FAQs Invisalign

Invisalign treatment uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners to move teeth gradually. Your dentist plans and monitors the movements and gives you a daily wear and tray-change schedule. The timing is individual; not every patient changes aligners every two weeks.

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners that are made of a proprietary, patented material called SmartTrack. This material is clear, smooth, and comfortable to wear – making it practically invisible when worn. Each individual Invisalign aligner is custom-made for the patient based on photos and x-rays provided by the orthodontist or dentist. In terms of looks, Invisalign clear aligners are almost invisible when worn – which is one of the reasons why they are so popular among adults who want to improve their smile without having to deal with metal brackets and wires. The aligners are also very thin, so they don’t feel bulky or intrusive in the mouth.

Clear aligners are discreet and removable for meals, brushing and flossing. They avoid fixed brackets and wires, although attachments may be visible and pressure or irritation can occur. Compare the benefits and responsibilities in our Invisalign vs braces guide.

While Invisalign can certainly help to straighten teeth, there is no guarantee that your teeth will be perfectly straight after treatment. Invisalign works by gradually moving your teeth into the desired position, and everyone’s teeth are different so the results can vary. However, most people who use Invisalign do see a significant improvement in the alignment of their teeth. If you’re concerned about getting straight teeth, talk to your orthodontist about whether Invisalign is right for you.

An assessment of your teeth, gums, bite, previous dental work and treatment goals is needed. Clear aligners suit many alignment concerns, but some movements need other appliances or a different approach. Start with our Invisalign consultation in Vancouver and Kitsilano.

Treatment begins with an assessment and records, followed by a digital plan and a prescribed sequence of aligners. Progress visits check fit, tooth movement and oral health. Some plans include attachments, IPR, elastics or refinement aligners. Your dentist sets the tray-change schedule and discusses retention after active treatment. See our attachments, IPR and refinements guide.

There is no single timeline. The planned tooth movements, bite correction, biological response, daily wear and any refinement stages affect the duration. Your dentist can give a case-specific estimate and review it as treatment progresses; aligners are not automatically faster than braces.

Your fee depends on the treatment plan, complexity, records, monitoring, refinements and retention. Ask what is included in the written estimate. Our Invisalign offers and consultation guide explains useful questions to ask before comparing fees.

There is no universal price difference. Compare case-specific estimates and what each plan includes, rather than assuming one appliance is always cheaper. Your dentist can discuss suitable alternatives before you decide.

Coverage depends on your plan, including orthodontic benefits, eligibility rules and limits. Confirm the terms with your insurer before starting. The clinic can provide treatment information for your estimate, but cannot guarantee that a plan will pay.

Invisalign has been used by millions of people worldwide. The manufacturer updates its totals in the official Invisalign FAQs. These worldwide figures do not predict an individual result or describe the number of patients treated at Westcoast Smile.

Invisalign uses a digitally planned sequence of removable clear aligners rather than fixed brackets and wires. Attachments or other auxiliaries may be needed. The important differences include appliance visibility, daily wear responsibility and which movements can be managed predictably for your case.

The Invisalign System has U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance. This is the terminology used in the FDA device record; it is not a guarantee of an individual treatment outcome. Your dentist still needs to assess suitability.

Switching may be possible in selected cases, but it is not automatic. Your treating dentist or orthodontist needs to review the movements still required, current bite and treatment goals before changing appliances. Discuss the implications for timing, records and fees first.

Clear aligners are less noticeable than conventional metal braces, but they are not invisible. Trays and tooth-coloured attachments may be visible, especially at close range.

They are removable for meals, drinks other than water and oral hygiene. Follow the daily wear schedule prescribed by your dentist; extended time out can affect progress. Plan meals and cleaning around that schedule rather than repeatedly leaving trays out.

Remove the aligners before eating. This allows you to eat your usual foods unless your dentist recommends restrictions for another dental reason. Clean your teeth and trays as directed before reinserting them.

Pressure or temporary tenderness can occur, especially with a new aligner. Contact the clinic if pain is sharp, significant or persistent, or the tray does not fit. Ask your dentist about pain relief appropriate to your medical history rather than assuming a particular medicine is suitable.

Invisalign generally requires much more than overnight wear. Follow your dentist’s prescribed schedule, commonly 20–22 hours a day. Ask the clinic if you are struggling to meet that schedule rather than changing it yourself.

A temporary change in speech or a slight lisp can occur while you adjust. The adjustment period varies. Contact the clinic if it persists or if the aligners feel loose or do not fit properly.

Invisalign aligners can be stained if you smoke while wearing them.

It is not recommended to chew gum while wearing Invisalign aligners. For all meals and snacks, including gum, you should remove your aligners.

Aligners are designed to fit snugly, but an unusually loose, cracked or distorted tray needs to be checked. Contact the clinic if the fit changes rather than continuing with a damaged appliance.

Clean the aligners as your dentist and product instructions direct, using a soft brush and suitable cleaning products. Rinse thoroughly and avoid hot water, denture cleaners or mouthwash soaks. Brush and floss your teeth separately; aligners themselves are not flossed. Watch the Invisalign treatment and daily-care video.

If you lose or break an Invisalign aligner, immediately let your Invisalign Doctor know. Your Invisalign Doctor will work with you to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan, which may involve wearing a previous set of aligners, your next set of aligners, or ordering replacements aligners.