If you're considering clear aligner treatment, you may wonder - how does Invisalign work? This guide breaks down the straightening process.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign's teeth-straightening power lies in the science behind it.

While traditional braces use wires and brackets to force teeth into the right position, Invisalign uses clear aligner trays to get the same results. However, where you'd have to go back to the dentist multiple times to get your traditional braces adjusted, you'll now get a new clear aligner instead. With each subsequent aligner, your teeth will shift bit by bit into their ideal position!

To make sure your teeth are moving in the right ways, your dentist will start your treatment with imaging during your initial consultation.

This may consist of X-rays, molds, 3-D scans, and photos.

With the results of your imaging, your dentist will use specialized software to simulate what your final smile will look like. This helps them create your treatment plan. When both of you are satisfied with this plan, your dentist will order a lab to manufacture your aligners.

Your first aligners will move your teeth a tiny bit toward the correct position.

Keep in mind that your new aligners only work when they're in your mouth. If you don't follow your dentist's recommendation to keep them in for at least 20-22 hours per day, you won't see the same results! The more you keep your aligner on your teeth, the faster your results will be.



Around every two weeks, you'll get a new aligner. This is a sign that your teeth have shifted enough to start the next stage of your treatment.

What If It Doesn't Work Perfectly?

Sometimes, your Invisalign results don't happen on a perfect schedule.

If you reach your last aligner and your teeth aren't where they should be, you may need extra aligners. These are often called "refinement" trays.

You may need them for several reasons.

If you didn't wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, your schedule may be off. You might have also run into unexpected issues where you couldn't wear your aligners, such as a sudden illness.

In addition, even the best-laid plans can't always predict how your teeth will move, so last-minute changes help! If your teeth have moved faster or slower than expected, your dentist will adjust your treatment plan.



The refinement process can add 3-6 months to your treatment. Depending on the severity of the changes and the reason refinement is needed, the extra trays may come at no added cost. You'll wear your refinement trays the same way and for the same duration as a regular tray.

What Is Invisalign Made Of?

At this point, you may be wondering how a bit of clear plastic is strong enough to move your teeth.

The material is stronger than you'd think! The clear aligners you'll use are made of medical-grade thermoplastics known as polyurethane resins. This proprietary material, called Invisalign SmartTrack, is transparent and durable.



Despite its stiffness, it's flexible enough for you to fit the aligners over your teeth. This makes it comfortable enough for you to wear them without any issues.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

As you can tell, the process for getting Invisalign is gradual. Results happen bit by bit.

How long does it take for those tiny shifts to reveal the final results?

The most straightforward answer is that it varies. Treatment can take anywhere from six months to two years, though most people will be somewhere in between.

The length of your treatment depends on your current smile. If you have slight crowding, you might get quick results in around six months.

If you're dealing with serious crowding, complex bite issues, and other problems, you might have to wait 18 months or longer before you see the final results.



Your timeline also depends on how well you stick to your dentist's treatment plan. If you go off-script and start taking your aligner trays out of your mouth more often than you should, you may delay the end of your treatment!

Does Invisalign Work Forever?

One common question Invisalign patients ask is whether they'll be done with crooked teeth forever once their treatment ends.

When you're finished with Invisalign, you'll still need to wear a custom retainer. This retainer helps keep your teeth from shifting back into their old positions. It's also an easy way to maintain your new smile.

Depending on your needs, you may need the retainer only at night, though patients often need to wear them during the day for a few months after treatment. You can get traditional metal or clear retainers.



Most people need to wear a retainer for years after they've finished treatment, and dentists often recommend wearing them for life.

Get Invisalign From a Tijuana Dentist

If you've been wondering, "How does Invisalign work?" we hope this has answered your question. Invisalign is a powerful and innovative straightening solution when used correctly, and it's a great way to modify your pearly whites. As long as you stick to your treatment plan, you could transform your smile in months with low-cost treatment in Mexico!



When you're ready to dive into the world of Invisalign, the team at Dentiland is here to help. Our experienced orthodontic specialists will offer a personalized treatment plan to help you reduce crowding and get the smile of your dreams. To book a consultation today, fill out our online form or call (664) 684-7285 (from Mexico) or (858) 768-9937 (from the USA).