Can Invisalign really straighten teeth? It has a successful track record with millions of people, so let’s learn how it works! 

Deciding to straighten your teeth is a big decision that involves both a major expense and time commitment. Perhaps you’ve heard about clear aligners and are asking yourself, “Is Invisalign effective?”

Much will depend on the orthodontic issue you want to correct. For crowding, gaps, and mild to moderate overbite or underbite malocclusion, Invisalign has been an effective solution since 1998 when it was introduced to the market. At Espire Dental, we are trained in Invisalign and can recommend whether it’s right for you. Here’s a quick review of what you can expect with Invisalign and how it works.

How does Invisalign work?

Before beginning the Invisalign process, your dentist will walk you through your oral adjustments and map out a treatment plan. Your Invisalign aligners will be customized using a 3D image of your mouth. The aligners, or trays, are made of clear, BPA-free plastic material called SmartTrack®. 

You will then receive new aligners every one to two weeks, each designed to shift your teeth into place by gently applying pressure. Every four to six weeks, you will visit your dentist to check on your progress.

For maximum effectiveness, you must wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. You can take them out when you eat, but you then must clean your teeth before putting the aligners back in your mouth. You don’t want any bacteria trapped between your teeth and the aligner!

Some Invisalign patients may need SmartForce® attachments. These are tooth-colored handles hooked to your teeth that help the aligners put force on the teeth. Not everyone will need these attachments, but like the aligners, these attachments are barely noticeable.

Depending on the orthodontic issue, you should see results in 12 to 18 months. Once treatment is complete, your dentist may advise you to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from slipping out alignment.  

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Now that we’ve broken down the basics of Invisalign and its effectiveness, perhaps you still have some questions about its benefits. After all, Invisalign can be pricey, costing roughly the same as traditional braces, and your dental insurance may cover only part of the cost (or, if you are lucky, maybe your insurance will cover it entirely!). Before you decide, let’s take a deeper look at how the benefits outweigh the cost of Invisalign as a teeth-straightening solution.

Aesthetics. Because they’re made of clear plastic, Invisalign is nearly invisible, making it an excellent choice for teens and adults. You can remove the aligners for special occasions, as long as you wear them the full recommended 20 to 22 hours a day.

Painless. Invisalign fits snugly over your teeth, so you won’t even know they’re there. The only discomfort is a slight feeling of pressure when you first start treatment, but that means the aligners are working!

Easy Care. There is no change to your dental hygiene routine with Invisalign because you take the trays out when you brush and floss. However, you must keep the aligners clean with a special cleanser. When cleaning, never use hot water as it could warp the plastic. 

Quick Turnaround. Although the average timespan ranges 12 to 18 months, your treatment may be quicker depending upon the orthodontic issue addressed.

Learn More About Invisalign

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s La Mesa location today! Our highly trained dentists can check your teeth and answer all of your Invisalign questions. Don’t live near our La Mesa, California office? Find one of our other locations near you.

La Mesa, CA
8555 Fletcher Parkway 
Suite 102 
La Mesa, CA 91942