FAQ

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.

Invisalign clear aligners are a Health Canada approved medical device and contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. They are thin, clear, and fit snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible.

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, we have successfully improved over 18 million smiles², 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. 

Yes! 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 doctor will evaluate your smile and then map out a precise, customized digital treatment plan that showcases the step-by-step transformation of your smile.

Once you approve your plan, your unique aligners will be created. Your doctor will tell you how long to wear your aligners each day, but typically people wear their Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by your doctor. Each set of aligners will gently and gradually shift your teeth into place, according to your treatment plan, until you reach your beautiful new smile.

Our Smile Concierge Team can help you make an appointment with an Invisalign-trained doctor near you and answer any questions you have. You can also find an Invisalign-trained doctor near you using our online locator.

Many doctors offer free initial consultations. For the best experience, take the time to find the right doctor for you — someone who makes you feel comfortable and has the experience you’re looking for.

The Smile Concierge Team is a friendly squad in Raleigh, NC, here to help make getting started with Invisalign treatment even easier. They can help you schedule a consultation, find an Invisalign-trained doctor near you, or answer any questions you have.

Many orthodontists and dentists are Invisalign-trained doctors, but not all are. Doctors who want to offer Invisalign treatment must complete specialized training.

Our Smile Concierge Team can help you find 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 here). You should also bring your insurance card and any information you might have about your dental history.

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

Your doctor will most likely recommend scheduling a dental checkup 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 doctor will determine exactly how long your treatment will take based on your specific needs.

Your doctor will tell you how often you should change to new aligners (this can vary based on your individual treatment plan). Many doctors recommend changing Invisalign clear aligners weekly or every other week.

Your doctor will tell you how long to wear your aligners each day, but typically people wear their Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out just for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Your 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-colored 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 doctor will attach them to your teeth at the start of or during your treatment and remove them when they are no longer needed.

Invisalign treatment options are available for just top or bottom teeth, but consult your doctor for your individual needs.

LendCare is a Canadian point-of-sale financing company that provides financing solutions to qualified Invisalign patients.

Invisalign treatment typically costs about the same as braces.

Many doctors offer flexible and affordable monthly or bi-weekly payment plans, which allows you to make small payments through the course of your Invisalign treatment rather than all at once. 

Doctors may also offer financing through LendCare. LendCare is a third-party patient financing program that makes it easier for you to get the treatment or procedures you want and need. 

Additionally, you can use your pre-tax Healthcare Spending Account to pay for Invisalign treatment using tax-free dollars. For more information about payment options available with Invisalign treatment. Click here

Orthodontic coverage is often a separate benefit in a dental insurance contract. Coverage for orthodontic treatment is often reimbursed at 50%, up to a maximum dollar amount. 

To determine your orthodontic coverage, it is recommended that you call your insurance company or speak with the plan administrator where you work and ask the following questions: 

• Does the plan cover orthodontic treatment (such as Invisalign or braces)?  
• If so, at what percentage? 
• Are there any limitations to coverage (e.g., age, maximum dollar amount? 

 

Over 18 million people², including more than 4.5 million teens³, have used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles.

Invisalign treatment is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, 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 favorite foods.

And no other clear aligner is made from SmartTrack material. This groundbreaking technology helps move your teeth more predictably⁴  and can help you get the smile you want up to 50% faster.⁵

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

All Invisalign aligner and retainer materials are made of medical-grade, high molecular weight, thermoplastic polymers. 

Based on our current knowledge and testing of the raw materials and processes used in the manufacture of aligners and retainers, we are not aware of any latex, parabens, phthalates, glutaraldehyde, epoxy or Bisphenol A (BPA) present in our aligners or retainers. Of course, as with any medical device, you should consult with your health professional about your aligner or retainer treatment and any applicable risks of use.

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

Yes, Invisalign aligners are classified as Class II medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Align Technology, Inc. received the necessary 510(k) clearance from the FDA to sell and market Invisalign treatment in 1998.

Possibly! Doctors are treating a significant number of patients with a combination of braces and Invisalign clear aligners — consult your doctor to determine the best treatment approach for your smile.

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 discrete solution to improve their smile when they find that their teeth have shifted back.

It depends. Talk with your 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 favorite 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 because 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 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 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 doctor about your unique situation.

The best way to clean your aligners is to use the Invisalign Cleaning System, available online or from your doctor. You can also brush them with a toothbrush and toothpaste and rinse them in lukewarm water. Never use hot water on your aligners — it could permanently warp the plastic.

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

Yes. It is very important to always ensure your aligners are clean and hygienic before placing them in your mouth. Invisalign Cleaning Crystals keep your aligners clean, hygienic, and clear — they even remove plaque in as little as 15 minutes. Please do not use hot water at any time on your aligners — it could permanently warp the plastic.

If you lose or break an Invisalign aligner, immediately let your doctor know. Your 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 doctor directly if you need to order a replacement.

Before using your Invisalign aligners, we highly recommend that all patients—including parents and guardians—carefully read these Use and Care Instructions. It includes guidance on maintaining your aligners, oral hygiene recommendations, warnings and precautions to consider during treatment. We also suggest saving these instructions for future reference and if you have additional questions, contact your doctor.

Most 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 doctor if you need retainers.

While there are many different types of retainers, we recommend Vivera^® retainers. Vivera retainers are virtually invisible and made from a proprietary material 30% stronger than other leading clear retainer materials, which helps you keep your new smile.

Your Vivera retainers will be custom-made from an impression or scan of your teeth using the same state-of-the-art technology used for Invisalign clear aligners.

Contact your 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 doctor.

Your 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 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 doctor. Your doctor can work with you on purchasing a new set of Vivera retainers, so you can keep showing off that smile!