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An effective, low-profile alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign® aligners allow many adults and teens to straighten teeth with minimal impact on daily life. Using a series of clear, removable trays, this method blends modern materials and digital planning so patients see steady progress without drawing attention to orthodontic care.
Invisalign® for Teens
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Invisalign® vs Braces
Invisalign® vs Direct-To-Consumer Aligners
Is Invisalign® Right For Me?
Invisalign® Costs
Clear aligner therapy is designed around convenience and discretion. Because each tray is nearly invisible when worn, many patients appreciate the ability to pursue orthodontic improvement without changing their personal or professional appearance. The removable design also means you can eat, brush, and floss normally, preserving oral hygiene throughout treatment.
Beyond aesthetics, aligner systems like Invisalign® are highly adaptable to varied lifestyles. Short-term removal for meals or important events gives patients practical flexibility while the planned progression of trays preserves consistent movement toward a final alignment. For people who travel or have unpredictable schedules, this approach often fits more naturally than fixed appliances.
From a functional standpoint, clear aligners address a broad range of alignment issues—crowding, spacing, mild to moderate bite irregularities—by applying controlled forces through a sequence of custom trays. Treatment is staged, so each new aligner builds on the previous progress, making the process predictable and measurable over time.
Importantly, any clear aligner plan should be supervised by a qualified dentist or orthodontist. Clinically supervised treatment ensures that trays are used correctly, adjustments are made when needed, and the overall health of teeth and gums is monitored as alignment improves.
The first step in any aligner program is a focused clinical evaluation. During a consultation, we assess bite relationships, tooth position, gum health, and any restorative needs that could affect treatment. This visit is an opportunity to discuss goals, answer clinical questions, and confirm whether clear aligners are an appropriate solution for your situation.
Modern treatment planning begins with high-resolution digital imaging rather than traditional impressions in many practices. A digital intraoral scan captures an accurate model of your teeth and gums in minutes. These images are used to simulate tooth movement and to create a precise sequence of aligners designed to move teeth safely and efficiently.
Because the scan and evaluation occur up front, patients can see a proposed treatment path before any aligners are made. This preview helps set realistic expectations about the timeline, the types of movements required, and potential adjunctive procedures that may be recommended to achieve the best outcome.
After imaging, a custom treatment plan is created that maps sequential tooth movements from the current position to the desired final result. This plan outlines how many trays will be needed, the estimated timing between tray changes, and where attachments or auxiliaries might be used to enhance specific tooth movements.
Clinically driven plans allow the provider to control the pace and predictability of treatment. Adjustments to the plan can be made if teeth respond differently than anticipated, and periodic professional oversight ensures that movements proceed without creating unintended stress on teeth or supporting tissues.
Patients receive clear instructions for wearing and caring for their aligners, including the recommended daily wear time and hygiene practices. Adherence to these instructions is critical to keep the treatment schedule on track and to achieve the intended outcome with minimal disruption.
Aligners are made from durable, biocompatible thermoplastic designed to fit snugly and apply gentle, consistent pressure. Their transparency and contoured design improve comfort compared with many conventional appliances, while specialized trimming and smoothing reduce irritation to lips and cheeks.
For certain tooth movements, small tooth-colored attachments may be bonded to specific teeth. These attachments act like temporary handles that help the aligner grip a tooth more effectively, allowing more complex movements—such as rotations or vertical shifts—to be accomplished within the tray sequence.
Manufacturing techniques and quality controls create aligners that match the treatment plan closely. Each tray is labeled for a stage in the process so patients know when to progress. When used as directed, the combination of material design and strategic attachments enables precise, comfortable movement over time.
Successful aligner therapy depends on ongoing collaboration between the patient and the provider. Scheduled check-ins—either in person or virtually—allow your clinician to confirm that teeth are tracking as planned and to make any necessary mid-course corrections. These visits are also a chance to assess oral hygiene and address concerns about fit or comfort.
Compliance is a major factor in achieving predictable results. Wearing aligners for the recommended daily hours and following the sequence established by the treatment plan keeps progress steady. If trays are not worn consistently, movements may stall or deviate, and additional refinement aligners could be required.
Once active movement is complete, retention is an essential phase. Retainers preserve the new tooth positions while the surrounding bone and soft tissues adapt. Your provider will recommend a retention schedule tailored to your needs to help maintain long-term stability and protect the investment in your smile.
*Invisalign® is a registered trademark of Align Technology, Inc.
In summary, clear aligner therapy offers a modern, clinical approach to straightening teeth with an emphasis on discretion, digital planning, and individualized care. The office of Joanna Tricorache, DDS combines up-to-date technology with professional oversight to ensure treatment is safe, comfortable, and aligned with each patient’s goals. Contact us for more information and to discuss whether Invisalign® is right for you.
There are many options for patients who want to avoid metal braces! The most popular alternative orthodontic treatment is Invisalign®, which are clear plastic aligners designed to straighten teeth. After an examination of your teeth, your dentist will determine which option is best suited to your wants and needs.
According to the Invisalign® website, the cost for treatment is approximately the same as the cost for metal braces. A portion of this cost may be covered by your insurance. Please call us to set up a consultation and discuss potential payment plan options.
The first step is to schedule a consultation with your doctor, so they can devise a treatment plan that is best suited to your individual dental needs. Once approved, you will receive your first set of aligners. Your doctor will then regularly monitor the movement of your teeth and new aligners will be ordered according to the progress made in your treatment plan.
Invisalign® aligners are made of clear, flexible plastic. The company received a patent for this material – SmartTrack® – to be used exclusively for Invisalign treatment purposes. These aligners are FDA approved and nearly invisible!
Your doctor will give you an estimate regarding how long your Invisalign® treatment should take, which will depend on your specific needs. The average length of time for treatment is approximately 12-18 months. However, some patients may see results far sooner. Remember to wear your aligners exactly as instructed by your doctor to obtain the best results.
Your doctor will most likely recommend that you wear retainers following your Invisalign® treatment. This is a precaution that will prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positioning. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly to ensure long-lasting results.
You must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours daily. You may remove them for eating, drinking and regular oral hygiene.
No. Unlike braces, you may eat whatever you like as long as you remove the aligners before eating. Prior to placing the aligners back on, it is important to brush your teeth and the aligners after you eat.
Like any orthodontic treatment, there is a short adjustment period. The more you speak with the aligners on, the quicker you will adjust.
There will be some pressure and minor discomfort for a day or two after each initial insertion. This is a sign that your teeth are moving sequentially into their final position.
It is recommended that you remove your aligners prior to chewing gum as the gum will stick to the aligners.
We discourage smoking with aligners as the cigarette smoke will tend to discolor them.
Brushing them with toothpaste will keep them fresh and clean.
Regular office visits are every five to six weeks. This will ensure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.
All orthodontic patients are instructed to wear their retainers at night indefinitely. Sleeping with your retainers in at night will ensure a healthy bite and maintain the new position of your teeth.
Yes, if their teeth, including second molars, have grown in completely.
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Contacting Joanna Tricorache, DDS is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.