How Does Invisalign Work with Clear Aligners and the Science Behind It
Invisalign is typically considered a purely cosmetic process, but it has additional benefits outside of perfecting your smile. It’s a quicker, more comfortable, discreet alternative to traditional braces and can help improve overall gum and dental health. When your teeth are crowded, you’re more susceptible to gum disease and tartar/plaque buildup because it’s harder for your toothbrush and floss to reach between teeth.
If that isn’t reason enough to consider Invisalign, the aligners and retainers are incredibly convenient and comfortable. Because you can remove them for eating, sticky, tough, or chewy foods aren’t off-limits. This flexibility also makes brushing your teeth easier.
How Invisalign Treatment and Clear Aligners Work for Teeth Straightening
The Invisalign process begins with a free consultation. If you decide it’s right for you, we’ll move onto a 3D imaging session (radiation-free) with our Itero scanner, in which we scan your teeth and send results to Invisalign. They’ll forward an interactive digital model of your teeth, outlining your custom treatment plan — you’ll get a sneak peek at your new smile every step of the way.
From there, we’ll set you up with aligners and schedule your mid-treatment checkup. Depending on the severity of your case, the process will take between six months and one year.
Your Retainer After Invisalign Treatment to Maintain Your Straighten Teeth Results
Once you complete the aligner process, we’ll fit you with Invisalign’s Vivera® retainer to help keep your new smile looking perfect. Otherwise, your teeth may shift. These retainers are just as discreet and comfortable as your aligners, but they’re more durable and stiff for long-lasting wear.
To set your teeth after movement, it is recommended that you wear your retainer full-time (~22h/day) for three months post-treatment. Then, you can start wearing them ~8h/day (overnight).
How to Clean Your Invisalign Retainer and Invisible Aligners
Over time, your Invisalign retainers can accumulate tartar/plaque buildup and become cloudy. Just like your teeth, it’s important to clean them regularly. There are a few ways to do this:
- Brush them daily with soft bristle brush and cold/lukewarm water
- Use the Invisalign cleaning crystals that come with your retainers (you can order more on Amazon here)
- Mix a 50/50 solution of lukewarm water and vinegar and soak retainers for 15 min
- Note: do NOT use hot water as it can warp the plastic retainer
A Simple and Effective Invisalign Treatment with Clear Aligners to Straighten Teeth and Transform Your Smile
Although there are a lot of small steps to completing a custom Invisalign treatment, it’s the simplest, safest way to get teeth worth smiling about. And if you have any questions about our Invisalign treatment process or you’d like to set up a free consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our Invisalign-certified providers are happy to help.
Authored by:
Aneel Bherwani, DMD, MS
Orthodontics
Dr. Bherwani was initially drawn to orthodontics for its lasting and positive impact in people’s lives. He understands the power of a smile in enhancing confidence, self-esteem and works hard to craft the best possible smile for each individual while ensuring the most comfortable experience during treatment. Dr. Bherwani strives Read More
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FAQ About How Does Invisalign Work
What are the negatives of Invisalign?
While Invisalign aligners are a comfortable alternative to traditional braces, they still require consistent wear, which can be challenging for some patients. Because the aligners are removable, forgetting to wear them can slow teeth straightening and affect how well the treatment plan works. Some patients may also experience mild pressure as the aligners work to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions.
What is the 30 minute rule for Invisalign?
The 30-minute rule generally refers to keeping your aligners out for no longer than necessary, ensuring they stay on your teeth for the recommended 20–22 hours per day. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, limiting time without them helps the aligners work properly and maintain steady movement of your teeth. This supports consistent progress and keeps your orthodontic treatment on track.
How quickly do teeth move with Invisalign?
Teeth typically begin to move within the first few weeks as the series of clear aligners apply gentle pressure to gradually straighten your teeth. The pace depends on the complexity of your case, though most Invisalign treatment plans show steady progress through each set of aligners. Many patients see noticeable changes early due to the way clear aligners work with advanced technology behind Invisalign.
What is the biggest complaint with Invisalign?
The most common complaint is the discipline required to wear Invisalign aligners consistently throughout the day. Because aligners are removable, some patients find it difficult to maintain the recommended wear time, which can delay treatment and affect how Invisalign works. Others mention temporary discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners as they apply gentle pressure to move your teeth. set up a free consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our Invisalign-certified providers are happy to help.
