What is Invisalign, and who is it for?
Invisalign suits many mild to moderate cases of crowding, gaps and bite problems. An exam tells you whether it suits yours.
- Invisalign is a brand of clear aligner made by Align Technology.
- You wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, as your dentist directs.
- A few slightly crooked teeth can take up to about nine months, and bigger problems take longer.
- You need a retainer afterwards to stop your teeth moving back.
- OHIP does not cover Invisalign. CDCP does not cover orthodontic treatment at present.
Invisalign is an orthodontic system that moves teeth with custom-fitted plastic trays. People notice the clear trays far less than metal braces. Invisalign is one brand of clear aligners, the general name for removable trays that straighten teeth.
Aligners treat crowded teeth, gaps and some mild to moderate bite problems. A bite problem means your upper and lower teeth do not line up when you close your mouth. Cleveland Clinic describes clear aligners the same way and notes they are not an option for everyone.
Who is Invisalign not right for?
Invisalign is not right for teeth that need to travel further than trays can manage. In those cases metal braces are the more predictable route. Aligners also depend on you: if you will not keep trays in for most of the day and night, braces fixed to the teeth suit you better.
Why don't some dentists recommend Invisalign?
Some dentists steer patients away from Invisalign because braces control some tooth movements better. A 2019 review of eight studies in BMC Oral Health found aligners less effective than braces at making the upper and lower teeth meet properly. Aligners were also weaker at controlling the angle of the teeth and at holding results afterwards.
The same review found both methods effective, and aligner treatment was shorter in the studies it compared. Wear time is the other reason for caution, because trays left in a drawer do not move teeth.
Invisalign before and after: what can change?
Invisalign before and after photos show crowded teeth lined up, gaps closed and bites that meet more evenly. Each photo shows one person's case and not a typical result. Your own result depends on where your teeth start and how many hours you wear the trays.
Your treatment plan sets out the movements the aligners aim for. Read it as a goal and not a promise. If teeth fall behind the plan, extra aligners called refinements add time and can add cost.
What happens during Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign treatment starts with a dental assessment and ends with a retainer, following the plan the dentist builds for you.
- Assessment. The dentist examines your teeth, gums and bite and asks about your health. X-rays are taken only if the dentist decides you need them after your history and exam.
- Treatment plan. The dentist explains whether Invisalign suits you, what it aims to change and what other options such as braces would involve.
- Digital scan. A digital impression of your teeth replaces putty moulds, and the clinic's digital impressions page explains the scan.
- Your aligners. You move through a series of custom trays. Some plans add small tooth-coloured bumps called attachments to help the trays grip, so ask the team whether yours needs them.
- Progress checks. The dentist recommends what comes next.
- Retainer. Once your teeth reach their planned position, a retainer holds them there.
How many hours a day do you wear Invisalign?
Invisalign advises wearing the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. Your dentist sets your own schedule. Take them out only to eat, to drink anything but plain water, and to brush and floss. Brush before the trays go back in so food and sugar are not held against your teeth.
How long does Invisalign take?
Invisalign takes up to about nine months for a few slightly crooked teeth according to Cleveland Clinic. More serious problems need several more months. The dentist gives you an estimated timeline at the exam. That estimate changes if your teeth move more slowly than planned.
Is Invisalign a comfortable alternative to traditional braces?
Invisalign is a comfortable alternative for many people because nothing metal sits against the cheeks and lips. You take the trays out for meals and to brush and floss. Braces stay on all day, and Cleveland Clinic notes they may fix some problems faster.
| Invisalign | Metal braces | |
|---|---|---|
| How it moves teeth | Clear removable trays, changed about every two weeks | Brackets and a wire fixed to the teeth |
| Eating | Trays come out for meals and any drink but water | Avoid hard, crunchy and sticky foods |
| When it may not suit you | Large tooth movements, some complex bites, or you will not wear the trays | You want something you can take out for work or events |
What are the side effects and risks of Invisalign?
The main risks of Invisalign are soreness, teeth that fall behind the plan, and teeth moving back after treatment. Less common risks are shortened tooth roots, and decay or gum problems when teeth are not kept clean under the trays. Pressure or soreness with each new aligner usually eases within a few days. Soft food helps in those first days.
Call the clinic if the pain is sharp or lasts more than a few days. Call too if your gums bleed or swell or a tray feels loose.
Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that spreads toward your eye or neck, fever with facial swelling, or bleeding that will not stop.
How much does Invisalign cost in Ontario?
Invisalign costs about $6,000 to $8,000 for comprehensive treatment, based on published prices at other Vaughan and Toronto-area clinics. Shorter treatment for mild crowding or spacing is listed at about $3,500 to $4,500 at Toronto-area clinics. Your own cost comes in a written estimate after an exam.
Four things move the price:
- how far your teeth need to move and how many aligners that takes
- whether you need refinements
- whether retainers and progress visits are part of the fee
- whether one arch or both are treated
Is $5000 reasonable for Invisalign?
A $5,000 Invisalign quote sits between the two ranges above. Two of the three Toronto-area clinics we checked list moderate cases at $4,500 to $6,000. The number matters less than what it buys, so ask how many aligners the quote covers and whether refinements, retainers and check visits are included.
Who is the Invisalign dentist at My City Dental?
Dr. Reddy, a general dentist, is a certified Invisalign provider at My City Dental. The team also includes Dr. Kim, an orthodontist with a Specialty Diploma in Orthodontics and an MSc from the University of Toronto.
Ask the team who will plan your treatment and why.
Invisalign questions
What happens at an Invisalign consultation in Vaughan?
An Invisalign consultation is where you and the dentist decide whether aligners fit your goals. Expect questions about your budget and whether you want a cosmetic change or need a bite problem fixed. Bring your insurance details.
Ask how many aligners you need, how many hours a day you wear them and whether refinements and retainers are in the fee. Your cost comes in a written estimate after the exam.
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
Invisalign is covered by some private dental plans under orthodontic benefits and not by others. Each plan sets its own limits, such as a lifetime maximum for orthodontics.
Ask your insurer for a predetermination before you start. A predetermination is an estimate of what the plan may pay, not a promise. My City Dental offers direct insurance billing.
Is Invisalign covered by OHIP or CDCP?
No, OHIP does not cover Invisalign. The Ontario government says OHIP does not pay for dental services provided in a dentist's office. CDCP does not cover orthodontic treatment at present. The CDCP Dental Benefits Guide says orthodontic services are currently not available.
For other dental care, CDCP coverage depends on the service and your eligibility. Some services need preauthorization.
Do I need a retainer after Invisalign?
Yes, you need a retainer after Invisalign to stop your teeth moving back toward where they started. The NHS gives the same advice after braces, and your dentist tells you how long to wear it.
Ask whether the first retainer is included in your estimate, since some quotes leave it out. Keep it in its case whenever it is out of your mouth.