Invisalign Doctor?

Your Invisalign Doctor will schedule regular appointments, usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.

My Invisalign Doctor mentioned “attachments”. What are they, and why would I need them for my Invisalign treatment?

Your Invisalign treatment may require SmartForce attachments, small tooth-coloured shapes that are attached to your teeth.

These shapes serve as handles, giving the aligners something to gently push on in order to move your teeth with the right amount of force, and are what make complex tooth movements possible without braces. Invisalign clear aligners fit smoothly and tightly around them, so they’re barely noticeable.

While not everyone who uses Invisalign clear aligners will need SmartForce attachments, if you need them, your Invisalign Doctor will attach them to your teeth at the start of or during your treatment and remove them when they are no longer needed.

How much does Invisalign cost?

Like other types of orthodontic treatment, the price of the Invisalign treatment depends on the complexity of your dental correction and your course of treatment.

Is Invisalign treatment more expensive than braces?

Invisalign treatment typically costs about the same as braces.

How many people have used Invisalign clear aligners?

Over 8 million people, including more than 1.4 million teens, have used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles.

How is Invisalign treatment different from other teeth-straightening options?

Invisalign treatment is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, backed by more than two decades of innovation.

Unlike braces, Invisalign clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible. There are no wires and brackets, so you don’t need to change the way you brush and floss. And you can continue to eat all your favourite foods.

And no other clear aligner is made from SmartTrack material. This advanced technology helps move your teeth more predictably and can help you get the smile you want up to 50% faster. Learn more about the Invisalign difference or view our treatment comparison chart.

How old is the company behind Invisalign clear aligners?

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

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

Possibly. Invisalign Doctors are treating a significant number of patients with a combination of braces and Invisalign clear aligners — consult your Invisalign 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 discreet 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 Invisalign 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, a job interview, or for playing your favourite 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, as 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 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 Invisalign Doctor if you have any concerns or experience continued discomfort.

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

Yes. 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 Invisalign 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 for 20 to 22 hours daily to get the desired results.

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, the 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 will 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 longer, talk to your Invisalign Doctor about your unique situation.

What’s the best way to clean 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?

Yes. 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 Doctor know. Your Invisalign Doctor 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 replacement aligners.

Can I order replacement aligners from the Invisalign brand directly?

All aligners and retainers must be ordered through your Invisalign Doctor, as they are considered prescription items. Please contact your Invisalign Doctor 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 Invisalign 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 Invisalign 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 were specifically designed for use after Invisalign treatment and are made from a proprietary material 30% stronger than other leading clear retainer materials, which helps you to keep your new smile.

Your Vivera retainers will be virtually invisible and 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 Invisalign 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 if you lose one.

How do I order Vivera retainers?

You can order Vivera retainers through your Invisalign Doctor.

How long will I have to wear my Vivera retainers?

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

Lost your 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 Invisalign Doctor. They can work with you on purchasing a new set of Vivera retainers so you can keep showing off that smile!