Invisalign and clear aligners guide

What Invisalign is and what it is made of

Healthline says Invisalign is a brand of thin, clear plastic aligner used in orthodontic treatment, made from a flexible thermoplastic called SmartTrack, introduced by Align Technology in 1998. The aligners are much less noticeable than braces, though not invisible. ADA MouthHealthy lists removable aligners as an option under professional supervision, so, is Invisalign orthodontics? Yes: it is orthodontic treatment planned by a dentist or orthodontist.

How does Invisalign move teeth?

Healthline says an orthodontist makes a 3-D image of your mouth and jaw, plans how to move your teeth, and you receive a series of custom aligners that gradually shift your teeth, switching to a new set about every one to two weeks. Its comparison article says aligners must be worn at least 22 hours a day, with each aligner typically worn for one week, and can be removed for eating, brushing, or short social occasions.

Who aligners suit, and who braces suit

Healthline says aligners work best for less complicated malocclusion and for people who want discreet treatment without compliance concerns, and that braces are the choice for complex cases and for people whose daily wear may be a concern. Braces allow more precise control, and aligners cannot move severely crowded or misaligned teeth or teeth with short crowns. Our guide on whether Invisalign fixes an overbite explains the bite problems.

Are braces better than Invisalign?

It depends on your teeth. The sources do not say one is better overall. Healthline lists crowding and spacing as the main uses of Invisalign, says it is best suited to mild and moderate bite problems, and that complex spacing or bite issues may take longer or be less effective. Braces avoid the need for daily compliance and are chosen for complex cases. The AAO says braces can address overbites, underbites and crossbites.

How long does treatment take?

Healthline's 2025 comparison says aligners take about 18 months for simple adjustments and braces often about 24 months. Its Invisalign article gives no typical total duration and says complex cases take longer. Your plan sets your timeline.

Do you lose weight with Invisalign?

The sources we read do not mention weight loss. Healthline lists tooth soreness when aligners are out, which can limit food choices, especially hard foods, as a drawback, but that is about comfort, not weight. Do not use aligners for weight loss, and talk to a doctor about any weight concerns.

Drawbacks and care

Healthline lists tooth soreness, bacteria build-up and possible cavities if food or drink gets trapped inside, staining from liquids and the need for consistent wear, and says they can be lost because they are removable. It says very hot water can warp the plastic. Take them out to eat or drink anything other than water, as ADA guidance on aligners and AAO guidance say, and clean them and your teeth after meals.

What a first visit usually involves

Healthline describes the start of treatment as an examination, a 3-D image of your mouth and jaw and a plan for how your teeth will move. Ask to see the planned end position and the number of aligners in the series, how often you will be checked, and what happens if a tray stops fitting. Ask too about attachments, small tooth-colored bumps that some plans bond to teeth to help aligners grip, and whether any reshaping between teeth is expected. The sources we read do not give set answers to these questions, so they are worth raising at the consultation.

Cleaning habits matter during treatment. Healthline notes that food or drink trapped inside an aligner raises the risk of cavities, so brush before putting the trays back in and keep the trays themselves clean.

After treatment

A retainer is typically needed afterwards. Cleveland Clinic says everyone who wears braces needs a retainer, and our retainer guide covers wear and care.

Guides in this topic

Frequently asked questions