Invisalign® is a form of orthodontic treatment that works to correct many different types of malocclusions through the use of a series of clear plastic trays called aligners. As a more discreet, comfortable and completely removable method of care, Invisalign aligners provide an effective alternative to traditional orthodontic braces and metal wires for certain types of malocclusions.
Developed by a team of Stanford University students, the advanced 3D imaging, modeling, and aligner technology that defines the Invisalign system of care was introduced to the public in the year 2000. Since that time, it has become an extremely popular option in care.
Invisalign uses advanced 3-D computer imaging technology to formulate a sequence of custom-made clear aligners. The aligners, each of which is worn for a couple of weeks, incrementally move the teeth into place until the final desired corrections are reached. The advantage and appeal of the Invisalign method are that the clear aligners are more cosmetic, comfortable and convenient than other orthodontic appliances and operate with minimal interference to daily activities. Invisalign allows teens and adults to enjoy eating all of their favorite foods, and engage in sports without the fear of breaking their orthodontic appliances or sharp poking wires. Moreover, as the aligners are completely removable, tooth brushing and flossing are much easier as there is no need to clean in between any attached orthodontic brackets or wires.
*Invisalign is a registered trademark of Align Technology, Inc.
There are many options for patients who want to avoid metal braces! The most popular alternative orthodontic treatment is Invisalign®, which are clear plastic aligners designed to straighten teeth. After an examination of your teeth, your dentist will determine which option is best suited to your wants and needs.
According to the Invisalign® website, the cost for treatment is approximately the same as the cost for metal braces. A portion of this cost may be covered by your insurance. Please call us to set up a consultation and discuss potential payment plan options.
The first step is to schedule a consultation with your doctor, so they can devise a treatment plan that is best suited to your individual dental needs. Once approved, you will receive your first set of aligners. Your doctor will then regularly monitor the movement of your teeth and new aligners will be ordered according to the progress made in your treatment plan.
Invisalign® aligners are made of clear, flexible plastic. The company received a patent for this material – SmartTrack® – to be used exclusively for Invisalign treatment purposes. These aligners are FDA approved and nearly invisible!
Your doctor will give you an estimate regarding how long your Invisalign® treatment should take, which will depend on your specific needs. The average length of time for treatment is approximately 12-18 months. However, some patients may see results far sooner. Remember to wear your aligners exactly as instructed by your doctor to obtain the best results.
Your doctor will most likely recommend that you wear retainers following your Invisalign® treatment. This is a precaution that will prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positioning. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly to ensure long-lasting results.
You must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours daily. You may remove them for eating, drinking and regular oral hygiene.
No. Unlike braces, you may eat whatever you like as long as you remove the aligners before eating. Prior to placing the aligners back on, it is important to brush your teeth and the aligners after you eat.
Like any orthodontic treatment, there is a short adjustment period. The more you speak with the aligners on, the quicker you will adjust.
There will be some pressure and minor discomfort for a day or two after each initial insertion. This is a sign that your teeth are moving sequentially into their final position.
It is recommended that you remove your aligners prior to chewing gum as the gum will stick to the aligners.
We discourage smoking with aligners as the cigarette smoke will tend to discolor them.
Brushing them with toothpaste will keep them fresh and clean.
Regular office visits are every five to six weeks. This will ensure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.
All orthodontic patients are instructed to wear their retainers at night indefinitely. Sleeping with your retainers in at night will ensure a healthy bite and maintain the new position of your teeth.
Yes, if their teeth, including second molars, have grown in completely.
Invisalign® is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth using a sequence of removable, custom-made trays rather than brackets and wires. Each aligner exerts controlled, gentle forces to move specific teeth in small increments until the planned outcome is achieved. Because the appliances are transparent and removable, they offer a more discreet and flexible option for many adult patients and image-conscious teens.
Unlike fixed braces, clear aligners allow patients to remove the appliance for eating, sports and oral hygiene, which can simplify daily care and reduce plaque buildup around hardware. Treatment is guided by digital planing and pre-manufactured aligner sets, allowing clinicians to anticipate the sequence of movements before treatment begins. The overall goals are comparable to traditional orthodontics — improved alignment, function and long-term oral health — but the workflow and lifestyle experience differ substantially.
Clear aligner therapy moves teeth through a planned series of small, controlled adjustments created by custom aligners that fit precisely over the dental arches. Each aligner is designed to apply targeted pressure to specific teeth, and patients transition through the set at prescribed intervals to continue the progressive movement. This staged approach reduces the need for single large adjustments and improves comfort and precision compared with forceful, infrequent activations.
Digital planning and three-dimensional simulations help clinicians map the entire course of movement before any aligners are produced, which increases predictability and allows for refinements in advance. When necessary, auxiliary techniques such as small composite attachments or interproximal reduction can be incorporated into the plan to improve control over rotations, vertical changes and bite relationships. Regular monitoring ensures the treatment stays on track and allows clinicians to modify the sequence if required.
Good candidates for Invisalign® generally have healthy gums and teeth and realistic expectations about the commitment required for a successful outcome. The system is effective for a wide range of alignment issues, including mild to moderate crowding, spacing and many bite irregularities, but case selection and clinician oversight are essential. Patients should be prepared to wear aligners for the recommended hours each day and attend scheduled progress appointments.
