Invisalign is an effective invisalign to traditional metal braces that uses transparent trays to move teeth gradually. It can correct a range of bite and tooth alignment problems, including crooked teeth, gaps, overbite and underbite, and rotations. Unlike other types of orthodontic treatment, it doesn’t restrict foods and can be more comfortable. However, patients must remove the trays before eating or drinking, and must be diligent about brushing and flossing (tooth soreness can occur).

A patient’s Invisalign experience depends on the expertise of the doctors who perform the treatment, which starts with digital scans of the teeth—no gooey impressions required—to create a 3D model of the mouth. The doctor then crafts a customized treatment plan that moves each tooth to its desired location. The trays are made of Invisalign’s SmartTrack material, which is designed to fit comfortably on the teeth and apply gradual force to shift them.

The Benefits of Invisalign for Teens and Adults

Some doctors use special attachments to help the trays work better, such as SmartForce. These are small, tooth-colored pieces that stick to certain teeth and increase the amount of force applied to a tooth, while others use rubber bands to connect top and bottom teeth to guide them more precisely into place. Some doctors also use lingual wires to provide more control in difficult cases, like a maxillary molar distalization or a canine rotation.

Invisalign is less expensive than other types of orthodontic treatment, but it’s not covered by insurance unless you choose to receive treatment at a dental school, says Dr. Eckhardt. He notes that even then, the cost can be “significant.”