Invisalign®

There are many options for patients who want to avoid metal braces! The most popular alternative orthodontic treatment is Invisalign®, which are clear plastic aligners designed to straighten teeth. After an examination of your teeth, your dentist will determine which option is best suited to your wants and needs.

According to the Invisalign® website, the cost for treatment is approximately the same as the cost for metal braces. A portion of this cost may be covered by your insurance. Please call us to set up a consultation and discuss potential payment plan options.

The first step is to schedule a consultation with your doctor, so they can devise a treatment plan that is best suited to your individual dental needs. Once approved, you will receive your first set of aligners. Your doctor will then regularly monitor the movement of your teeth and new aligners will be ordered according to the progress made in your treatment plan.

Invisalign® aligners are made of clear, flexible plastic. The company received a patent for this material – SmartTrack® – to be used exclusively for Invisalign treatment purposes. These aligners are FDA approved and nearly invisible!

Your doctor will give you an estimate regarding how long your Invisalign® treatment should take, which will depend on your specific needs. The average length of time for treatment is approximately 12-18 months. However, some patients may see results far sooner. Remember to wear your aligners exactly as instructed by your doctor to obtain the best results.

Your doctor will most likely recommend that you wear retainers following your Invisalign® treatment. This is a precaution that will prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positioning. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly to ensure long-lasting results.

You must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours daily. You may remove them for eating, drinking and regular oral hygiene.

No. Unlike braces, you may eat whatever you like as long as you remove the aligners before eating. Prior to placing the aligners back on, it is important to brush your teeth and the aligners after you eat.

Like any orthodontic treatment, there is a short adjustment period. The more you speak with the aligners on, the quicker you will adjust.

There will be some pressure and minor discomfort for a day or two after each initial insertion. This is a sign that your teeth are moving sequentially into their final position.

It is recommended that you remove your aligners prior to chewing gum as the gum will stick to the aligners.

We discourage smoking with aligners as the cigarette smoke will tend to discolor them.

Brushing them with toothpaste will keep them fresh and clean.

Regular office visits are every five to six weeks. This will ensure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.

All orthodontic patients are instructed to wear their retainers at night indefinitely. Sleeping with your retainers in at night will ensure a healthy bite and maintain the new position of your teeth.

Yes, if their teeth, including second molars, have grown in completely.

Invisalign® is a series of clear, custom-made aligners designed to move teeth incrementally into desired positions. Each aligner is worn for a specified period, then replaced with the next in the series to continue tooth movement. Treatment is planned using 3-D digital imaging so each stage of movement is mapped before aligners are manufactured.

The clear trays are practically invisible and removable, which makes them a discreet option for many patients. Aligners apply gentle, controlled forces to teeth and are often paired with small attachments when precise movements are needed. Regular progress checks ensure the treatment follows the planned digital outcome.

Many adolescents and adults with mild to moderate alignment issues are excellent candidates for Invisalign®, including those with spacing, crowding, or certain bite concerns. Candidates should be committed to wearing aligners as directed, typically around 20 to 22 hours per day, to achieve predictable results. A comprehensive clinical exam and digital scan are necessary to confirm suitability and identify any underlying dental or skeletal issues that may require alternative approaches.

Candidates with complex skeletal discrepancies or severe jaw misalignment may need additional orthodontic or surgical care, and a clinician will discuss those options during evaluation. Prior restorative work, periodontal health, and oral hygiene status also influence candidacy. An individualized treatment plan ensures the chosen approach aligns with functional and aesthetic goals.

Your consultation begins with a focused oral exam and discussion of your smile goals so the team can determine if Invisalign® is appropriate for you. A fast, precise digital scan replaces traditional impressions and is used to create a virtual treatment plan that includes a projected sequence of tooth movements. The dentist will review the proposed ClinCheck preview, explain how attachments or interproximal reduction may be used, and answer questions about the process.

During this visit you will learn about expected timelines, required patient responsibilities, and how progress will be monitored. The consultation also provides an opportunity to address any cosmetic or restorative considerations that may complement orthodontic treatment. If you proceed, the practice schedules the next steps and provides instructions for aligner wear and maintenance.

