Invisalign® FAQs

Invisalign is a system of custom-made clear plastic aligners worn over the teeth to move them gradually into their correct positions. Treatment is planned using advanced 3D imaging technology, which maps out the full movement of your teeth from start to finish before a single aligner is made. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks, applying gentle, controlled pressure to shift the teeth incrementally. As you progress through the series, your teeth move toward the final planned position. The entire sequence is designed specifically for your bite and your goals, and it is overseen by Dr. Rawlins from your first scan through your final result.

According to Invisalign, more than three million patients worldwide have completed treatment with the system, and that number continues to grow. It is one of the most widely used clear aligner systems in orthodontics, with a track record built over more than two decades of clinical use.

Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of each case. Most patients complete treatment in 12 to 18 months, though simpler cases can take less time and more involved corrections may take longer. At your consultation, Dr. Rawlins will evaluate your bite and give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation, not a general range.

For most patients, the answer is yes. Because the aligners are removable, they work around daily life rather than imposing on it. You take them out to eat and drink, brush and floss normally, and put them back in when you are done. There are no food restrictions, no wires to work around at the gym, and no brackets that interfere with a mouth guard or instrument. Appointments are efficient, with most check-ins taking less than 30 minutes and scheduled roughly every six to eight weeks.

Aligners should be removed before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Eating with aligners in can damage them and trap food against your teeth, which is not good for your gums. Drinking anything other than water, including coffee, tea, or juice, can stain the trays and compromise their clarity. The habit is simple once it becomes routine: remove, eat or drink, brush, reinsert.

Some patients notice a slight adjustment period in the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. This typically resolves quickly as the mouth adapts to the trays. Most patients find they can speak normally within a short adaptation period, and many report that no one around them notices any difference at all.

Clean your aligners daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic and affect how the aligner fits. Soaking them in an Invisalign cleaning solution or a denture cleaner can help keep them clear and free from buildup. Always brush your teeth before reinserting the aligners to maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment.

The standard recommendation is 20 to 22 hours per day. The aligners should only come out for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing and flossing. Consistent wear is what keeps treatment on schedule. If aligners are routinely removed for longer than the recommended window, tooth movement slows and the overall timeline extends.

When active treatment ends, you will receive a custom retainer to maintain your result. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift over time, and a retainer worn consistently, typically nightly, is what keeps everything where it belongs long after the aligners are done. Dr. Rawlins will walk you through the retention plan at the conclusion of treatment so you know exactly what to expect.

Invisalign is effective for a wide range of tooth movement, including crowding, spacing, and many common bite corrections. More complex cases, including significant jaw discrepancies or severe bite issues, may be better addressed with braces or a combination approach. The only way to know for certain is through a clinical evaluation. Dr. Rawlins will give you an honest assessment at your consultation, including whether Invisalign, braces, or another path is the better fit for your specific situation.

Your smile is one of the most personal investments you can make, and we want you to feel confident going into it with a clear picture of what to expect financially. The investment in Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case, the length of your treatment plan, and the specific details of what needs to be corrected. We review all of this transparently at your consultation so there are no surprises.

We offer flexible monthly payment plans and accept most major credit cards. If you have a Flex Plan or FSA, we can work with those benefits as well. If your dental insurance plan includes orthodontic coverage, Invisalign may qualify. We recommend contacting your provider before your appointment to understand the extent of your coverage, and our team is happy to help you work through the details when you come in.