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.

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. 

 

Proprietary SmartTrack material is designed exclusively for the Invisalign System to optimally deliver the desired force systems to more predictably move teeth.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 15 million smiles², including 4 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. 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.

Depending on the complexity of your case, you could complete your treatment in as little as 6 months. But you'll start seeing results in a matter of weeks.

Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called  SmartTrack created exclusively for Invisalign Treatment.

Invisalign treatment typically costs about the same as braces.

Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment the same way they cover braces. Your insurance may pay for a certain percentage of your Invisalign treatment, or it may pay for a certain dollar amount.

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

Doctors may also offer financing through LendingPoint. LendingPoint 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 FSA or HSA to pay for Invisalign treatment using tax-free dollars. For more information about payment options available with Invisalign treatment, click here.

Over 15 million people², including more than 4 million teens³, have used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles.

Invisalign clear aligners are made from patented SmartTrack material which moves teeth comfortably and predictably.⁴

All Invisalign aligner and retainer materials are made of medical-grade, high molecular weight, thermoplastic polymers. These materials were selected for use in aligners and retainers based on their properties and safety classification, and have a long history of FDA approvals for long term use inside the human body. Tests conducted to determine the biocompatibility of these materials show they are biocompatible and pass all applicable regulatory requirements and thresholds for human wear in the mouth.

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. 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 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 by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water and using the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or special cleaning tablets. It’s important that you brush your teeth after each meal before re-inserting your aligners to maintain good oral hygiene. 

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

If you lose or break an Invisalign aligner, immediately let your Invisalign Doctor know. Your Invisalign 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 Invisalign 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.

Cost for Vivera retainers can vary depending on your provider. Vivera retainer orders typically include up to four sets, so you save on the cost of each set, and you'll always have a set handy when you need it. If you don't want four sets at once, speak to your doctor about other options. Ortho insurance may also help cover the cost of Vivera Retainers

You can order Vivera retainers through your Invisalign doctor.

Ultimately, retention protocols are prescribed by the doctor and can be different for your unique conditions and treatment plan. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how often you need to wear your retainers. An example protocol might include wearing the retainers full time for a period of time in the beginning, then based on the doctor’s recommendation gradually reducing until retainers are only worn at night or even as few as three nights per week.

If you lose or break your last set of Vivera retainers, or simply run out, just get in touch with your Invisalign doctor. Your doctor can work with you on purchasing a new set of Vivera retainers, so you can keep showing off that smile!