What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a branded teeth-straightening system that uses clear, removable aligners instead of metal braces. The aligners are virtually imperceptible to the naked eye, which can be intriguing to people who are self-conscious about how metal braces may impact their appearance.

How does Invisalign work?

After a checkup and consultation to ensure you're a good candidate for Invisalign, the dentist or orthodontist will custom fit you for a series of clear, BPA-free plastic aligners that are designed to be worn 20–22 hours per day. The aligners are swapped out for a new set every 2 weeks, gradually shifting your teeth into their new straighter position over time.

Although aligners alone are sufficient in most cases, some treatment plans may also involve attaching raised "buttons" to the teeth to give them more traction—an alteration that makes them slightly more noticeable, at least close up.

How long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?

The duration it takes for teeth to reach their final position is unique for everyone, but on average, Invisalign can straighten teeth in about 9 to 12 months. After this period, most patients will wear only a nighttime retainer to maintain their results.

What's the day-to-day maintenance like with Invisalign?

As stated above, your Invisalign retainers must be worn for 20–22 hours each day. They are to be removed only when eating, brushing your teeth, or drinking hot beverages such as tea or coffee. (Heat can cause the plastic to soften and lose its shape.) Because the aligners completely cover your teeth, it's important to brush your teeth after eating to avoid getting food trapped under the aligner.

In addition to holding yourself accountable for wearing your aligners all day, you'll also have to return to the dentist's office roughly every 4–6 weeks to check how things are progressing and receive the new sets of aligners you'll use until your next appointment.

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of Invisalign varies depending on how long you are in treatment, how difficult your case is, and who is treating you, though typically it's comparable to the cost of traditional braces. Some sources put the average price tag in the £2,000 range, though simple cases could cost significantly less. It's also possible your dental insurance will pay for all or part of your treatment.

If cost is a concern, search our site for deals on Invisalign near you.

What are Invisalign results like?

Invisalign and metal braces deliver comparable results and come at a comparable cost (the average cost for metal braces is about £6,000 for the entire treatment). There are some real differences in how you live with and care for them, though, and this difference might mean one is better for you than the other.

Learning to brush and floss with braces, for example, can be difficult. But while Invisalign aligners can be easily removed for the task, you have to be diligent and remember to put them back in afterward. If you're naturally forgetful, then the permanence of metal braces might be better suited to your lifestyle.

Here's a helpful breakdown and comparison of the timeline for each type of treatment:

Invisalign vs braces: which is better? Which is cheaper?

Invisalign and metal braces deliver comparable results and come at a comparable cost (the average cost for metal braces is about $5,000 for the entire treatment). There are some real differences in how you live with and care for them, though, and this difference might mean one is better for you than the other.

Learning to brush and floss with braces, for example, can be difficult. But while Invisalign aligners can be easily removed for the task, you have to be diligent and remember to put them back in afterward. If you're naturally forgetful, then the permanence of metal braces might be better suited to your lifestyle.

Here's a helpful breakdown and comparison of the timeline for each type of treatment: