How long does Invisalign treatment take?

It depends on how far your teeth need to move. Mild crowding may be corrected relatively quickly, while complex cases take longer. Your dentist will give you a personal timeline based on your digital plan.

Can I eat with the aligners in?

No, you should take them out before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Brushing your teeth before putting them back in keeps both your teeth and the aligners clean.

Does Invisalign hurt?

You may feel mild pressure for the first few days after switching to a new aligner. That is a normal sign your teeth are moving, and it usually settles quickly.

Clear Aligners

Invisalign

Invisalign is the clear aligner brand of Align Technology, an American company founded in 1997 and headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. The company specialises in bracket-free orthodontics: removable transparent aligners that move teeth in small, planned steps. Its best-known technologies include the SmartTrack aligner material, ClinCheck treatment planning software and the iTero intraoral scanner.

Country of origin: United StatesOfficial website

Use at the clinic

Invisalign is used in orthodontic treatment for adults and teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without visible braces. Every case starts with a digital treatment plan, so you can see how your teeth are expected to move before the first aligner is even made. The aligners are then produced to the plan the treating dentist has approved.

Strengths

Discreet appearance
The aligners are made of clear material, so most people will not notice you are wearing them while you talk or smile.
Removable
You take the aligners out to eat and to brush and floss. That makes daily oral care much easier than it is with fixed braces.
Digital planning
ClinCheck software maps each stage of tooth movement in advance. You can review the planned end result on screen before treatment begins.
Comfortable to wear
SmartTrack material is engineered to fit closely over your teeth. With no metal wires or brackets, there is nothing sharp to irritate your cheeks or lips.

Points to consider

Depends on your wear time
Aligners only work while you wear them. You will need to keep them in for around 20 to 22 hours a day and switch to each new set on schedule, and keeping that routine is up to you.
Not suitable for every case
Complex jaw or bite problems may respond better to fixed braces or a combined approach. After an examination, your dentist will tell you honestly whether Invisalign is the right option for you.
Positioned in the premium segment
Each series of aligners is custom-made and the treatment runs on digital planning. For that reason Invisalign sits in the premium segment of clear aligner treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Invisalign treatment take?: It depends on how far your teeth need to move. Mild crowding may be corrected relatively quickly, while complex cases take longer. Your dentist will give you a personal timeline based on your digital plan.
Can I eat with the aligners in?: No, you should take them out before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Brushing your teeth before putting them back in keeps both your teeth and the aligners clean.
Does Invisalign hurt?: You may feel mild pressure for the first few days after switching to a new aligner. That is a normal sign your teeth are moving, and it usually settles quickly.

Other brands in this category

Spark

Let's find the right system for you

The right brand and system for you becomes clear after a clinical assessment. Reach out to our team with any questions.