TL;DR
- Invisalign straightens teeth using clear, removable aligners instead of metal braces.
- Teeth move in small, planned stages with gentle pressure from custom-made aligners.
- Step-by-step treatment process:
- Treatment starts with a dental assessment and digital scans to plan tooth movement.
- A personalized plan outlines how teeth will shift and how long treatment may take.
- Aligners are worn most of the day and changed regularly to guide progress.
- Retainers are used at the end of treatment to maintain the results.
- Most treatments take between 6 and 18 months.
- Results include straighter teeth, better spacing and improved comfort when chewing.
An Overview of Invisalign Treatment
Even the idea of metal braces can make many people pause. Wires, brackets and frequent visits often feel uncomfortable and disruptive. Invisalign takes a different approach, using clear, custom-made aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position while remaining nearly invisible.
This guide explains how Invisalign works, walks you through the treatment process step by step and outlines the results you can expect, so you can understand what the journey involves and decide whether it is the right option for you.
How Does Invisalign Straighten Teeth?
Invisalign straightens teeth by applying controlled, consistent pressure that encourages them to move slowly into better alignment. Teeth are not fixed rigidly in the jaw. They sit in the bone and are held in place by a flexible ligament that allows small, safe movements over time.
Each Invisalign aligner is precisely engineered to make tiny adjustments to the position of your teeth. When an aligner is worn, it applies gentle pressure to specific areas, prompting the surrounding bone to break down on one side of the tooth and rebuild on the other. This natural process, known as bone remodeling, allows the tooth to shift without damaging the roots or jaw.
Because each aligner is slightly different from the last, the movement happens in planned stages rather than all at once. This gradual approach helps maintain comfort, protects oral health and leads to predictable, long-term results.
Step-by-Step Invisalign Treatment Process
At University Ave Dental, Dr. Logan Connor and Dr. Ryan Lembke follow a structured approach to make sure every stage of your treatment is specific to your teeth and your goals. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
Step 1: Consultation and Assessment
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Connor or Dr. Lembke will examine your teeth, bite and gum health to determine whether Invisalign is suitable for you. They will then take digital scans to capture precise details of your smile to understand how your teeth need to move and plan the treatment carefully.
Step 2: Personalized Treatment Planning
Using advanced digital planning, a customized Invisalign plan is created for your teeth. This plan outlines the sequence of movements needed to achieve proper alignment and estimates the length of treatment. You are shown how your teeth are expected to change over time, so you have a clear picture of the outcome before starting.
Step 3: Fabrication of Your Aligners
Based on your approved plan, a series of clear aligners is made specifically for your teeth. Each aligner is shaped to guide certain teeth at each stage of treatment. They are smooth, comfortable and fit securely, so they can be worn throughout the day without interfering with daily activities.
Step 4: Wearing and Progressing Through Aligners
You will wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only for meals and oral hygiene. Each set is worn for a short period before moving on to the next one. With every change, your teeth shift slightly closer to their planned position, around 0.25 mm to 0.3 mm per stage.
Step 5: Completion and Retention
Once you have worn all the aligners in your series, the active phase of treatment is complete. To help maintain the results, a retainer is provided to keep your teeth stable in their new position. Dr. Connor or Dr. Lembke will advise you on retainer wear to protect your smile over the long term.
What Results Can You Expect from Invisalign?
For most patients, Invisalign treatment is completed within 6 to 18 months, depending on the level of correction needed and how consistently the aligners are worn. Some minor alignment concerns may take less time, while more involved bite issues can require a longer course of treatment.
Once the treatment is complete, you can expect the following results and benefits:
- Noticeably straighter teeth that appear more balanced and well-aligned
- Improved spacing between teeth, reducing crowding or visible gaps
- A more even bite, which can lower strain on the jaw and reduce uneven tooth wear
- Easier brushing and flossing due to better tooth positioning
- Improved comfort when chewing as teeth meet more evenly
Final Thoughts
Invisalign offers a clear and practical way to straighten teeth without the challenges often associated with traditional braces. By following a carefully planned sequence of aligners, teeth are gradually guided into better positions, with close supervision throughout the process. For many patients, this approach makes treatment easier to manage while still delivering reliable results.
If you have been wondering how Invisalign works and whether it suits your needs, the best next step is a professional evaluation. At University Ave Dental, Dr. Logan Connor and Dr. Ryan Lembke focus on clear planning, patient comfort and long-term outcomes. As one of the best dentists in Blaine, MN, our team takes the time to understand your goals and explain your options clearly.
To book a consultation:
Call: 7637841242
Email: office@universityavedental.com
Visit: 10155 University Ave NE Ste 112, Blaine, MN 55434, United States
FAQs
Most people do not notice unless you point them out. The aligners are clear and sit closely over the teeth. Up close, someone might see them, but in everyday conversations, they are easy to miss.
Yes, with one simple rule. Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This means no food restrictions during treatment, which many patients appreciate. Just remember to brush before putting the aligners back in to avoid staining or trapping food.
Missing a few hours now and then is usually not a problem, but leaving them out for a full day can slow progress. Teeth can begin to shift back more quickly than people expect. If this happens, wear your aligners again as soon as possible and let your dentist know if they feel unusually tight.
Sometimes small adjustments are needed after the initial series of aligners. This is not unusual. Additional aligners can be provided to fine-tune the result so the final outcome matches the treatment goals.
Teeth can shift over time if they are not supported. That is why retainers are an important part of treatment. Wearing them as advised helps keep your teeth in their new position and protects the result you worked for.
Small changes are often noticeable within the first few weeks. For most patients, treatment takes around 6 to 18 months, depending on how much correction is needed and how regularly the aligners are worn.
