Invisalign®, or clear aligners, is a series of nearly invisible, clear custom-made plastic aligners that are worn over your teeth and work to gradually straighten your teeth over time to the desired position. Because the aligners are custom-made, they fit your mouth and teeth perfectly and work to meet your specific goals. They are removable aligners, so you can eat, drink, brush, and floss as usual. They are changed out every two weeks to fit a new configuration, and while treatment times vary, it typically takes 9-15 months to achieve the best results, though some see results in even less time! Ideally, they are worn for 20-22 hours a day. Since the aligners are virtually invisible, no one will know you are receiving orthodontic treatment unless you tell them!
The trays are held in place by the shape of your teeth, as well as with small tooth-colored attachments that are bonded onto certain teeth. These attachments help the trays apply specific pressure to certain areas, which help with results. Following Invisalign treatment, the attachments are removed, and the teeth are polished.