FAQs

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.

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.

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. 

Unlike other brands, Invisalign^® clear aligners are made from patented SmartTrack™ material, which is more comfortable and provides a better fit.¹ Invisalign^® aligners are also trimmed based on your gum line for comfort and appearance. As the most advanced clear aligner system in the world,² we have successfully improved over 18 million smiles, including 4.5 million teen smiles.³ 

Every smile is unique, which is why 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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

To fnd an Invisalign^®-trained Doctor near you or you can use our  online locator. 

Bring your questions (we’ve got a list to get you started). You should also bring any information you might have about your dental history. 

During your consultation, your Invisalign^® Doctor will discuss your teeth-straightening goals with you and examine your smile in order to determine your specific needs. Your Invisalign^® Doctor may also talk to you about how quickly you could reach your new smile, as well as your individual treatment cost.

Your Invisalign^® Doctor will most likely recommend scheduling a dental check-up 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 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.

Invisalign^® Treatment typically costs about the same as braces.

Many health and dental insurance plans now cover Invisalign^® Treatment. Learn more.

Over 18 million people, including more than 4.5 million teens,³ have used Invisalign^® clear aligners to transform their smiles. 

Invisalign^® Treatment is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world,² 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 the way you brush and floss. And, you can continue to eat all your favourite foods. 

And no other clear aligner is made from SmartTrack^TM material. This advanced technology helps move your teeth more predictably¹and can help you get the smile you want up to 50% faster.^5 6

Learn more about the Invisalign® difference or view our treatment comparison chart.

Align™ Technology, Inc., the company that makes Invisalign^® clear aligners, was founded in 1997.

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.

It depends. Talk with your Invisalign^® Doctor about the dental work you’ve had done, including veneers and crowns, and he or she will evaluate your individual needs.

Invisalign^® clear aligners are designed to move each tooth individually. Because bridgework connects two or more teeth, clear aligners may not be effective. 

Invisalign^® aligners are virtually invisible. Others may not even notice you’re wearing them, making Invisalign^® Treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle. 

Yes, you can remove your Invisalign^® aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding, job interview, or for playing your favourite sport or instrument. Just remember to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results. 

None! Invisalign^® clear aligners are removable, so there are no food restrictions at all (hello popcorn!). With traditional wires and brackets, there’s a long list of foods you unfortunately can’t enjoy, as they can damage or get stuck in your braces. 

Invisalign^® Treatment moves your teeth by applying gentle, constant force, but some people do feel temporary discomfort for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. Typically, people describe it as feeling “pressure” and it’s normal — it’s a sign your Invisalign^® clear aligners are working and transforming your smile. 

Please see your Invisalign^® Doctor if you have any concerns or experience continued discomfort.

Yes. As your Invisalign^® aligners gradually shift your teeth into their proper position, your gums are re-forming around each tooth as it moves. Be sure to talk to your Invisalign^® Doctor about any concerns. 

You need to wear your Invisalign^® aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the results you want. 

It may take a couple of days for your tongue to get used to having your Invisalign^® aligners in your mouth, and you may have a slight lisp. But this should disappear quickly. 

We discourage smoking while wearing Invisalign^® aligners because it can stain them. 

No, gum will stick to your Invisalign^® aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, including gum. 

It is very unlikely that your aligners would ever fall out, no matter what you are doing: sleeping, talking, laughing, etc. Invisalign^® clear aligners are designed to fit snugly around your teeth, so this should not be a cause for concern. 

The answer depends on how long you’ve gone without wearing your Invisalign^® aligners. If it’s only been a short time, your aligners should still fit, but they might feel uncomfortable. If it’s been a longer time, talk to your Invisalign^® doctor about your unique situation. 

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. It’s important that you brush your teeth after each meal before re-inserting your aligners to maintain good oral hygiene.

Yes. That’s why it’s important to brush after every meal, before placing your Invisalign^® aligners back in your mouth. 

If you lose or break an Invisalign^® aligner, immediately let your Invisalign^® Doctor know. 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 replacements aligners.

All aligners and retainers must be ordered through your Invisalign^® Doctor, as they are considered a prescription item. Please contact your Invisalign^® doctor directly if you need to order a replacement. 

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.

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,³ 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 start-of-the-art technology used for Invisalign^® clear aligners.

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, in case you lose one.

You can order Vivera™ retainers through your Invisalign^® Doctor.

Your Invisalign^® Doctor will give you specific instructions on 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.

If you lose or break your last set of Vivera™ retainers, or simply run out, just get in touch with your Invisalign^® Doctor. They can work with you on purchasing a new set of Vivera™ retainers, so you can keep showing off that smile!