How Does Invisalign Work? Treatment, Benefits, And Care

Invisalign is a great choice if you want to straighten teeth in a way that’s easy and not too noticeable. But how does Invisalign work? What happens during your treatment? If you’re thinking about using Invisalign aligners, it’s important to understand how it works and what benefits it offers.

This guide will help you learn all about Invisalign. We’ll explain how the Invisalign system works, how it’s different from braces, and how you can get the straight, confident smile you’ve always wanted.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign is a way to straighten your teeth using clear, custom-made aligners. These aligners are like clear plastic trays that gently move your teeth over time into the right place. You wear the aligners for about 22 hours a day, taking them out only when you eat, drink, brush, or floss.

You’ll wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks. This process continues until your teeth are in the right place and your treatment is finished.

The Invisalign Treatment Process

The Invisalign teeth straightening process is easy to follow and helps you get the smile you want. Let’s go through each step so you know what to expect during your Invisalign journey.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Your Invisalign treatment starts with a visit to your dentist. The dentist will look at your teeth and oral health to see if Invisalign is right for you. They will also talk about what you want to achieve and make a customised treatment plan for you.

Step 2: Digital Scans And Treatment Plan

The Invisalign process involves taking digital scans of your teeth. These scans are necessary for the custom treatment plan that identifies how your teeth will move over time. The dentist will make sure the plan matches your goal for a straighter smile.

Step 3: Aligners Creation

After the plan is ready, your Invisalign clear aligners will be made. Each set of aligner trays is custom-made to fit your lower or upper teeth perfectly. They are made using 3D technology to make sure they apply gentle pressure to your teeth and move them gradually into place.

Step 4: Wearing Your Aligners

You will start putting in your first set of aligners. Your dentist will tell you how long to wear them each day. For best results, you should only take them out to eat, drink, brush, or floss. After some time, you will switch to the next set of aligners, and each set will bring you closer to your final smile.

Step 5: Regular Dental Check-Ups

While using Invisalign, you will visit your dentist for regular check-ups. These visits help your dentist see how your teeth are moving and ensure everything is going as planned. The dentist can also make any needed changes to your treatment plan to keep you on track.

Step 6: Completing The Treatment

After you finish the series of aligners, your teeth will be in the right place. Your dentist will check your smile to make sure everything is perfect. Sometimes, you may need to wear retainers to keep your teeth in place and stop them from shifting back to where they were before.

 

 

Benefits Of Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign has many benefits that make it a great choice for people who want straighter teeth. Here are some reasons why people choose this orthodontic treatment:

Discreet

Invisalign aligners are clear and almost invisible. Unlike metal braces, which are easy to see, Invisalign is made of clear plastic, so most people won’t notice you’re wearing them. This is great for adults and teens who may feel shy about wearing braces.

Comfortable

Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic. They fit comfortably over your teeth and don’t have sharp parts like metal braces. This makes them more comfortable to wear and less likely to hurt the inside of your mouth.

Removable

One big advantage of Invisalign is that you can take the aligners out. This is different from metal braces, which are fixed to your teeth. You can remove your Invisalign aligners when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. This makes it easier to enjoy your food and keep your teeth clean.

No Food Restrictions

There are foods you can’t eat with metal braces because they might damage the braces. With Invisalign, you can take your aligners out when you eat, so you don’t have to worry about avoiding certain foods.

Better Oral Hygiene

Because you can take your Invisalign aligners out, you can brush and floss your teeth like usual. This helps you keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment, and it can reduce the risk of cavities or gum problems.

Shorter Duration

Many people find that Invisalign treatment takes less time than traditional braces. However, the length of treatment depends on your teeth and needs.

Less Maintenance

With metal braces, you need to visit the dentist often to fix wires and brackets. Invisalign requires fewer visits. You usually change your aligners at home without visiting the dentist often.

