If you have been dreaming of a straighter smile but dread the idea of metal brackets and wires, Invisalign may be exactly what you have been looking for. Over the past two decades, Invisalign has transformed orthodontic treatment by offering a virtually invisible, comfortable, and highly effective alternative to traditional braces.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic system that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their correct positions. Unlike conventional braces that use metal brackets cemented to each tooth and connected by wires, Invisalign aligners are smooth, removable trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately one to two weeks before being switched out for the next set in the series, with each tray making small, precise adjustments to tooth position over time.
Step-by-Step: The Invisalign Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment
Your Invisalign journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will evaluate your teeth, bite, jaw alignment, and overall oral health to determine whether Invisalign is the right fit for your specific needs. This is also a great time to ask questions, discuss your goals, and understand what kind of results you can realistically expect.
Before starting orthodontic treatment of any kind, it is important to ensure your mouth is healthy. That means any underlying issues such as cavities, gum disease, or damaged teeth should be addressed first. A thorough dental exam will help identify and resolve these concerns before your aligner treatment begins.
Step 2: Digital Scanning and Treatment Planning
Once you are confirmed as a good candidate, your dentist will take digital impressions of your teeth using an intraoral scanner — no messy, uncomfortable putty required. These precise 3D scans are sent to the Invisalign lab, where proprietary software is used to map out the complete movement of your teeth from their current position to their final, desired alignment.
One of the most exciting parts of this stage is that you can actually preview a 3D simulation of what your smile will look like after treatment — before a single aligner is even made. This technology gives both the patient and the dentist a clear picture of the expected outcome and allows for any adjustments to be made to the plan before fabrication begins.
Step 3: Fabrication of Your Custom Aligners
Using the approved digital treatment plan, your personalized series of clear aligners is manufactured from SmartTrack material — a patented thermoplastic developed exclusively for Invisalign. This material is BPA-free, highly transparent, and engineered for consistent, controlled tooth movement. Depending on the complexity of your case, you may receive anywhere from 10 to 50 or more sets of aligners.
Step 4: Wearing Your Aligners
Once your aligners are ready, you will begin wearing them for 20 to 22 hours per day. The only times you should remove them are when eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. Consistency is critical — the more faithfully you wear your aligners, the more predictable and efficient your results will be.
Every one to two weeks, you progress to the next set of aligners in your series. Each tray applies a specific amount of gentle, consistent pressure to targeted teeth, guiding them incrementally toward their goal position. You will also have periodic check-in appointments with your dentist — typically every six to eight weeks — to monitor your progress and ensure everything is tracking correctly.
Step 5: Attachments and Refinements (When Needed)
For more complex tooth movements, your dentist may place small tooth-coloured dots called “attachments” on certain teeth. These are temporary, bonded to your enamel, and blend naturally with your smile. They act as anchors that give the aligners something to grip, enabling more precise or difficult movements such as rotations or vertical shifts.
In some cases, refinements may be needed toward the end of treatment. These are an additional set of aligners designed to fine-tune minor remaining movements. Refinements are common and are simply part of ensuring you achieve the best possible final result.
Step 6: Retention After Treatment
Completing your aligner series is a significant milestone — but the journey does not end there. After active treatment, your teeth need time to stabilize in their new positions, because the bone and soft tissue surrounding the roots must adapt. This is why retainers are an essential part of your post-Invisalign care.
Your dentist will provide you with custom retainers to wear as directed — initially full-time, and then typically just at night. Skipping this step can result in relapse, where teeth gradually drift back toward their original positions.
What Conditions Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign is suitable for correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:
- Crowded teeth — when there is not enough space in the jaw for teeth to sit correctly
- Gapped teeth — spaces between teeth that affect aesthetics and can trap food
- Overbite — when upper front teeth overlap too much with lower teeth
- Underbite — when lower teeth protrude in front of upper teeth
- Crossbite — when upper and lower teeth do not align side to side
- Open bite — when upper and lower front teeth do not meet when biting
While Invisalign can address most common alignment concerns, extremely severe skeletal or bite issues may still require traditional braces or surgical intervention. Your dentist will advise you honestly about what Invisalign can and cannot achieve for your specific case.
The Key Benefits of Invisalign
Near Invisible Appearance
The most obvious advantage is cosmetic. Invisalign aligners are crafted from clear, transparent plastic, making them virtually undetectable when worn. This makes them particularly popular among adults and working professionals who want to improve their smile without the social self-consciousness that often comes with metal braces.
Removable for Eating and Oral Hygiene
Unlike fixed braces, Invisalign aligners are completely removable. This means no dietary restrictions — you can continue to enjoy all your favourite foods without worrying about breaking brackets or getting food stuck in wires. More importantly, removing your aligners to brush and floss means your dental hygiene routine stays simple and thorough, reducing the risk of cavities and gum problems during treatment.
Comfortable to Wear
There are no sharp metal edges or protruding wires to irritate the soft tissues of your mouth. The smooth plastic of Invisalign aligners is far gentler on your cheeks, lips, and gums. While you may experience mild pressure or soreness when transitioning to a new tray, this is a normal sign that the aligners are working and typically subsides within a day or two.
Predictable, Digitally Planned Results
Every Invisalign case is planned with precision using 3D digital technology. Your entire treatment path is mapped out in advance, and you can view your expected final result before you even start. This level of planning leads to highly predictable outcomes and allows your dentist to make data-driven decisions throughout the process.
Pairs Well With Cosmetic Treatments
One of the standout advantages of Invisalign is how naturally it complements other smile enhancement treatments. Many patients choose to pair their aligner treatment with professional teeth whitening for a brighter, more radiant outcome. Others incorporate it into a broader smile makeover that may include porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding. Because Invisalign straightens teeth first, these aesthetic treatments can be applied to perfectly aligned surfaces, delivering more beautiful and lasting results.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
Treatment timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s compliance with wearing the aligners. For mild to moderate cases, treatment often takes between 6 and 12 months. More complex cases can take 18 to 24 months or longer. Teens and adults who wear their aligners consistently and attend all follow-up appointments tend to achieve results on or ahead of schedule.
Is Invisalign Affordable?
The cost of Invisalign varies based on the scope of treatment, the number of aligners required, and the provider. At South Trail Crossing Dental, we are committed to making Invisalign accessible to as many patients as possible. We offer flexible dental financing options including 0% interest financing plans, and we direct-bill to most major insurance providers to simplify the process for our patients.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
If you are ready to take the first step toward a straighter, healthier, more confident smile, the best way to find out if Invisalign is suitable for you is through a personalized consultation. At South Trail Crossing Dental in McKenzie Towne, SE Calgary, our experienced dental team offers free Invisalign consultations to help you understand your options, explore treatment timelines, and find a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle. Contact us today
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
What is Invisalign and how is it different from braces?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth using removable plastic trays instead of metal brackets and wires. It’s more discreet, comfortable, and flexible than traditional braces.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most treatments take 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your aligners.
3. How many hours per day do I need to wear my aligners?
You should wear your aligners 20–22 hours per day for the best results. Only remove them for eating, drinking (anything other than water), brushing, and flossing.
4. Does Invisalign hurt?
You may feel mild pressure or soreness when switching to a new set of aligners. This is normal and usually subsides within a couple of days.
5. Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?
You should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. This prevents staining and damage.
6. How often do I change my aligners?
Most patients switch to a new set every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by their dentist.
