How Does Invisalign Work?

Since coming onto the teeth-straightening scene in the year 2000, Invisalign has created a movement (pardon the pun…!). This metal-free clear aligner system has attracted patients all around the world, thanks to the comfort and patient flexibility it can offer those who want to straighten their teeth.

But how does Invisalign work to move your teeth without the use of metal and wire? Let’s delve in.

How does Invisalign work?

• Invisalign is a series of recyclable, bespoke plastic aligners.

• The aligners are changed every two weeks by the you at home.

• The design of the aligners is based on digital iTero scans of your teeth.

• Complex calculations are made digitally to assess treatment time and how much movement your teeth will need to reach their final position.

• Retainers are used to keep your new smile in place.

How does Invisalign actually move my teeth?

In the absence of metal wires and brackets, the question of how Invisalign moves teeth is a viable one.

It does so by applying gradual, gentle pressure on your teeth over an average treatment period of 12-18 months (minor treatment to just the front teeth can take just 6-12 months).

Each aligner is worn as part of a sequence. Once your teeth have moved into the preordained position every 2 weeks, the next aligner takes over, moving the teeth into their next position.

On average, you will need to see your dentist or orthodontist every 4-6 weeks to check your progress.

Can I do Invisalign without dentist supervision?

Whilst you will be changing over your aligners every 2 weeks at home, you cannot start with Invisalign (or any other clear transparent aligner) without dentist supervision.  

Invisalign is a prescription treatment, and you should never borrow someone else’s aligners in an attempt to realign your teeth. You will also not be able to contact Invisalign directly to access treatment.

Make sure you choose a reputable Invisalign provider with experience across a number of cases (you can usually find this information on a dental practice’s Team or About Us pages).

What are the main advantages of Invisalign over fixed metal braces?

Invisalign is favoured by patients for the following reasons:

• Flexibility: take your aligners out for up to 2 hours a day.  

• Eat and drink normally: no need to battle with wires and brackets when you’re eating. Simply take your aligners out.

• Brush and floss normally: no invasive limitations when you brush and floss your teeth. This makes it much easier to maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment.

• Metal-free: Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic and therefore offer excellent comfort (no metal parts to contend with).

Are there alternative brands to Invisalign?

While there are other brands offering clear aligner teeth-straightening treatment, Invisalign remains the pioneering and most reputable brand.

Invisalign encompasses a patented piece of software called ClinCheck, allowing you to see your smile before the aligner-wearing part of treatment. This offers patients great assurance that their investment into their smile is worth it from the start.

However, that doesn’t mean to say you can’t achieve good results with competitor brands. The more important factor is the skill and experience of the dentist that is treating you.

Where can I find more advice about Invisalign?

If you’d like to speak to our dentists for online advice regarding Invisalign, our dentists here at Nova are more than happy to answer your questions.

You can also read our complete guide to Invisalign here.