Invisalign
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Clear aligners move teeth with a series of nearly invisible trays you can remove to eat and brush. This page offers general educational information about clear aligner treatment.
- Digital scanning — no impression trays
- See your projected result before starting
- Removable for meals, sports and photos
- Typical treatment of 6 to 18 months
How the process works
Treatment typically starts with a digital scan of your teeth and a virtual plan showing each stage of movement, so you can see the projected final position before committing.
You then wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks, twenty to twenty-two hours a day. Check-ins every six to eight weeks confirm the teeth are tracking as planned.
What aligners can and cannot fix
Crowding, spacing, mild-to-moderate overbite and openbite, and relapse after childhood braces all respond well. Severe skeletal discrepancies and complex rotations sometimes still need fixed appliances or an orthodontic referral, and a dentist should say so plainly at the consultation.
Straighter teeth are also easier to clean, which lowers your long-term risk of decay and gum disease — see the preventive care page for the maintenance side of that equation.
Retention matters
Teeth drift for life. Every case should finish with a retainer plan; ask whether the cost of retainers is included in the treatment fee.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does Invisalign take?
- Many cases complete in six to eighteen months depending on complexity and how consistently the aligners are worn.
- Do aligners affect speech?
- A slight lisp is common for the first few days and almost always resolves as your tongue adapts.
- Can I whiten my teeth during treatment?
- Yes, and many patients do so near the end. Your dentist can coordinate the timing so results stay even.
Explore related care
A former dental practice
Charlotte Harbor Dental is a former dental practice. It is no longer operating or accepting patients. This website preserves historical information about the practice and general dental education.