Invisalign®

Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth using a series of custom-made, removable trays. Each tray is designed to make small, controlled adjustments so teeth move gradually toward a planned final position. The treatment is an alternative to traditional brackets and wires and relies on digital planning to map outcomes.

Because the aligners are nearly invisible and removable, many patients choose them for aesthetic and lifestyle reasons. The system is manufactured from a medical-grade polymer engineered for clarity and resilience. Clear aligner therapy is intended to be a predictable, minimally invasive option when supervised by a trained clinician.

Treatment begins with a detailed digital scan and software-based planning that maps each tooth's proposed movements from start to finish. That plan is translated into a sequence of aligners, each of which applies targeted forces to specific teeth to achieve the next step. Wearing each aligner for the prescribed period allows the teeth to respond in a controlled, incremental way.

Predictability depends on accurate planning, precise manufacturing tolerances, and patient compliance with wear time. The materials used retain their shape under normal oral conditions to deliver steady force. Regular monitoring lets the clinician verify progress and make adjustments if deviations occur.

Invisalign is appropriate for many adolescents and adults who have mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite irregularities that can be managed with aligner therapy. Very complex skeletal problems or severe malocclusions may require orthodontic appliances or collaboration with a specialist. The presence of good periodontal health and a commitment to wearing aligners as directed are important factors in candidacy.

Existing dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or implants, are taken into account during planning so tooth movement protects those investments. In many cases aligners can be integrated into a broader restorative or periodontal plan to achieve both functional and aesthetic goals. A thorough clinical exam and diagnostic records are the only way to determine whether aligner therapy alone is appropriate.

At Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry the consultation begins with a clinical exam, intraoral photographs, and a digital scan that replaces traditional impressions for most patients. We discuss your concerns, review your dental and medical history, and document tooth and bite relationships to build a customized treatment plan. The digital model allows the clinician to demonstrate a projected sequence of movements and in many cases provide a visual preview of the anticipated outcome.

During the consultation we also identify any adjunctive needs, such as attachments, interproximal reduction, or periodontal care that may be required to achieve the best result. The clinician outlines the proposed timeline, explains daily wear expectations, and reviews follow-up appointment intervals for monitoring. Clear communication at this stage helps set realistic goals and ensures the plan fits your lifestyle and oral health needs.

Treatment duration varies according to the complexity of the case, patient age, and adherence to recommended wear time, but many patients complete aligner therapy within about six to eighteen months. Simple cosmetic corrections often finish on the shorter end of that range while more extensive tooth movements take longer. The clinician provides a personalized timeline based on the initial plan and diagnostic findings.

Aligners are typically changed every one to two weeks according to the prescribed schedule, and regular check-ins allow the provider to confirm progress and make refinements. If adjunctive procedures or restorative work is needed, sequencing can affect overall timing. Consistent wear for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day is a major factor in staying on schedule.

Good oral hygiene during aligner therapy begins with removing trays for meals and brushing and flossing before reinserting them to minimize plaque buildup and staining. Aligners should be rinsed after removal and cleaned daily using the manufacturer’s recommended method or a soft toothbrush and mild, nonabrasive cleanser. Avoid exposing aligners to hot water or harsh chemicals that can warp or discolor the material.

Store aligners in their case when not in use to reduce loss or damage and keep a consistent cleaning routine for both teeth and trays. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings remain important throughout treatment to monitor periodontal health and caries risk. Promptly report any persistent irritation, fit issues, or damage to your aligners so the clinician can address them.

Mild soreness or pressure is common for a day or two after starting a new aligner and generally indicates that the appliance is working to shift teeth. Most patients describe the discomfort as less intense than the pain sometimes associated with new wire-and-bracket adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a short period of soft foods usually provide sufficient relief when needed.

If discomfort persists beyond a few days, if a tray feels unusually tight, or if you experience sharp pain or soft-tissue injury, contact your dental team to evaluate fit and progress. The clinician can adjust the plan, remake a tray, or provide guidance to alleviate symptoms. Timely communication helps prevent small issues from becoming treatment interruptions.

Attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps bonded to teeth to provide additional grip and leverage for aligners during specific movements. Interproximal reduction, or IPR, involves conservative reshaping of enamel between teeth to create space for alignment in crowded cases. These techniques are common, predictable adjuncts that enhance the ability of aligners to achieve planned outcomes.

Other adjuncts can include elastics to correct bite relationships, power ridges to influence root movement, or temporary anchorage devices in select situations. All adjunctive procedures are discussed during treatment planning so patients understand their purpose, duration, and how they fit into the overall plan. When used appropriately, these methods expand the range of problems that clear aligners can effectively address.

Yes. Invisalign is often coordinated with restorative care, periodontal therapy, or implant planning to support overall oral health and a stable, functional result. Aligning teeth before restorative procedures can improve access, esthetics, and long-term outcomes for crowns, bridges, and veneers. Periodontal health is evaluated and treated as needed before and during movement to protect soft tissues and bone.

Sequencing and interdisciplinary communication are important to avoid compromising restorations or periodontal status during tooth movement. The practice integrates restorative and orthodontic planning to ensure that alignment changes support broader treatment goals. Collaborative planning helps achieve a comprehensive, durable result that balances function and esthetics.

Retention is a critical phase after active alignment; retainers are used to hold teeth in their new positions while supporting tissues stabilize. Retention protocols vary, but many patients wear retainers full time initially and transition to nighttime wear as advised by the clinician. Without appropriate retention, teeth can gradually shift back toward their original positions.

Long-term follow-up allows the dental team to monitor stability and address changes linked to aging, oral habits, or dental work. For patients with bruxism or other functional concerns, additional appliances or adjustments to the retention plan may be recommended. At Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry we emphasize retention and periodic monitoring as essential steps to preserve the benefits of aligner treatment.