Invisalign
Straighten your teeth — without the metal
Custom-made clear aligners that quietly move your teeth into position. Most people in your life will never know you're in treatment.
Why Invisalign
- Virtually invisible. The aligners are clear plastic — close-up, you can see them; from a normal speaking distance, most people can't tell.
- Removable. Take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. No food restrictions, no special brushing techniques.
- Comfortable. Smooth plastic with no wires or brackets to poke your cheeks.
- Predictable. Digital treatment planning lets you see your projected results before you start.
- Shorter visits. Quick 10–15 minute check-ins every 6 to 8 weeks instead of monthly tightening appointments.
The Invisalign process
- 1. Consultation. We examine your teeth and bite, talk through your goals, and confirm Invisalign is a good fit for your case.
- 2. Digital scan. No goopy impressions — we use a 3D digital scanner to capture your teeth precisely.
- 3. Treatment plan. Invisalign software maps out each tooth movement step by step. You'll see a preview of your projected final smile.
- 4. Custom aligners arrive. Within a few weeks, you'll receive a series of aligners — each one slightly different from the last.
- 5. Wear & switch. Wear each set 20–22 hours a day, switching to the next set every 1–2 weeks.
- 6. Check-ins every 6–8 weeks. Quick visits to make sure you're tracking on the projected plan.
- 7. Retainers. When treatment is complete, you'll get clear retainers — worn nightly to keep your new smile in place.
Who's a good candidate
Invisalign works well for most adults and teens with mild to moderate alignment issues — crowding, spacing, mild overbites or underbites, crossbites, and tilted teeth. For severe bite problems or significant rotation of teeth, traditional braces or other orthodontic approaches may produce better results. We'll be straight with you about whether Invisalign is the right tool for your specific case before you commit.
A note on consistency
Invisalign is patient-driven. The aligners only work when they're in your mouth — so 20+ hours a day, every day, is non-negotiable. Patients who treat it casually end up with slower progress and unpredictable results. If you're not sure you can commit to wearing them consistently, fixed braces might be the safer call.
Common questions
Frequently asked
- How does Invisalign work?
- Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the correct position. You wear each set for about 1 to 2 weeks before moving to the next, and you swap them in and out for eating and brushing. Treatment typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity.
- Is Invisalign as effective as traditional braces?
- For mild to moderate alignment issues — crowding, gaps, mild bite problems — Invisalign is comparable to braces. For more severe or complex cases, traditional braces may still be the better tool. We'll review your specific situation and tell you honestly which approach is the right fit.
- How often do I wear the aligners?
- 20 to 22 hours a day, every day. You only take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. Less wear time means slower progress and unpredictable results — consistency matters.
- Does Invisalign hurt?
- Mild pressure or soreness for the first day or two of each new aligner set is normal — your teeth are moving. Most patients describe it as awareness, not pain. The discomfort fades quickly as your teeth adjust.
- Can I eat with my aligners in?
- No — always remove them for eating and drinking anything but water. The aligners can crack under chewing force, and food trapped under them causes cavities. Quick swap, eat, brush, and put them back in.
- How is treatment planned?
- We start with a 3D digital scan of your teeth (no impressions). Invisalign's software uses that scan to plan every tooth movement step by step. You'll see a preview of your projected final smile before we order your aligners.
- What about retainers after?
- Critical. Without retainers, teeth slowly drift back toward their original positions. You'll receive clear retainers at the end of treatment — wear them nightly for life to keep your results.
- Does insurance cover Invisalign?
- Many dental plans cover Invisalign at some level — often the same percentage as traditional braces. We'll check your benefits and give you a clear cost estimate before treatment starts.
- Are there options for teens?
- Yes — Invisalign Teen aligners are designed for growing mouths and include compliance indicators that fade as the aligners are worn. They're a popular alternative to braces for high school-age patients who want a less visible option.
We'd love to see you on Thomson Drive
Call, message, or schedule online — whichever's easiest for you.