Invisalign® FAQs

What are Invisalign clear aligners made of and what do they look like?

Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® created exclusively for Invisalign treatment. Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. They are thin, clear, and fit snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible.

How will Invisalign treatment straighten my teeth?

Your 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 doctor will be with you every step of the way to monitor your progress and ensure your aligners fit correctly.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign treatment?

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, sending you to your doctor for an emergency visit.

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, Invisalign have successfully improved over 6 million smiles, including 1.4 million teen smiles.

Is Invisalign treatment right for me?

Yes! Invisalign treatment can be a great solution for both adults and teens looking for a virtually invisible method to improve their smile. The 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.

What is the treatment process?

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. 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 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.

How long will treatment take?

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.

Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?

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.

Don’t stop living your life

  • Keep eating all your favorite foods.
  • Stay active in all the sports and activities you love.
  • Keep brushing and flossing just as you normally do, with no brackets or wires to get in the way.
  • You'll experience fewer emergency visits, without the hassle of brackets and wires breaking.
  • Your Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible, so people may not even notice you’re wearing them.