How Does Invisalign Work?

Everyone is talking about Invisalign! As one of the most popular clear aligner brands, the word “Invisalign” has become interchangeable with “clear aligners”. (Think of how we say Band-Aid instead of bandage!) If you’re looking for a comfortable and discreet way to straighten your teeth, clear aligners such as Invisalign and Spark are great brands that deliver fantastic smile results!

But you may be wondering how Invisalign works and what clear aligners are made of. Let’s get the scoop about all things Invisalign and how these popular clear aligners work to straighten your teeth!

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign uses a system of custom-made clear aligners to gently guide your teeth into healthy alignment. One of the main advantages of Invisalign is their virtually invisible appearance! Your co-workers, friends, or family may not even notice that you’re wearing Invisalign trays, unless you tell them. So there’s no need to worry about being socially awkward or “metal-mouth” from your orthodontic treatment!

Is Invisalign plastic safe? Invisalign aligners are manufactured from SmartTrack®, a patented material made from medical-grade resin. The FDA approved this material as safe over 20 years ago! These clear aligners contain no BPA, latex, or parabens, and are gluten-free!

How do Invisalign aligners actually work to straighten the teeth?

Over the course of your clear aligner treatment, you’ll be given a series of Invisalign aligners. Each set is uniquely designed to bring you one step closer to a beautiful, healthy smile. You’ll wear each set of clear aligners for about 20-22 hours a day, depending on what our orthodontists prescribe for your smile needs.

The trays will apply gentle forces to the roots of your teeth, guiding them into the ideal position our orthodontists have calculated. It may take about 6 weeks for you to start seeing the results of the movement, but rest assured your Invisalign aligners are hard at work every time they’re in, making slight adjustments to the position of your teeth.

Invisalign aligners not only control the amount of force that is used to move your teeth, but they also control the timing of that force. In fact, these trays will only move a few teeth at any one time. This is to ensure you’re comfortable and protect your teeth from excessive force!

Dr. Nease, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Higginbotham, or Dr. Horvath can walk you through how your smile journey will look with clear aligners during your complimentary orthodontic exam too.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

If you have that nagging feeling that your smile is keeping you back in your professional or social life, Invisalign treatment may be for you! With the help of our experienced orthodontists, your clear aligners will be able to correct many common orthodontic problems such as crooked teeth or overbite – without any headgear or severe discomfort! Let’s check out some of the benefits of Invisalign.

  • Invisalign aligners fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. You’ll be able to remove your trays at any time, so eating and drinking whatever you want will never be a problem with Invisalign. This also means you’ll be able to brush and floss normally. No changes to your oral hygiene routine needed!
  • Invisalign aligners can improve your oral health. In many cases, misaligned teeth can make it almost impossible to clean the mouth thoroughly. By straightening the teeth, you’re making the job of your dentist – and your toothbrush much easier!
  • Invisalign aligners are comfortable! While it can be difficult to imagine plastic aligners in your mouth as comfortable, orthodontic technologies have helped manufacture Invisalign trays that are smooth and designed for comfort. As your misalignment is corrected throughout your treatment, your level of comfort increases as does your confidence to smile!

Now those are just a few of the key benefits of Invisalign, but the possibilities are endless!

What can I expect with Invisalign?

Every treatment plan is unique, but the average Invisalign treatment lasts around 6 to 15 months. Your alignment trays will work best if you leave them in at all times that you’re not eating or brushing and flossing. However, you have the freedom to take them out whenever you choose.

You’ll also need to see your orthodontist every 8 to 10 weeks. This is the preferred time in order to make sure that your treatment is staying on track! Check out our helpful video on how to clean Invisalign trays to keep your aligners in their best shape!


What about other clear aligner brands?

Now if you’re unsure whether or not Invisalign is the right clear aligner treatment for you, you’ll be happy to know we offer another effective and comfortable clear aligners brand – Spark™ clear aligners!

Spark aligners are similar in appearance to Invisalign but are made of a different and thinner patented plastic material called TruGen™. They’ll do the same job as Invisalign with the same benefits, but the main difference is the thickness of the aligners. Spark aligners are still durable despite their thinner appearance and offer increased comfort, clarity, and stain resistance!

Still have questions about how Invisalign works?

We’re here to answer your questions! It’s important to us that you feel comfortable in your treatment choice. Our friendly team will provide you with all the information you need to undergo a smooth and successful orthodontic treatment. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions!

If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Gaffney, Union, Duncan, West Spartanburg or East Spartanburg, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.

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