Crooked teeth or gaps don’t always require traditional metal braces. Thanks to clear aligner technology, it’s now possible to straighten your smile discreetly and comfortably. Invisalign has become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments, but many patients still wonder how it actually works.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, nearly invisible aligners that gently shift your teeth into their ideal positions over time—without wires, brackets, or major lifestyle changes.
How Invisalign Gently Shifts Your Smile
Invisalign straightens your teeth using a series of clear, custom-made aligners that apply gentle, steady pressure. Instead of brackets and wires, each aligner is designed with advanced 3D imaging to map out your entire treatment plan from start to finish.
When you place a new aligner on your teeth, it makes very small, precise adjustments—about 0.25 millimetres at a time. These shifts trigger a natural process called bone remodelling, where the bone around your teeth reshapes to support their new positions. This happens gradually and safely to protect your teeth, roots, and gums.
Why It Works
- Each aligner is custom-made using detailed 3D scans of your mouth
- Gentle pressure moves your teeth gradually without sudden force
- The aligners are made from SmartTrack plastic, which is comfortable yet firm enough to guide teeth effectively
- Multiple aligners work in sequence, shifting your teeth step-by-step
This combination of technology and natural biology makes Invisalign a comfortable and oftentimes effective way to achieve a straighter smile.
Your Invisalign Journey
Initial Consultation
Your Invisalign journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this appointment, we’ll examine your teeth, discuss your smile goals, and determine whether Invisalign is a suitable treatment option for your specific needs.
We use technology to create detailed 3D images of your teeth and jaw structure. This allows us to assess not just the visible portions of your teeth, but also the roots and surrounding bone structure.
Creating Your Custom Treatment Plan
Once we’ve determined that Invisalign is right for you, we’ll take precise digital impressions of your teeth using 3D scanning technology. These scans are sent to Invisalign’s laboratory, where technicians use software to create a virtual model of your mouth.
Working with this digital model, we’ll design your complete treatment plan. You’ll actually be able to see a preview of how your teeth will move throughout treatment and what the final results will look like. This technology lets us show you your future smile before treatment even begins.
Your custom aligners are then manufactured using 3D printing technology. Each aligner in your series is slightly different, designed to make specific movements at specific times during your treatment.
The Treatment Process
Once your aligners arrive, you’ll return for a fitting appointment. We’ll check that each aligner fits properly, bond some translucent “attachments” to your teeth, and provide instructions on how to wear and care for your invisalign trays.
You’ll wear each set of aligners for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning your teeth. Most patients switch to a new aligner every one to two weeks, depending on their specific treatment plan.
Regular check-up appointments, typically every 6-10 weeks, allow us to monitor your progress and ensure your teeth are moving as planned. These appointments are usually quick and comfortable, involving a brief examination and receiving your next set of aligners.
Treatment Duration & Results
Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of your case. In most cases, the treatment takes between 9-18 months. During your consultation, we’ll provide a more specific timeline based on your situation.
A benefit of Invisalign treatment is that you’ll see gradual improvements throughout the process. Many patients notice positive changes within the first few months of treatment.
Advantages of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces
Here are a few advantages to opting for Invisalign treatment:
- Nearly invisible appearance: The clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn, making them a good choice for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of traditional metal braces.
- Removable for eating and cleaning: Unlike traditional braces, you can remove Invisalign aligners for meals and oral hygiene. This means no food restrictions and easier brushing and flossing, which can lead to better oral health during treatment.
- Comfortable treatment experience: Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic with no metal brackets or wires.
- Predictable results: The 3D treatment planning technology allows both you and your dentist to see the expected results before treatment begins.
Book a Consultation Today
At Acacia Dental Centre, we’re proud to provide Invisalign treatment to patients in Sherwood Park. We know that choosing orthodontic treatment is an important decision, and we take the time to guide you through every step of the process so you feel confident in your care. Schedule a consultation with Acacia Dental Centre today to find out if Invisalign is the right choice for you, and take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile.
