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At Family Dental Center, we understand how important a beautiful smile is at every stage of life. Whether you're a teenager exploring orthodontic options or an adult seeking to enhance your smile without disrupting your daily routine, Invisalign® offers a discreet, comfortable, and effective alternative to traditional braces.
This guide will walk you through what Invisalign is, how it works, its benefits, and why it’s the preferred choice for many of our patients—especially those looking for subtle, modern orthodontic care.
Invisalign is a revolutionary teeth-straightening system that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually move teeth into their ideal positions. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, removable, and far more comfortable to wear.
Each aligner is designed using advanced 3D imaging technology to fit your unique dental structure, ensuring precise, controlled tooth movement. The aligners are worn over your teeth for most of the day, and every one to two weeks, you switch to a new set as your teeth shift closer to their final alignment.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at Family Dental Center. We evaluate your dental health and determine whether Invisalign is the right treatment for your goals.
Step 2: Digital Imaging & Custom Treatment Plan
If you’re a candidate, we take digital impressions of your teeth to create a 3D model. This model is used to map out your treatment plan—from the initial position of your teeth to their final alignment.
Step 3: Aligner Creation
Your series of aligners are custom-fabricated based on the treatment plan. Each aligner is slightly different, guiding your teeth step-by-step.
Step 4: Wearing the Aligners
You’ll wear each set of aligners for about 20–22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink, brush, or floss. New aligners are introduced every 1–2 weeks as your teeth continue to move.
Step 5: Progress Monitoring
You’ll visit Family Dental Center every 6–8 weeks to ensure everything is moving as planned. Most treatments last between 6 and 18 months, depending on the complexity.
The clear aligners are hardly noticeable, making Invisalign ideal for patients who want to straighten their teeth discreetly. Whether you're presenting in meetings, going on dates, or attending school, your treatment stays private.
Unlike traditional metal braces that use brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic that won't irritate your cheeks or gums. Each aligner is designed to fit your mouth precisely.
You don’t have to give up your favorite foods or worry about food getting stuck in wires. Since Invisalign is removable, you can eat what you want and brush and floss with ease.
Because there are no adjustments like with braces, Invisalign requires fewer office visits. Most check-ups are quick and spaced several weeks apart.
Invisalign can successfully treat many of the same orthodontic issues as traditional braces, including:
Teenage years are a time of self-discovery, social growth, and increasing confidence. Traditional braces, while effective, can often impact self-esteem. That’s why Invisalign Teen is designed specifically with younger patients in mind.
Benefits for Teens:
At Family Dental Center, we work closely with teens and their families to ensure compliance, comfort, and a successful outcome.
Orthodontic care isn’t just for kids and teens. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 orthodontic patients today is an adult. Invisalign is perfect for adults who want a straighter smile without the visibility and lifestyle interference of braces.
Why Adults Love Invisalign:
From young professionals to parents and retirees, Invisalign is a flexible, confidence-boosting solution for adults of all ages.
When choosing an Invisalign provider, experience and personalized care matter. At Family Dental Center, we pride ourselves on offering a warm, judgment-free environment for patients of all ages. Here’s what sets us apart:
The cost of Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces and depends on the length and complexity of your treatment.
At Family Dental Center, we offer:
We believe that a confident, healthy smile should be within reach for every patient.
How long will I need to wear Invisalign?
Most Invisalign treatments last between 6 and 18 months. You’ll need to wear aligners for 20–22 hours a day to stay on track.
Does Invisalign hurt?
You may feel mild pressure when switching to a new set of aligners, but it’s typically less painful than traditional braces.
Will Invisalign work for everyone?
Invisalign is effective for most mild to moderate alignment issues. Complex cases may require a hybrid approach. Your dentist will determine the best plan for your smile.
Can I eat and drink with aligners in?
You should remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent staining and damage.
How do I clean my aligners?
Clean your aligners daily with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Specialized cleaning crystals or solutions are also available.
Life After Invisalign: Retainers and Maintenance
After your Invisalign treatment is complete, wearing a retainer is essential to preserve your new smile. Your dentist will provide customized retainers and instructions on how often to wear them. Initially, you'll wear your retainer full time, then gradually transition to nighttime use.
Routine dental check-ups and consistent oral hygiene habits will help keep your teeth straight and healthy long after treatment ends.
