Invisalign® is a form of orthodontic treatment that works to correct many different types of malocclusions through the use of a series of clear plastic trays called aligners. As a more discreet, comfortable and completely removable method of care, Invisalign aligners provide an effective alternative to traditional orthodontic braces and metal wires for certain types of malocclusions.
Developed by a team of Stanford University students, the advanced 3D imaging, modeling, and aligner technology that defines the Invisalign system of care was introduced to the public in the year 2000. Since that time, it has become an extremely popular option in care.
Invisalign uses advanced 3-D computer imaging technology to formulate a sequence of custom-made clear aligners. The aligners, each of which is worn for a couple of weeks, incrementally move the teeth into place until the final desired corrections are reached. The advantage and appeal of the Invisalign method are that the clear aligners are more cosmetic, comfortable and convenient than other orthodontic appliances and operate with minimal interference to daily activities. Invisalign allows teens and adults to enjoy eating all of their favorite foods, and engage in sports without the fear of breaking their orthodontic appliances or sharp poking wires. Moreover, as the aligners are completely removable, tooth brushing and flossing are much easier as there is no need to clean in between any attached orthodontic brackets or wires.
*Invisalign is a registered trademark of Align Technology, Inc.
There are many options for patients who want to avoid metal braces! The most popular alternative orthodontic treatment is Invisalign®, which are clear plastic aligners designed to straighten teeth. After an examination of your teeth, your dentist will determine which option is best suited to your wants and needs.
According to the Invisalign® website, the cost for treatment is approximately the same as the cost for metal braces. A portion of this cost may be covered by your insurance. Please call us to set up a consultation and discuss potential payment plan options.
The first step is to schedule a consultation with your doctor, so they can devise a treatment plan that is best suited to your individual dental needs. Once approved, you will receive your first set of aligners. Your doctor will then regularly monitor the movement of your teeth and new aligners will be ordered according to the progress made in your treatment plan.
Invisalign® aligners are made of clear, flexible plastic. The company received a patent for this material – SmartTrack® – to be used exclusively for Invisalign treatment purposes. These aligners are FDA approved and nearly invisible!
Your doctor will give you an estimate regarding how long your Invisalign® treatment should take, which will depend on your specific needs. The average length of time for treatment is approximately 12-18 months. However, some patients may see results far sooner. Remember to wear your aligners exactly as instructed by your doctor to obtain the best results.
Your doctor will most likely recommend that you wear retainers following your Invisalign® treatment. This is a precaution that will prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positioning. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly to ensure long-lasting results.
You must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours daily. You may remove them for eating, drinking and regular oral hygiene.
No. Unlike braces, you may eat whatever you like as long as you remove the aligners before eating. Prior to placing the aligners back on, it is important to brush your teeth and the aligners after you eat.
Like any orthodontic treatment, there is a short adjustment period. The more you speak with the aligners on, the quicker you will adjust.
There will be some pressure and minor discomfort for a day or two after each initial insertion. This is a sign that your teeth are moving sequentially into their final position.
It is recommended that you remove your aligners prior to chewing gum as the gum will stick to the aligners.
We discourage smoking with aligners as the cigarette smoke will tend to discolor them.
Brushing them with toothpaste will keep them fresh and clean.
Regular office visits are every five to six weeks. This will ensure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.
All orthodontic patients are instructed to wear their retainers at night indefinitely. Sleeping with your retainers in at night will ensure a healthy bite and maintain the new position of your teeth.
Yes, if their teeth, including second molars, have grown in completely.
Invisalign® is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth using a series of custom-made, removable trays. Each tray applies gentle, controlled forces to specific teeth for a limited time before the next tray advances the plan. The sequence of trays is created from a three-dimensional digital treatment plan that maps each step from the current position to the intended outcome.
The entire process is clinician-directed, meaning a dentist or orthodontist defines the tooth movements and monitors progress. Treatment relies on patient compliance with the prescribed wear schedule to achieve predictable results. At Diamond Head Dental Care, clinicians combine digital imaging with clinical judgment to develop individualized plans for patients considering aligner therapy.
The treatment plan begins with a precise digital capture of your teeth and bite using intraoral scanning or diagnostic records. Those digital models are used to visualize current alignment and to simulate a staged sequence of tooth movements in three dimensions. This allows both the clinician and the patient to preview the projected outcome and to make informed decisions before aligner fabrication begins.
Based on the planned movements, a series of transparent aligners is fabricated to match the prescribed progression. Attachments or auxiliaries may be specified to improve control for particular tooth movements. The clinician reviews the proposed stages and may refine the plan to align with restorative or functional treatment goals.
