What Invisalign actually is
Invisalign is a system of custom-made clear plastic aligners that gradually move your teeth into a straighter position. You wear each set of aligners for 1 to 2 weeks, then switch to the next set. Each set is slightly different, applying controlled pressure to specific teeth. Over 6 to 18 months, your teeth move step by step into the planned final position.
The aligners are made from clear, medical-grade SmartTrack material. They fit tightly over your teeth and are virtually invisible — most people will not notice you are wearing them. They are fully removable: you take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. You wear them for 20 to 22 hours per day.
Before treatment starts, your dentist takes a 3D digital scan of your teeth using an iTero scanner — no messy impressions. The scan is used to create a ClinCheck treatment plan: a 3D animation showing how your teeth will move, stage by stage, from their current position to the predicted final result. You see this animation before committing to treatment.
What Invisalign can and cannot treat
Works well for: crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, mild to moderate bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite), teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment, and mildly rotated or tilted teeth. These are the cases where Invisalign performs comparably to fixed braces.
Less suitable for: severe skeletal jaw discrepancies (which may require surgery), very complex tooth movements involving significant vertical repositioning, teeth that are severely rotated (more than 20 degrees), and some types of deep bite. In these cases, fixed braces may be more predictable.
The important thing is honest assessment. At Tower Dental, if Invisalign is not the right option for your case, we will tell you at consultation rather than starting treatment that will deliver a compromised result.
How long does treatment take?
The honest answer is 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Many practices advertise "from 6 months" because it sounds fast — but this only applies to the mildest cases. Here is a more realistic breakdown:
Mild crowding (Invisalign Lite): 6 to 9 months. Typically 14 to 20 aligner sets. Suitable for minor adjustments and relapse after teenage braces.
Moderate crowding or spacing (Invisalign Moderate): 9 to 14 months. Suitable for most adult patients seeking visible improvement.
Complex cases (Invisalign Comprehensive): 14 to 18 months, sometimes longer. Significant crowding, bite correction, or multiple issues being addressed simultaneously. May require refinement aligners after the initial set.
Your clinician at Tower Dental will give you an accurate timeline at consultation based on your scan — not an optimistic estimate designed to close a sale.
What does it cost?
The cost includes all aligners, all review appointments, and retainers. There are no hidden fees. Your exact cost is confirmed in writing at consultation and depends on the complexity of your case. 0% finance is available over 6 or 10 months — subject to status, no deposit required.
The 5 things patients wish they had known
1. You need to wear them 20–22 hours a day. Invisalign only works if you wear the aligners. Removing them for meals is fine. Removing them for comfort, convenience or social situations beyond that will delay results and can compromise the outcome. Compliance is non-negotiable.
2. Attachments may be needed. Small, tooth-coloured bumps (attachments) are bonded to certain teeth to help the aligners grip. They are barely visible but you can feel them. Not every patient needs them, but most do for anything beyond mild crowding.
3. Retainers are not optional. Teeth will move back without retention. After Invisalign, you will need to wear retainers — typically every night for the first year, then several nights a week long-term. If you are not prepared to commit to retainers, the investment in Invisalign is wasted.
4. The first few days of each set are uncomfortable. Not painful — but noticeable. A feeling of tightness and pressure. It fades after 2 to 3 days. Over-the-counter painkillers help. By the third or fourth set, you barely notice the change.
5. Refinements are normal. After your initial set of aligners, your teeth may not be in the perfect position. This is expected. Refinement aligners — an additional set to fine-tune the result — are included in most Invisalign plans at no extra cost.
Invisalign vs fixed braces
Invisalign is virtually invisible, removable and generally more comfortable. Fixed braces are more effective for severe or complex cases, require less patient compliance, and can achieve certain tooth movements that aligners struggle with. For most adult patients with mild to moderate concerns, Invisalign delivers equivalent results to braces — with the advantage of being discreet. Your clinician will recommend the best option based on your scan, not their preference.