How Invisalign Works
A series of custom-made plastic aligners move your teeth in small, precise steps. You wear each aligner for 1–2 weeks, then switch to the next in the series. Over the course of treatment, your teeth gradually shift into the target position.
Key features:
- Nearly invisible when worn
- Removable for eating, brushing, and flossing
- Smooth plastic — no wires to poke or irritate
- Fewer office visits than traditional braces
- Custom-planned digitally — you see the result before starting
What Invisalign Can Treat
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Mild to moderate bite issues
Complex cases (severe rotations, major bite corrections) may require traditional braces. At your free consultation, we'll tell you honestly whether Invisalign is the right fit.
The Process
1. Free consultation. We evaluate your bite, discuss goals, and confirm you're a candidate.
2. Digital scan. A 3D scanner captures your teeth in minutes — no gooey impressions.
3. Custom treatment plan. Your scan goes to Invisalign to design your aligners. You see a 3D preview of the final result.
4. First set of aligners. Typically ready in 2–4 weeks. We fit them, show you how to insert and remove them, and send you home with several sets.
5. Wear and progress. Wear 20–22 hours per day. Switch to the next aligner every 1–2 weeks. Brief check-ins every 6–8 weeks.
6. Completion. After the final aligner, we fit you for a retainer. Most patients wear a retainer at night indefinitely to prevent shifting.
Treatment Timeline
- Simple cases (small gaps, mild crowding): 3–6 months
- Average adult case: 6–12 months
- Complex case: 12–18 months
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Appearance: Invisalign is nearly invisible; braces have visible brackets and wires
Removable: Invisalign yes; braces no
Eating restrictions: None for Invisalign; avoid sticky, hard foods with braces
Comfort: Invisalign is smooth plastic; braces can irritate cheeks and lips
Best for: Invisalign works for most adult cases; braces handle complex bite corrections
Cost: Both range $3,000–$7,000
Cost and Insurance
Invisalign typically runs $3,500–$6,500 depending on complexity. Many insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit ($1,500–$3,000 lifetime maximum). We verify before treatment.
Payment options:
- Monthly payment plans
- HSA/FSA accepted
- CareCredit financing
Tips for Successful Invisalign Treatment
- Wear them 20–22 hours per day. Less than that extends treatment or compromises results.
- Clean aligners daily with clear, unscented soap and lukewarm water. Don't use toothpaste — it can scratch.
- Remove to eat or drink anything but water. Stains, warps, or traps food under the aligner.
- Brush and floss before re-inserting.
- Wear your retainer after treatment. Teeth will shift back without it.