Your initial visit will include a consultation, diagnostic scans, and an explanation of the treatment timeline and milestones. Patients typically wear each aligner for a set interval, changing to the next tray as instructed, and schedule periodic check-ins so the clinician can monitor movement and make adjustments if needed. Mild soreness when switching trays is common and generally subsides within a few days as teeth adapt to the new aligner.
Because aligners are removable, patients maintain normal eating habits and can continue thorough oral hygiene routines, which helps reduce the risk of decay and gum inflammation during treatment. Consistent wear is essential; inadequate wear can slow progress or require refinements. The clinician documents progress against the original plan and may order additional aligners for fine-tuning when indicated.
Many adults and teens with a range of alignment issues can be treated with clear aligners, including mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and certain bite discrepancies. Clinicians evaluate each case for dental health, skeletal relationships, and treatment goals to determine whether aligners are an appropriate choice. Ideal candidates are committed to wearing aligners for the prescribed daily hours and maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
Some complex cases may require alternative or combined approaches that include braces, restorative work, or surgical input. For multidisciplinary situations, the aligner plan can be coordinated with other treatments to address function and esthetics together. Open discussion about expectations and responsibilities helps ensure that patients choose the modality best suited to their needs.
Treatment duration varies according to the complexity of the case and the specific movements required, so timelines are individualized during the planning phase. Many straightforward cases can be completed within several months, while more complex tooth movements or comprehensive corrections may require a year or longer. The clinician provides a projected timeline during the consultation and updates that estimate as treatment progresses.
Adherence to the recommended wear schedule is one of the primary factors that influence how quickly planned movements occur. Regular follow-up appointments allow the clinician to confirm progress and implement refinements if tooth response differs from the initial prediction. If refinements are needed, additional aligners are fabricated to address the outstanding movements.
Keep aligners clean by rinsing them after removal and brushing them gently with a soft brush using water; avoid harsh chemicals and hot water that can deform the plastic. Remove aligners for eating and drinking except for plain water, and always brush and floss before reinserting them to minimize the risk of staining or decay. Store aligners in their protective case when not in use to prevent loss or damage.
Maintain routine dental hygiene with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing, and attend regular professional cleanings and checkups as advised by your clinician. If you notice persistent discomfort, cracks in an aligner, or a fit that changes unexpectedly, contact your dental team to determine whether an adjustment or replacement is needed. Good daily habits combined with clinical oversight support efficient, healthy treatment outcomes.
Attachments are small tooth-colored bumps bonded to selected teeth to improve aligner grip and control specific movements such as rotation or extrusion. Auxiliaries can include elastics, bite ramps, or other devices that assist the aligner system in managing bite relations or vertical control. The use of attachments and auxiliaries is determined during digital planning to increase the predictability of certain tooth movements.
The placement of attachments is minimally invasive and reversible, and they are typically removed at the end of active treatment. Your clinician will explain the purpose of each attachment or auxiliary and discuss how they fit into the overall treatment strategy. Monitoring at follow-up visits ensures that these elements are functioning as intended and that refinements occur when necessary.
Most patients adapt quickly to aligners and experience only a short period of mild alteration in speech while adjusting to the trays. The clear trays sit close to the teeth and usually do not interfere with routine activities such as eating, exercise, or playing musical instruments once the patient acclimates. Removing aligners for meals and oral care preserves normal eating habits and allows full participation in daily life.
Patients should plan for regular wear during waking hours as recommended by the clinician, and they should use scheduled check-ins to address any functional concerns. If speech changes or discomfort persist beyond the initial adaptation period, the dental team can evaluate fit and provide guidance. With proper use and oversight, many patients find aligners to be a low-impact option for orthodontic correction.
Invisalign® treatment can be integrated with restorative, periodontal, or surgical care when treatment goals extend beyond alignment alone. Clinicians plan tooth movement in a way that supports restorative outcomes, such as creating ideal spacing for crowns, veneers, or implant-supported prostheses. Coordination among specialists and your general dentist helps align orthodontic staging with broader treatment sequencing to protect function and esthetics.
Before beginning aligner therapy, discuss any planned restorative or surgical procedures so the dental team can sequence care appropriately. Ongoing communication and shared treatment goals reduce the need for unplanned adjustments and ensure that tooth positioning supports long-term oral health. When indicated, the clinician will outline a combined treatment timeline and describe how each phase contributes to the final result for the patient.
After the active phase of aligner therapy concludes, retention is essential to preserve the new tooth positions and prevent relapse. Retainers may be removable or fixed, and the clinician will recommend a retention protocol tailored to the patient’s needs and the specifics of the correction achieved. The retention plan typically includes a schedule for wear and periodic evaluations to confirm stability.
Long-term follow-up visits allow the dental team to monitor changes and intervene early if minor shifting occurs. Good oral hygiene and compliance with retention instructions contribute significantly to lasting results. If future adjustments are necessary, the clinician can recommend appropriate conservative options to restore alignment.