What is Invisalign?

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.

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.

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 exactly how long your treatment could take based on your specific needs. On average, Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months⁴ though you can start seeing results in a matter of weeks.

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.

For the best results, wear your Invisalign clear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out just for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

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.

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.

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.

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.