Caring For Your Invisalign Aligners

Taking care of your Invisalign aligners is important to make sure they stay clean and work properly. Here are some simple tips to help you take care of them:

• Keep Them Clean: It’s important to clean your Invisalign aligners every day to keep them free from germs and plaque. Rinse them with lukewarm water when you take them out and before putting them back in. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, but avoid using toothpaste because it can scratch the plastic.
• Store Them Properly: When you’re not wearing your aligners, always store them in their case. This will keep them safe and clean. Never leave them out in places like on a napkin or a table, as they can get lost or damaged.
• Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can warp your clear aligners, making them poorly fit. Always use lukewarm or cold water to clean them, and avoid placing them in hot water.
• Brush Your Teeth After Eating: After you eat, clean your teeth before wearing your aligners again. This helps keep your teeth and aligners free from food particles, which can cause bad breath or tooth decay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to visit the dentist during Invisalign treatment?

You will visit the dentist every 6 to 8 weeks. These check-ups help your dentist see how your teeth are moving and make sure everything is going well.

Can I get Invisalign if I have a complex dental issue?

Invisalign can effectively treat mild issues. If your teeth have a big problem, your dentist might suggest braces or a mix of treatments. Your dentist will decide the best choice for you.

Can I drink anything besides water while wearing my aligners?

It’s best to only drink water while wearing your aligners. Coffee, tea, or soda can stain the aligners and cause plaque to build up.

Do Invisalign aligners hurt?

You might feel a little pressure when you start a new set of aligners. This is normal! It means your teeth are moving. The feeling should go away in a few days.

Will Invisalign affect my speech?

At first, you might talk a little differently and have a small lisp. But don’t worry! Once you get used to the aligners, this usually goes away in a few days.

Can I chew gum while wearing Invisalign?

No, don’t chew gum while wearing your aligners. The gum can stick to them and mess them up. Always take your aligners out before chewing gum.

What happens if I lose or break an aligner?

If you lose or break an aligner, talk to your dentist. They may tell you to use your last aligner until they make a new one. Don’t skip any aligners, as this can slow down your treatment.

Can I continue to play sports or exercise with Invisalign?

It’s better to take your aligners out during contact sports like football or basketball to protect them from damage. You can also wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.

Can I smoke while wearing Invisalign?

It’s best not to smoke while wearing your aligners. Smoking can stain them, making them look yellow or cloudy instead of clear. The heat and chemicals from cigarettes or vapes can also damage the plastic of your aligners. If you do smoke, it’s a good idea to remove your aligners first.

What happens if I don’t wear my aligners as instructed?

If you don’t wear your aligners as your dentist says, your teeth might not move the right way, and your treatment could take longer. It is important to wear them as much as your dentist tells you to.

Conclusion

Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth. The clear aligners are comfy, easy to use, and almost invisible. Your treatment is made just for you so you get the best results.

Wear your aligners as your dentist tells you to get your desired smile. Following the plan, you can look forward to a happy, confident smile!

Are you ready for a straighter smile? Invisalign can help you get the smile you want comfortably and easily. Our friendly dental team in Winston Hills can answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Call Infinity Dental Care today at (02) 9159 6237 to book a consultation and take the first step towards your new smile!

Sources

Jones H. How Does Invisalign Straighten Teeth? [Internet]. Verywell Health. 2024 [cited 2025 Feb 6]. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-does-invisalign-work-8673844

Swain E. Invisalign Teeth Staining (Causes & How to Prevent It) [Internet]. NewMouth. 2024 [cited 2025 Feb 6]. Available from: https://www.newmouth.com/blog/invisalign-staining/

English A. Should You Get Invisalign or Braces? Which One Is Cheaper, Most Effective, and Better for Your Teeth [Internet]. Business Insider. 2021 [cited 2025 Feb 6]. Available from: https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/dental/invisalign-vs-braces

Nall R. How to Clean Invisalign: Do’s, Don’ts, and Best Practices [Internet]. Healthline. 2020 [cited 2025 Feb 6]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-clean-invisalign