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How Does Invisalign® Make Your Teeth Straight?

There’s good reason that Invisalign clear plastic aligners have become such a popular option for those looking to get straighter teeth.

They’re clear so, especially from a distance, it’s hard for anyone to even tell you have them in your mouth. They’re removable so you have the option of taking them out when you’re eating, when you need to brush your teeth or in other situations where it’s inconvenient to have them in. And, also, they’re quite effective! They’ve helped millions of people get straighter teeth and more beautiful smiles.

So how do this little, clear plastic aligners work their magic? That’s one of the most common questions people have about Invisalign and a question that we’re about to answer for you…

Step 1: Develop a Plan

The first step in the process is a visit to a dentist that is certified to offer Invisalign. The dentist will examine your mouth and take a 3D scan of your mouth and teeth. Then they’ll use the scan to help develop a custom plan to get your teeth from where they are to where you want them to be. Once they have a clear picture of what they’re starting with and what the end game is, they will be able to let you know how long the treatment will take and how much it will cost.

How Do Invisalign Aligners Work?

Once you have a plan, your dentist will order a set of custom aligners from the Invisalign company. The company will create your aligners for you and send them to your dentist who will give them to you about 2 weeks or so after your initial visit.

The way the treatment works is you will wear a sequence of these clear plastic aligners over the course of your treatment. On average, patients will wear Invisalign for about a year, but it can be anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on your situation.

Each aligner, which are supposed to be worn for about 22 hours each day, will make small adjustments to the positioning of your teeth. About every two weeks you’ll switch to the next set of aligners in the series. Each aligners builds on the adjustments made by the previous sets until your teeth are all straight and positioned perfectly!