If you’ve ever considered straightening your teeth but balked at the idea of bulky metal brackets and wires, you’re not alone — and you’re not without options. In recent years, the popularity of “invisible braces” has skyrocketed, offering a discreet, effective way to improve your smile without the traditional metal-mouth look. Among these, Invisalign has become one of the most recognizable names in clear aligner therapy. But how does it work, and is it the right choice for you?
I’ve always been told I’m a “dentist’s dream,” according to my parents. I started orthodontic treatment earlier than most people, having a half-set of metal braces on the upper palette of my mouth when I was only 10, and then a full set of braces when I was 13. I had all the gadgets and gizmos, too, from rubber bands to a palette expander (I’m still scared by the key you need to tighten it).
I blame my shifting teeth on a two-week Italy vacation where I ditched my retainer at home and traded it in for fresh pasta. I began noticing a bottom tooth misaligned, and then I began noticing my jaw transitioned into an uncentered state. My teeth were straight — nothing major — but it bothered me every time I looked in the mirror.
When I was 22, my dentist told me that I had to have two baby teeth extracted. The TLDR version: yes, I still had two baby teeth, and I didn’t have any adult teeth genetically. So, once the teeth had to be extracted, I needed to consider dental implant surgery. Yes, implants can happen in your early 20s!
However, implants are pretty much permanent. I knew that opting for clear aligners like Invisalign was a great choice to perfect my bite once and for all. So, I called my orthodontist and scheduled a consultation.
With before and after photos to show you exactly how Invisalign proved effective in real life, I put together this Invisalign review. I also spoke with a leading orthodontist to break down everything you need to know about invisible braces, including how Invisalign compares to other discreet treatment options.
What are invisible braces?
“Invisible braces” is a broad term that refers to three types of orthodontic treatments designed to be less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Invisible braces are a term that refers to three types of discreet/less noticeable orthodontic treatments:
- Clear Aligners (Invisalign, Spark, 3M): Custom-made, removable trays made of clear plastic, virtually invisible when worn
- Clear Braces (Ceramic Braces): Similar to metal braces, but with tooth-colored brackets and wires
- Lingual Braces: Metal braces placed on the back (lingual) side of your teeth, completely hidden from view.”
All three systems aim to straighten your teeth with minimal visibility, but they differ in design, feel, and functionality.
How do clear aligners like Invisalign work?
Invisalign uses a series of custom-fitted, removable plastic trays that gradually shift your teeth into their ideal position. Each aligner is worn for about one to two weeks (depending on your orthodontist’s plan), and patients are typically expected to wear them 22+ hours per day for optimal results.
“You wear a series of removable, custom trays that gradually shift your teeth as designed by your orthodontist,” Erin Fraundorf, MD, orthodontist, told the New York Post. “The prescription may vary based on your smile, wear time and your doctor’s preferences.”
About Invisalign
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners to straighten teeth without the use of traditional metal braces. These aligners are made from a smooth, BPA-free plastic and are designed to fit snugly over the patient’s teeth.
The best part? They’re virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for people seeking a more discreet way to improve their smile, especially if you’re an adult who doesn’t want the look of metal braces. Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks before being replaced with the next in the series, gradually shifting teeth into their desired position.
One of the main advantages of Invisalign is the convenience and flexibility it offers. The aligners are removable, allowing patients to eat, drink, brush and floss with ease, which is something that’s more difficult with traditional braces. This also means there are fewer dietary restrictions.
However, for optimal results, the aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. Invisalign treatment typically requires fewer orthodontist visits than braces, as there are no wires to tighten or brackets to adjust.
Invisalign Aligners
Pros:
- Nearly invisible appearance, as opposed to metal braces
- Removable for eating and brushing
- Requires fewer in-office visits
- No food restrictions (simply remove the tray)
- Easier hygiene maintenance
Cons:
- Must be worn for at least 22 hours per day
- It may be lost or damaged if not accounted for in its tray
- Must be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water
- May temporarily affect speech, but typically at the beginning of treatment
- Expensive, and insurance typically won’t cover any, if not all, of it
Invisalign is suitable for treating a variety of dental issues, including crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites and crossbites. While it’s an effective solution for many cases, complex orthodontic problems might still require traditional braces or other interventions. The treatment process begins with a consultation and digital scan of the patient’s mouth, followed by the creation of a personalized treatment plan.
On average, treatment lasts 12 to 18 months, though this varies depending on the severity of the case and the patient’s adherence to wearing the aligners as prescribed.
In fact, hygiene is a major advantage. You can take the aligners out to brush and floss normally — no need to navigate around brackets and wires.
How it works and tips for the best experience
Once you schedule your consultation, your orthodontist will assess if you’re an ideal candidate for Invisalign. Once X-rays and impressions are complete, you’ll receive a full set of clear Invisalign trays. Depending on the scope of your treatment, you may receive about 18 trays and will make your way through them by wearing each one for two weeks at a time.
