What Is Invisalign and How Does It Straighten Teeth?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are made from smooth, transparent plastic that is virtually invisible when worn. This makes them a popular option for adults and teens who want to improve their smile without the appearance of metal brackets and wires.
At Orion Dental, we provide Invisalign consultations and treatment at our Scarborough and Milton locations.
6–18 mo
Typical treatment range
20–22 hr
Recommended daily wear
1-2wk
Per aligner set
All Ages
Teens & adults welcome
How Does the Invisalign Process Work?
The Invisalign process involves several key steps, from your initial consultation through to your final retainer fitting:
Initial Consultation
Your dentist will examine your teeth, take digital X-rays and impressions, and discuss your goals. Not all orthodontic cases are suitable for Invisalign — your dentist will let you know whether clear aligners can effectively address your specific concerns or whether other orthodontic options might be more appropriate.
Custom 3D Treatment Plan
Digital scans of your teeth are used to create a 3D model of your mouth. This model maps the planned movement of your teeth from their current positions to their final positions. You will be able to see a digital preview of how your teeth are expected to look at each stage of treatment.
Wearing Your Aligners
You will receive a series of custom aligners, each designed to make small, precise adjustments to the position of your teeth. Each set is worn for approximately one to two weeks before moving to the next set. Aligners should be worn for twenty to twenty-two hours per day for optimal results.
Progress Checkups
You will visit our office every six to eight weeks so your dentist can monitor your progress and provide the next sets of aligners. These appointments are typically brief.
Retainer Fitting
After completing your Invisalign treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Your dentist will discuss retainer options and a wearing schedule.
Advanced Digital Planning Technology
At our Scarborough and Milton offices, your dentist uses an intraoral scanner to create a detailed 3D digital model of your teeth — no messy traditional impressions required. The treatment planning software generates a virtual preview of your projected results, allowing you and your dentist to review and adjust the plan before your aligners are fabricated.
What Dental Issues Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign can address many common orthodontic issues, including:
- Crowded teeth: When there is not enough space in the jaw for all teeth to fit naturally
- Gaps between teeth: Spaces between teeth that may trap food and affect appearance
- Overbite: When the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than normal
- Underbite: When the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
- Crossbite: When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside
- Open bite: When the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed
More complex orthodontic cases may require traditional braces or a combination of treatments. Your dentist will assess your situation and recommend the most suitable approach.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing Invisalign?
Invisalign offers a number of advantages over traditional orthodontic options. Here are some of the key benefits that make clear aligners appealing to patients of all ages:
Nearly Invisible
Clear aligners are discreet and virtually unnoticeable, so you can smile confidently throughout treatment.
Removable for Meals
Take out your aligners to eat and drink whatever you like — no dietary restrictions required.
Easier Oral Hygiene
Brush and floss normally by simply removing your aligners. No navigating around brackets and wires.
Smooth & Comfortable
Made from smooth medical-grade plastic without metal brackets or wires that can irritate cheeks and gums.
Fewer Office Visits
Progress checkups are typically every six to eight weeks, with brief appointments that fit a busy schedule.
Predictable Results
3D digital treatment planning lets you preview your expected outcome before treatment even begins.
Wondering if Invisalign is right for you? Book a consultation and see your smile transformation in 3D.
Book Your Invisalign ConsultationHow Does Invisalign Compare to Traditional Braces?
Both Invisalign and traditional braces can effectively straighten teeth, but they differ in several important ways:
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces at a Glance
- Appearance: Invisalign aligners are clear and discreet, while traditional braces use visible metal brackets and wires
- Removability: Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. Braces are fixed in place for the duration of treatment
- Comfort: Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic without any brackets or wires that can irritate the cheeks and gums
- Diet: With Invisalign, there are no dietary restrictions since aligners are removed during meals. Braces require avoiding hard, sticky, and chewy foods
- Maintenance: Oral hygiene is generally easier with Invisalign since aligners are removed for brushing and flossing
For more detail, read our blog post on Invisalign vs traditional orthodontic treatment.
Is Invisalign a Good Option for Teenagers?
Invisalign offers options specifically designed for teenagers. Invisalign Teen aligners include compliance indicators — small blue dots on the aligners that fade over time to help parents and dentists verify that the aligners are being worn as directed. Replacement aligners are also available in case one is lost.
If your teen is interested in Invisalign, we recommend scheduling a consultation to determine if their teeth and jaws are ready for this type of treatment.
How Should You Care for Your Invisalign Aligners?
Proper care of your aligners will help keep them clean and clear throughout each wearing period:
Rinse After Removing
Rinse aligners every time you take them out to remove saliva and prevent bacterial build-up.
Clean Daily
Use a soft toothbrush and clear, gentle soap or the Invisalign cleaning system to clean aligners each day.
Avoid Hot Water
Never use hot water on your aligners, as heat can warp the plastic and affect the fit.
Store Safely
Always store aligners in their protective case when not wearing them to prevent loss or damage.
Brush Before Reinserting
Brush and floss your teeth before putting aligners back in to keep both your teeth and aligners clean.
Keep Them In
Wear your aligners for twenty to twenty-two hours per day for optimal results and to stay on schedule.
How Do Straighter Teeth Support Your Oral Health?
While many patients choose Invisalign primarily for aesthetic reasons, straightening your teeth also provides meaningful oral health benefits. Crowded or overlapping teeth create tight spaces that are difficult to clean effectively with brushing and flossing alone. These hard-to-reach areas are more likely to harbour plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease over time.
Correcting bite alignment can also help reduce uneven wear on your teeth. When your bite is properly aligned, chewing forces are distributed more evenly across all of your teeth, which can help prevent excessive wear, chipping, and jaw discomfort. Some patients who experience jaw pain or tension headaches related to bite misalignment find that orthodontic treatment helps alleviate these symptoms. If you grind your teeth, your dentist may also recommend a night guard after completing your Invisalign treatment to protect your results.
Cost & Insurance Coverage
Some dental insurance plans that include orthodontic coverage may partially cover Invisalign treatment. Coverage varies by plan, and we can help you understand your benefits. During your consultation, we will provide a detailed cost estimate and discuss payment options to help make treatment accessible. Contact our team to verify your specific coverage.
Book Your Invisalign Consultation at Orion Dental
At Orion Dental, we have helped many patients in Scarborough and Milton achieve straighter smiles with Invisalign. During your consultation, we will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, explain the treatment process, and provide a clear cost estimate.
To find out if Invisalign is right for you, book a consultation online or call our Scarborough office at 416-291-0306 or our Milton office at 905-636-9770.