Invisalign treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. No brackets and wires, and none of the restrictions that come with metal braces.
Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack created exclusively for Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. They are thin, clear, and fit snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible.
Your 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 doctor will be with you every step of the way to monitor your progress and ensure your aligners fit correctly.
Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible — people may not even notice you’re wearing them. You can remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions. There are no metal brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth or break, sending you to your doctor for an emergency visit.
Every smile is unique, which is why your Invisalign treatment starts with a consultation. During your consultation, your doctor will help you determine what Invisalign treatment can do for your smile. We cannot guarantee a particular treatment outcome but encourage you to share your treatment goals with your doctor at your consultation.
Invisalign treatment starts with a consultation with an Invisalign-trained doctor. Your doctor will evaluate your smile and then map out a precise, customized 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.
Our Smile Concierge Team can help you make an appointment with an Invisalign-trained doctor near you and answer any questions you have. You can also find an Invisalign-trained doctor near you using our online locator.
Many doctors offer free initial consultations. For the best experience, take the time to find the right doctor for you — someone who makes you feel comfortable and has the experience you’re looking for.
The Smile Concierge Team is a friendly squad in Raleigh, NC, here to help make getting started with Invisalign treatment even easier. They can help you schedule a consultation, find an Invisalign-trained doctor near you, or answer any questions you have.
Many orthodontists and dentists are Invisalign-trained doctors, but not all are. Doctors who want to offer Invisalign treatment must complete specialized training.
Bring your questions (we’ve got a list to get you started here). You should also bring your insurance card and any information you might have about your dental history.
During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your teeth-straightening goals with you and examine your smile in order to determine your specific needs. Your doctor may also talk to you about how quickly you can reach your new smile, as well as the treatment cost
Your doctor will most likely recommend scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning before you begin Invisalign treatment to make sure your teeth and gums are in top health and to avoid unnecessary risks.
The length of treatment depends on multiple factors, like how complex your case is and how often you wear your aligners. Your doctor will determine exactly how long your treatment will take based on your specific needs. On average, Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months,3 though you can start seeing results in a matter of weeks.
Your doctor will tell you how often you should change to new aligners (this can vary based on your individual treatment plan). Many 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 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.