Invisalign Clear Aligners

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Using advanced 3D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts your complete treatment plan based on your Invisalign Provider’s prescription, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth – and your teeth only – to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for 1-2 weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, gradually moving towards the projected final position. Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by your desired results.

Find answers to your questions about Invisalign® treatment.

Invisalign clear aligners in their protective case.

The World’s Most Advanced Clear Aligner System. Made To Move You Forward

When Invisalign® pioneered the world’s first clear aligners, it changed so much more than how people straighten their teeth. Each feature is designed to reveal the smile that you deserve. Because it’s not just your smile that’s full of potential.

Woman holding an Invisalign invisible brace.

Always Moving Forward, Just Like You

Millions of people are seeing the possibilities that Invisalign innovations open up.

Moves like no other

Only Invisalign clear aligners use SmartTrack® material to shape your smile with such precision, comfort and predictability.

Made for your mouth

Each set of aligners is custom-made using state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, moving your teeth gently and efficiently.

The complete experience

ClinCheck® technology digitally maps your entire Invisalign journey, so Invisalign patients can see what their new smile is predicted to look like before treatment even begins.

Three Steps Forward. No Steps Back

  • Specialist orthodontist and patient looking at an iTero Scan

    Step 1

    Once we have confirmed that you are eligible for treatment, we will take photos, X-rays and digital scans, or a dental impression, of your teeth. These records will be used to create a ClinCheck® 3D treatment plan, just for you.

  • Invisalign clear aligners in a protective case

    Step 2

    After being custom-made, you’ll receive a series of aligners to wear every day and change at home – on average every 1-2 weeks.

  • Cambridge Orthodontics will monitor your progress every six weeks and you will receive new aligners.

    Step 3

    You’ll visit us around every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress and receive new aligners. After finishing your treatment plan, retainers will be required to maintain your new smile.

Invisalign clear aligners invisible braces.

Made To Move Your Life. Not Disrupt It

Life can continue as normal, as the Invisalign System discreetly does its work.

You can comfortably wear your aligners for the recommended 22 hours a day. And because the aligners are removable, it’s easy to maintain your regular oral hygiene and enjoy your usual diet. As you progress, replacing your aligners every 1-2 weeks, people may notice a gradual change in your smile.

What Is Invisalign Treatment?

  • Invisalign treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. No brackets and wires, and none of the restrictions that come with fixed braces.

  • Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack created exclusively for Invisalign Treatment.

  • Our specialist orthodontist is a trained Invisalign doctor and will create a unique, digital treatment plan that maps out the exact movements of your teeth. Your Invisalign clear aligners are then designed to apply the correct amount of force to the right place at the right time based on your treatment plan. We will be with you every step of the way to monitor your progress and ensure your aligners fit correctly.

  • Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible — people may not even notice you’re wearing them. You can remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions. There are no metal brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth or break.

  • Every smile is unique, which is why your Invisalign treatment starts with a free consultation. During your consultation, your treatment coordinator will help you determine what Invisalign treatment could do for your smile. We cannot guarantee a particular treatment outcome, but encourage you to share your treatment goals with us at your consultation.

Who Is Invisalign Treatment For?

  • Invisalign treatment can be a great solution for both adults and teens looking for a virtually invisible method to improve their smile. Our innovations and technological advancements make it possible to fix nearly all common teeth-straightening and bite issues, from simple to complex — all without interrupting your busy life. And, thanks to a discreet blue dot on the outside of teen aligners, parents can be sure their child is wearing their Invisalign® clear aligners enough.

  • Invisalign treatment starts with a free consultation with our specialist orthodontist and Invisalign-trained doctor. One of our specialist orthodontists will evaluate your smile and then map out a precise, customised digital treatment plan that showcases the step-by-step transformation of your smile.

    Once you approve your plan, your unique aligners will be created. You will wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by our specialist orthodontist. Each set of aligners will gently and gradually shift your teeth into place, according to your treatment plan, towards your beautiful new smile.

  • During your consultation, your treatment coordinator will discuss your teeth-straightening goals with you and our specialist Invisalign doctor will examine your smile in order to determine your specific needs. Your treatment coordinator will also talk to you about how quickly you could reach your new smile, as well as your individual treatment cost.

    We recommend scheduling a dental check-up and cleaning before you begin Invisalign treatment, to make sure your teeth and gums are in top health and to avoid unnecessary risks.

  • The length of treatment depends on multiple factors, like how complex your case is and how often you wear your aligners. Our specialist Invisalign doctor will determine exactly how long your treatment could take based on your specific needs. On average, Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 24 months.

  • Our specialist Invisalign doctor will tell you how often you should change to new Invisalign aligners (this can vary based on your individual treatment plan). We recommend changing Invisalign clear aligners weekly or every other week.

  • For the best results, wear your Invisalign clear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

  • Appointment intervals are generally the same as with traditional braces but can be much quicker with less time spent in the orthodontists’ chair during appointments as no adjustments need to be made to wires/brackets. And, with the Dental Monitoring app and ScanBox pro, our specialist Invisalign doctor can monitor your progress from the comfort of your home—or anywhere in the world.

  • Your Invisalign treatment may require SmartForce™ attachments, small tooth-coloured shapes that are attached to your teeth.

    These shapes serve as handles, giving the aligners something to gently push on in order to move your teeth with the right amount of force, and are what make complex tooth movements possible without braces. Invisalign clear aligners fit smoothly and tightly around them, so they’re barely noticeable.

