Invisalign®

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?

The exact timeline will depend on the individual patient and the position of the teeth at the start of the treatment, but most patients wear their Invisalign® for 6-18 months. Patients with only mild alignment issues to treat can be looking at a straighter smile in as little as 3-6 months.

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 world’s most advanced clear aligner system, 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, so 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.

Is it painful?

Invisalign® should never be painful. You might experience some initial discomfort, but the aligners are made bespoke for you and are made from Invisalign®’s patented SmartTrack material, which is particularly flexible and comfortable.

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, 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 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 and examine your smile 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 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. These visits aim 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 attached to your teeth.

These shapes serve as handles, giving the aligners something to gently push on 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 required.

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 over 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 world’s most advanced clear aligner system, 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 how 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., which 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 done, including veneers and crowns, and they 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. Clear aligners may be ineffective because bridgework connects two or more teeth.

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 done, including veneers and crowns, and they 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. Clear aligners may be ineffective because bridgework connects two or more teeth.

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. You must 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 brushing after every meal is important 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 inform your Doctor. 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.

Yes! One of the most popular aspects of the Invisalign® experience is its flexibility. You can take out your aligners to eat and brush your teeth, so you don’t have to worry about your oral care or stopping eating certain favourite foods. You can even remove them for a special occasion or important meeting, but we recommend doing this as little as possible as it can affect the length of your overall treatment time.

Will I have to wear a retainer after the treatment?

We always recommend wearing a retainer once your Invisalign® treatment is completed. Otherwise, you may find that all your hard work has been undone as your teeth reverts to their original positions.

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 specify 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 run out, just contact your Invisalign® Doctor. They can work with you on purchasing a new set of Vivera retainers, so you can keep showing off that smile!