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What is the meaning of Invisalign®?

June 2025

Woman holding Invisalign case.
How does Invisalign workInvisalign aligners vs BracesCan Invisalign treatment fix my smile

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners used to straighten teeth—and one you've probably heard of. If you're not sure what it means, you're in the right place. This guide will explain what Invisalign treatment is, how it works, and whether it might be right for you.

What is Invisalign treatment and how does it work?

Invisalign treatment is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. Each aligner is customized to fit your mouth and works by applying gentle, consistent pressure to move your teeth into the desired position over time.1 To stay on track, most people wear their aligners for 20-22 hours a day.

Invisalign aligners vs. Braces

To understand whether Invisalign treatment is the right option for you, it helps to see how it compares to other treatments like traditional metal braces. Both Invisalign aligners and braces can straighten teeth effectively, but they work in different ways. Invisalign treatment uses clear, removable aligners that are transparent, while traditional braces rely on fixed metal brackets and wires to shift teeth into their desired positions.

The main benefits of Invisalign treatment include:

  • Invisalign aligners offer a discreet appearance that is transparent.

  • They can be removed for eating and cleaning, making daily tasks easier.

  • They are more comfortable than metal braces.2,3

  • Unlike braces, there are no food restrictions with Invisalign aligners, so you can continue to enjoy your favorite meals.

  • Patients undergoing Invisalign treatment require 30% fewer doctor visits on average than patients with fixed appliances like braces.4

Curious how they compare? Check out the Invisalign Treatment Comparison Chart for a side-by-side look at Invisalign aligners vs. braces.

Woman holding Invisalign.

Which conditions can Invisalign aligners treat?

Invisalign aligners are designed to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, from mild cases to more complex concerns. This includes common concerns like crowded or crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, and several types of bite misalignments. These include overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, deep bites, and midline discrepancies.

With specialized features like mandibular advancement for developing jaws and Phase I treatment for kids as young as six, Invisalign treatment offers more than just teeth straightening—it supports healthy smile development at every stage.

While only a dentist or orthodontist can determine if Invisalign aligners are right for your unique needs, treatment can offer more than cosmetic improvements. It can help create a functional, long-lasting smile supported by Vivera™ retainers to maintain your results for years to come.

Talk to your doctor

Want to learn more? Talk to your local orthodontist, dentist, or dental health provider. They can evaluate your case, answer your questions, and help develop a treatment plan that works for you. Don’t have an orthodontist yet? Try Invisalign’s Find a Doctor tool and find a vetted provider near you.


Disclaimer: The information contained in this website are for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you may have regarding any dental or medical-related condition and never disregard or delay seeking such advice because of something you have read on this website.

Wonder if Invisalign treatment is right for you?

Take the Invisalign Smile Quiz
  1. American Association of Orthodontists. Clear Aligners. (https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/aligners/) Accessed 5/15/24
  2. Compared to Invisalign aligners previously made from single-layer (EX30) material.
  3. In a study by Miller et al, with adults measuring pain in the first week of treatment. Kevin Miller et al. “A comparison of treatment impacts between Invisalign aligner and fixed appliance therapy during the first week of treatment.” American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Volume 131, Issue 3, pp. 302. e1-302.e9, March 2007.
  4. Buschang et al; Comparative time efficiency of aligner therapy and conventional edgewise braces. Angle Orthod 1 May 2014; 84 (3): 391–396. Borda et al; Outcome assessment of orthodontic clear aligner vs fixed appliance treatment in a teenage population with mild malocclusions. Angle Orthod 1 July 2020; 90 (4): 485–490.