    While not everyone who uses Invisalign clear aligners will need SmartForce attachments, if you need them, we will attach them to your teeth at the start of or during your treatment and remove them when they are no longer needed.

How Much Does Invisalign Treatment Cost And What Are The Payment Options?

  • Like other types of orthodontic treatment, the price of the Invisalign treatment depends on the complexity of your dental correction and your course of treatment.

  • Invisalign treatment typically costs about the same as fixed braces.

  • We have a wide range of flexible payment options available, including 0% interest and no-deposit plans. We also accept all major credit cards.

  • We offer a discount for payments that are made in full. Please see our fees and financing section for more details.

Why Should I Feel Confident About Invisalign® Treatment?

  • Over 14 million people, including more than 2 million teens, have used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles. (source invisalign.com)

  • Invisalign treatment is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, and is backed by more than two decades of innovation.

    Unlike fixed braces, Invisalign clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible. There are no wires and brackets, so you don’t need to change the way you brush and floss. And, you can continue to eat all your favourite foods.

    No other clear aligner is made from SmartTrack material. This advanced technology helps move your teeth more predictably and can help you get the smile you want up to 50% faster.

  • Align Technology, Inc., the company that makes Invisalign clear aligners, was founded in 1997.

What If I Had Fixed Braces Or Other Types Of Dental Work?

  • Yes, Invisalign clear aligners can treat nearly all common teeth-straightening issues, from simple to complex. Many people who formerly had braces choose Invisalign treatment as the discreet solution to improve their smile when they find that their teeth have shifted back.

  • It depends on a few factors. Talk to us about the dental work you’ve had done, including veneers and crowns, and our specialist Invisalign doctor will evaluate your individual needs.

  • Invisalign clear aligners are designed to move each tooth individually. Clear aligners may be ineffective because bridgework connects two or more teeth.

How Will Invisalign Treatment Affect My Life?

  • Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. Others may not even notice you’re wearing them, making Invisalign treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle.

  • Yes, you can remove your Invisalign aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding, job interview, or for playing your favourite sport or instrument. Just remember to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results.

  • None! Invisalign clear aligners are removable, so there are no food restrictions at all (hello popcorn!). With traditional wires and brackets, there’s a long list of foods you unfortunately can’t enjoy, as they can damage or get stuck in your braces.

  • Invisalign treatment moves your teeth by applying gentle, constant force, but some people do feel temporary discomfort for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. Typically, people describe it as feeling “pressure” and it’s normal — it’s a sign your Invisalign clear aligners are working and transforming your smile.

    Please get in touch with us if you have any concerns or experience continued discomfort.

  • Yes. As your Invisalign® aligners gradually shift your teeth into their proper position, your gums are re-forming around each tooth as it moves. Be sure to talk to us about any concerns, we’re a phone call away.

  • It will not be enough, you need to wear your Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the results you want.

  • It may take a couple of days for your tongue to get used to having your Invisalign® aligners in your mouth, and you may have a slight lisp. But this should disappear quickly.

  • We discourage smoking while wearing Invisalign® aligners because it can stain them.

  • No, gum will stick to your Invisalign® aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, including gum.

  • It is very unlikely that your aligners would ever fall out, no matter what you are doing: sleeping, talking, laughing, etc. Invisalign® clear aligners are designed to fit snugly around your teeth, so this should not be a cause for concern.

  • The answer depends on how long you’ve gone without wearing your Invisalign® aligners. If it’s only been a short time, your aligners should still fit, but they might feel uncomfortable. If it’s been a longer time, get in touch with us so we can discuss your unique situation.

How Do I Take Care Of My Invisalign Aligners?

  • The best way to clean your Invisalign aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water and using the Invisalign™ Cleaning Crystals you will get when we first fit your aligners. For ongoing maintenance of your clear aligners we recommend using Retainer Brite.

    It’s important that you brush your teeth after each meal before re-inserting your aligners to maintain good oral hygiene.

  • Yes. That’s why it’s important to brush after every meal, before placing your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth.

  • If you lose or break an Invisalign aligner, immediately let us know. We 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.

  • All aligners and retainers must be ordered through us, as they are considered a prescription item. Please contact us immediately if you need to order a replacement.

What Happens When I’m Done With My Invisalign Treatment?

  • We, like most Invisalign® doctors, recommend that anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment, whether with fixed braces or clear aligners, use a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back toward their initial position.

  • While there are many different types of retainers, we recommend Vivera™ retainers. Vivera™ retainers were specifically designed for use after Invisalign treatment, and are made from a proprietary material 30% stronger than other leading clear retainer materials, which helps you to keep your new smile.

    Your Vivera™ retainers will be virtually invisible, and custom-made from an impression or scan of your teeth, using the same start-of-the-art technology used for Invisalign® clear aligners.

  • See our fees and financing page for more information on Vivera™ retainers, as pricing can be based on your individual needs. All Vivera™ retainer orders will include an extra set, in case you lose one.

  • You can order Vivera™ retainers through us.

  • We will give you specific instructions on how often you need to wear your retainers. Typically, you wear your first set full time, then based on our specialist Invisalign® doctor’s recommendation, you may gradually reduce how much you wear them until you only wear them at night.

  • If you lose or break your last set of Vivera™ retainers, or simply run out, just get in touch with us. We can work with you on purchasing a new set of vivera™ retainers, so you can keep showing off that beautiful smile!