Treatment duration varies depending on the complexity of the case, the number of movements required, and how consistently aligners are worn. Many patients see significant changes within a few months, while full treatment often ranges from several months to a year or more for more involved cases. The digital plan produced at the outset gives an estimated timeline, which may be refined as treatment progresses.

Factors such as compliance, the need for attachments, refinements, or additional movements can extend the schedule, while strict wear and good oral hygiene support timely progress. Periodic clinical reviews confirm that the plan is proceeding as expected and allow adjustments if needed. Your provider will communicate milestones and any anticipated changes in timing throughout care.

Daily care for aligners includes rinsing them with cool water and gently brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and debris. Avoid hot water or harsh chemicals that can warp or discolor the plastic, and use manufacturer-recommended or dentist-approved cleaning solutions when a deeper clean is needed. Store aligners in their protective case whenever they are removed to prevent damage or loss.

Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing before reinserting aligners after eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Regular dental cleanings and checkups are important to monitor oral health during treatment. If an aligner becomes damaged or lost, contact your provider promptly for guidance on how to proceed without interrupting your progress.

Some patients notice a mild, temporary lisp or slight change in speech when they first begin wearing aligners, but this typically resolves within a few days as the tongue adapts. Aligners are designed for comfort, using smooth, rounded edges and precision fit to minimize irritation to cheeks and gums. Mild soreness or pressure is normal for a day or two after changing to a new aligner as teeth adjust to the next stage of movement.

If sore spots persist or an aligner feels unusually uncomfortable, contact your dental team for an assessment and possible adjustment. Simple measures like rinsing with warm salt water or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can help manage short-term discomfort. The majority of patients find aligners easier to wear than traditional brackets and wires once they acclimate.

Aligners are removable, which means you should remove them for all meals and snacks to protect both the trays and your teeth. Eating with aligners in place can damage them and trap food against your teeth, increasing the risk of decay or staining. After eating, brush and floss before putting aligners back in to maintain oral health and prevent odors or discoloration.

While wearing aligners, avoid drinking anything other than plain water to prevent staining and minimize exposure to sugars or acids. Frequent consumption of sugary or acidic drinks while wearing aligners can increase the risk of enamel damage. Following simple routines for removal, cleaning, and reinsertions keeps treatment on track and preserves both aligner appearance and dental health.

Attachments are small, tooth-colored composite bumps bonded to specific teeth to give aligners a better surface to push against and enable more complex tooth movements. They are placed during an office visit and are carefully planned within the digital treatment sequence to appear only where needed. Attachments are discreet and designed to blend with natural tooth color, though they may be slightly noticeable on close inspection.

Attachments are removed or smoothed at the end of treatment and do not permanently alter the teeth when placed and removed by a qualified clinician. Good oral hygiene around attachments is important to prevent plaque accumulation. Your provider will explain their role and show you how to clean effectively while attachments are in place.

Follow-up visits are typically scheduled every six to ten weeks so the clinician can monitor progress, check fit, and provide the next sets of aligners as needed. Some practices combine in-office visits with virtual check-ins for straightforward cases to minimize appointments while maintaining quality oversight. These reviews allow the provider to confirm that movements are tracking as planned and to identify any need for refinements or adjustments.

Emergency visits are uncommon but may be necessary if an aligner is damaged, an attachment becomes loose, or unexpected symptoms occur. Your dental team will provide clear instructions on when to call and how to handle aligner transitions between visits. Consistent communication helps ensure predictable outcomes and efficient completion of treatment.

After active alignment is complete, most patients transition to a retention phase to preserve their new tooth positions and prevent relapse. Retainers—often clear, removable devices—are typically worn full-time at first and then gradually tapered to nightly use as recommended by the clinician. The retention schedule varies by case and is an essential part of long-term success.

Periodic checkups after treatment help monitor stability and address any minor shifts promptly. Additional cosmetic or restorative procedures can be coordinated if desired to refine the final appearance. If you are in the Miami Beach area, the team at One Smile Aesthetics can explain retention options and schedule follow-up care to support lasting results.