More complex orthodontic problems may still require adjunctive techniques or occasional use of fixed appliances, but advances in aligner materials and treatment protocols have expanded the scope of treatable cases. A comprehensive clinical evaluation that includes periodontal assessment, digital records and discussion of goals is the best way to determine whether clear aligners are appropriate. Your clinician will explain any additional procedures that may be needed to achieve a stable, functional result.
Digital treatment planning begins with high-resolution intraoral scans that create an accurate three-dimensional model of your teeth and bite. This model is used in specialized software to simulate step-by-step tooth movements from the current position to the desired outcome, allowing the clinician to visualize intermediate stages and anticipate potential challenges. Because the entire plan is created and reviewed before aligners are manufactured, adjustments and refinements can be made during the planning phase to optimize efficiency.
Once the plan is finalized, a series of aligners is produced to follow the simulated pathway of movement, and clinicians receive a detailed roadmap of expected stages and timing. This transparency helps set realistic expectations and encourages patient adherence by showing a tangible sequence of changes. Ongoing monitoring and occasional refinements during treatment maintain alignment with the planned progression and address any unforeseen responses.
Attachments are small, tooth-colored composite shapes bonded to teeth to improve aligner grip and enable specific movements such as rotations or extrusions that might otherwise be difficult to achieve. Interproximal reduction (IPR) involves removing minute amounts of enamel between teeth to create space for alignment and to help correct mild crowding or to improve contact relationships. Elastics, when needed, can be used in conjunction with precision cuts in aligners to address bite relationships by applying targeted interarch forces.
These adjunctive tools expand the range of tooth movements achievable with clear aligners and are planned during the digital treatment design when indicated. The clinician will discuss any recommended auxiliary techniques during the consultation so patients understand why they may be part of the overall plan. Proper execution and monitoring of these strategies contribute to more predictable and stable outcomes.
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive exam, periodontal assessment and high-resolution digital records that inform a personalized aligner plan tailored to your goals. The plan outlines the intended sequence of movements, an estimated timeline and any adjunctive procedures such as attachments or IPR that may be necessary to achieve a functional and aesthetic result. You will receive detailed instructions on wear time, aligner care and what to expect when switching trays.
Throughout treatment you will return for periodic progress checks so the team can verify that movement is proceeding as planned and implement refinements if needed. These visits also provide opportunities for routine preventive care and early identification of any concerns that could affect long-term stability. At completion, a retention strategy will be put in place to preserve your new alignment while tissues settle.
Clean aligners regularly by rinsing after removal and gently brushing them with a soft, non-abrasive brush; avoid hot water and abrasive cleaners that can warp or scratch the material. Store aligners in their protective case whenever they are not being worn to prevent damage and reduce the risk of loss. Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing before reinserting aligners to minimize plaque buildup and protect gum health throughout treatment.
Attend scheduled preventive visits and professional cleanings so the clinician can monitor periodontal health and intervene early if issues arise. If aligners develop discoloration or odor, discuss appropriate cleaning options with your provider rather than attempting harsh chemicals. Proper care of both teeth and appliances supports comfort, aesthetics and predictable movement during the course of treatment.
Most patients adapt to aligners quickly, and any initial changes in speech are typically mild and transient, often resolving within a few days as the tongue adjusts to the presence of the appliance. Aligners are removable for meals, sports and special occasions, which allows patients to maintain normal dietary habits and participate in recreational activities without permanent hardware. For contact sports, a separate athletic mouthguard may be recommended to provide additional protection when needed.
Some temporary soreness or pressure is common when switching to a new aligner and generally indicates that the system is working as intended; over-the-counter analgesics and brief rest periods usually manage discomfort. If persistent or severe pain occurs, patients should contact the office to rule out an underlying issue and receive tailored guidance. Overall, aligner therapy aims to integrate with daily life while minimizing disruption to routine activities.
Retention is the phase after active alignment during which devices such as removable retainers or fixed bonded retainers preserve the new tooth positions while soft tissues and bone adapt. Because teeth can gradually shift over time, a retention strategy tailored to the patient’s needs is essential for maintaining results and protecting the investment of treatment. The clinician will explain the recommended type of retainer, wear schedule and any long-term monitoring required to sustain alignment.
Regular follow-up appointments during the retention period help ensure that retainers fit correctly and that any minor relapses are detected early and addressed promptly. Patients who consistently follow the retention plan generally enjoy more stable, long-lasting outcomes. Ongoing preventive care and good oral hygiene remain important for both the health and appearance of the smile.
To determine whether Invisalign® is a suitable option, schedule a consultation at our Houston office where a comprehensive exam, periodontal assessment and digital records will inform a personalized recommendation. During the visit, the clinician will review your dental and medical history, explain the digital treatment planning process and discuss any adjunctive procedures that may be necessary to achieve a stable, functional result. You will also have a chance to review the expected sequence of movements and ask questions about day-to-day care and retention.
If you would like to arrange an evaluation, please contact our office at (713) 621-1919 or request an appointment through our practice’s usual channels. Our team can help coordinate digital records and explain next steps so you can make an informed decision about clear aligner therapy. We look forward to answering your questions and outlining a path that supports your oral health goals.
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