Wearing the Invisalign aligners was comfortable, and I appreciated eating and drinking beverages aside from water without the aligners inside. Depending on your teeth and bite, you may have attachments that are fairly noticeable; attachments are clear mini-adhesives that may be placed on frontal teeth. Invisalign, as a whole, is still clear, though these may be a bit more noticeable. However, they’ll blend into your teeth.
For the best experience, drink your favorite beverages (like coffee) with a meal. You have to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day, so they’ll only be off when you eat. This didn’t fare well with Christmas (an all-day affair with my Italian family), but as long as you’re wearing them as much as you can, that’s OK.
Also, to ensure they’re nearly spotless, rinse them with cold water before and after removing them. This will help ensure that no saliva or residue will make their way onto the aligners.
Before Invisalign
Before Invisalign, my jaw was a bit off-center, as it was positioned slightly to the left of my head. My left bottom teeth weren’t perfectly centered, and my bottom row of teeth wasn’t even. I had two teeth extracted, and my orthodontist wanted to open those spaces on each side to prepare for implant surgery, so these adjustments were factored into my Invisalign treatment.
After Invisalign
After Invisalign, my teeth are nearly perfect. My jawline is a bit more centered. The bottom row of my teeth are even with the top row, and I was thrilled to see my smile pretty much back to where my metal braces rendered them years ago (and yes, orthodontist photos always look like passport photos, but here they are…on the Internet).
How Does Invisalign Compare to Other Invisible Braces?
| Feature | Clear Aligners (Invisalign) | Clear Braces | Lingual Braces | Metal Braces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Virtually invisible | Less visible | Hidden behind teeth | Most noticeable |
| Removability | Removable | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed |
| Comfort | Can irritate the tongue | Similar to metal, more bulky | It can irritate the tongue | Wires/brackets can cause irritation |
| Diet Restrictions | None (must remove to eat) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hygiene | Easier | More challenging | Most difficult | More challenging |
Who should consider invisible braces?
While aesthetics are a big factor, invisible braces aren’t one-size-fits-all. The best option depends on your dental needs, lifestyle and personal goals.
“It’s not only about the smile and diagnosis but also about the patient’s unique lifestyle, motivation, desires and goals,” Dr. Fraundorf said. “A consultation with an orthodontist will help determine the best approach for each individual.”
How long does treatment take?
There’s no universal timeline for Invisalign. Believe me, I wanted a concrete answer as much as the next person, especially because I began treatment before my wedding.
Treatment varies widely depending on case complexity, treatment type, compliance and even oral hygiene habits. Some patients may only need a few months, while others might require over a year.
As for my treatment, I received the aligners in January 2023 and was finished with treatment by April 2024.
Can I eat or drink with Invisalign?
Yes, you can eat or drink with Invisalign, but only after removing your trays. Consuming anything besides flat water while wearing your aligners can lead to staining, damage and even cavities.
With clear and lingual braces, you don’t remove them to eat, but you’ll need to avoid sticky, hard or crunchy foods that could break brackets or wires.
How to properly clean your Invisalign trays
Keeping your trays fresh and clean is crucial. “For the most intensive clean, aim for at least twice daily,” Fraundorf said. She recommends using a retainer/denture cleaning tablet or an ultrasonic dental pod, with her personal favorite being the Zima Dental Pod.
For on-the-go cleaning, use a toothbrush and mild soap or squirt a foam cleaner into your aligners. Just don’t forget to rinse them thoroughly and spit out any foam before popping them back in.
How soon will you see results?
You may notice small changes within weeks. I happened to notice minor results each time I received a new tray.
How insurance factors in: Invisalign cost
Invisalign and other invisible braces typically cost $3,500 to $10,000. This depends on the complexity of the case, geographic experience and other factors.
“Insurance coverage varies,” Fraundorf. “Some plans may cover a portion of the treatment cost.”
Many practices offer in-house financing or work with third-party payment providers like CareCredit, helping patients budget with low or even no-interest monthly payments.
At least in my case, the out-of-pocket cost for Invisalign was approximately $6,000 and wasn’t covered by insurance due to it being classified as a cosmetic treatment. It’s fairly expensive but worth it because of their unobtrusive nature, clear look and flexible ease-of-use.
The bottom line
Invisible braces, especially Invisalign, have transformed the way people approach orthodontic treatment, including me. With their discreet appearance, flexibility and ease of use, they’ve made straightening teeth more convenient than ever before. But just like any treatment, they require commitment, proper care and expert guidance.
Now, I love my smile — and in my book, Invisalign was totally worth it.
If you’re thinking about improving your smile discreetly, schedule a consultation with a certified orthodontist. You might be just a few trays away from the smile you’ve always wanted.
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