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Invisalign 

Clear, comfortable, and removable aligner treatment designed to straighten your teeth and improve your bite without the look and feel of traditional braces.

What is Invisalign?

Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, removable trays to gradually move teeth into their ideal position. Each aligner is designed using advanced digital treatment planning and is worn for approximately one to two weeks before progressing to the next stage of treatment.

Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are nearly invisible and can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This makes them a popular treatment option for both teens and adults seeking a more discreet way to straighten their teeth. To achieve the precise tooth movements required during treatment, small tooth-colored attachments, often called buttons, may be placed on certain teeth. These attachments help the aligners apply the necessary forces to move teeth more predictably and efficiently. While they are subtle in appearance, they play an important role in achieving optimal results.

Most patients wear their aligners 20 to 22 hours per day for the best outcome. Consistent wear is one of the most important factors in keeping treatment on schedule.

Your provider will use advanced digital scanning and treatment planning to create a customized clear aligner treatment plan tailored to your smile goals, bite, and lifestyle. Depending on your clinical needs, treatment may be completed using one of several leading clear aligner systems, all designed to deliver a healthier, more confident smile.

Here is what most patients can expect from Invisalign at a glance:

6–18
Months average treatment timeline
1–2
Weeks per aligner set

What Makes Invisalign Different?

No brackets or wires

Smooth, clear plastic trays that sit comfortably against your teeth with no sharp edges, brackets, or wires to cause irritation.

You can see your results before you start

Digital scans allow your provider to map out your treatment plan from the first appointment, so you expect a timeline from day one.

Take them out whenever you need to

Aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, giving you the freedom to maintain your normal routine throughout your entire treatment.

Woman putting in Invisalign
Invisalign
Invisalign on table

When Is Invisalign Recommended?

 
Invisalign works well for a wide range of patients. Here are the most common reasons people choose clear aligner treatment.
 
 

Mild to moderate crowding

Teeth that are slightly overlapping or crooked and need gentle repositioning to improve alignment and make them easier to clean.

 

Spacing or gaps

Noticeable gaps between teeth that are affecting the appearance of your smile or causing food to get trapped regularly.

 

Overbite or underbite

Upper or lower teeth that extend too far forward or backward, affecting how your bite comes together on a daily basis.

 

Preference for a discreet option

Patients who want to straighten their teeth without the visible hardware of traditional braces during treatment.

What To Expect

A step-by-step look at the Invisalign process at Smart Dental Network.
  
Dentist placing Invisalign
1

Consultation and digital scan

Your provider takes a digital scan of your teeth and maps out your complete treatment plan, showing you exactly how your smile will progress from your first aligner to your last.

2

Receiving your aligners

Your custom aligner sets are made and delivered to your provider. You will wear each set for one to two weeks before moving on to the next, gradually shifting your teeth into their final position.

3

Progress check-ins

You will visit your provider periodically throughout treatment to confirm your teeth are tracking correctly and receive your next sets of aligners to keep treatment on schedule.

Caring For Your Aligners

Consistency and proper care are key to getting the best results from your Invisalign treatment. Here is what to keep in mind.

Daily

Cleaning

Rinse and brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush every day to keep them clear and free of bacteria. Never use hot water as it can warp the plastic and affect the fit.

20–22 hours

Wear time

Aligners need to be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours per day to stay on track with your treatment timeline. Remove them only for eating, drinking, and brushing.

Ongoing

Check-ins

You will visit your provider periodically to confirm your teeth are tracking correctly and pick up your next sets of aligners to keep your treatment progressing as planned.

Other Orthodontic Treatments

Explore the full range of orthodontic services available across Smart Dental Network locations.
 
 

Dental Appliances

Custom-fitted removable arches and orthodontic devices designed to improve smile appearance or guide teeth and jaw development without braces or aligners.

Learn more →

SDN Core Icons (16)

Braces

Traditional metal, ceramic, or lingual braces that apply consistent pressure over time to correct misalignment and improve overall bite function.

Learn more →

Related Resources

 
From our resource center, helpful reading to support you during your Invisalign treatment.
 
  

Have a Concern You'd Like Evaluated?

 
Find the care you need at an Smart Dental Network location near you.