How Does Invisalign Work? The Science and Step-by-Step Process Explained

Have you ever wondered: How does Invisalign work? If so, then stick around to learn more about this amazing system. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Invisalign including its innovative technology, step-by-step process, and the biological principles that make it effective. So, let’s get started.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign utilizes a series of clear plastic aligners to align the teeth as opposed to traditional metal brackets and wire braces. It applies gentle, gradual pressure to the teeth in a similar fashion to braces. However,  its success lies in its use of advanced biomechanics and cutting-edge technology, which we’ll discuss later in more detail. The aligners are custom-designed for each patient utilizing 3D imaging technology to ensure precision and efficiency.

The two standout features of Invisalign are:

• SmartTrack material – This patented material is specially engineered for Invisalign and is what helps your teeth align faster. The material is flexible and comfortable ensuring a snug fit and predictable movement over time.
• ClinCheck® - Invisalign’s innovative software enables patients to see how their smile will look before even starting their treatment and shows them the tooth movements necessary to create their brand-new smile.

How does Invisalign work? A step-by-step guide to the process

1. Initial consultation – During this appointment, your dentist will determine if you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign and take some photographs. Make use of this opportunity to ask any questions.
2. Treatment planning – Your dentist will create a 3D digital scan of your teeth using advanced imaging technology. This maps out the entire treatment plan and calculates how many aligners you will need and the approximate duration of your Invisalign journey.
3. Creating your custom aligners – Based on your treatment plan, the aligners are ordered directly from Invisalign and you’re one step closer to a beautiful new smile.
4. Wearing the aligners – Once your dentist has the aligners, it’s time for you to come in for a fitting and to be given instructions on how frequently to change your aligners for the next set in the series. It’s usually between one and two weeks depending on your dentist’s instructions. Each aligner should be kept in the mouth for a minimum of 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink and brush your teeth. Remember, the longer your aligners are worn, the faster your teeth will move.
5. Regular check-ins – Your progress will be monitored with regular check-ins, either at our office or via the Invisalign app. In some cases, small tooth-colored attachments are placed on your teeth to help the aligners apply the necessary force to ensure your smile goals are achieved.
6. Completion and retention – Once you’ve worn your last set of aligners and your smile looks great, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain your smile and prevent your teeth from moving back to their original positions.

How teeth move with Invisalign

The movement of teeth with Invisalign is rooted in basic principles of orthodontics and biology:

Force and pressure - As mentioned earlier, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners or trays worn over the teeth like a mouthguard.  Each aligner moves specific teeth exerting force and pressure to rotate, pivot, or tip them, push the teeth into the gum, or gently pull them further out.   

Your series of aligners will vary in shape. The first aligner will appear as crooked as your teeth do now but the final aligner will be straight. Each tray in between moves your teeth that little bit closer to the desired final appearance, moving them gradually to match the aligner shape. Each tray will focus on either a single tooth or several teeth by applying pressure to different regions as you progress through the series. On average, a single tray moves teeth by approximately 0.33mm until at the end of your treatment all of your teeth are perfectly aligned.

Bone remodeling -  The roots of the teeth are anchored in bone, cushioned by a ligament called the periodontal ligament. This ligament allows for about 2mm of natural tooth movement.

The periodontal ligament contains cells that remodel bone: some remove bone in the direction the tooth is moving, while others build new bone in the space left behind. You can read more about the process here. Invisalign aligners apply pressure to initiate this remodeling process. During treatment, your teeth may feel slightly loose when wobbled, which is completely normal.

After completing treatment, it takes time for the bone to fully harden around the teeth, making immediate retention crucial to maintain alignment.

This biological process is what makes orthodontic treatments like Invisalign possible, enabling a gradual transformation without causing damage to the teeth or surrounding tissues.

Final thoughts

Invisalign has transformed the smiles of over 18 million people, including 5 million teens. That’s a lot of happy patients treated! They have also invested a considerable amount of money in innovative technology and materials to perfect the system and the process.  For this reason, Invisalign has remained ahead of its competitors for more than two decades.

Is Invisalign right for you?

While Invisalign is a great solution for many orthodontic issues it’s recommended mainly for mild to moderate cases of crowding, gaps, and misalignment. If your case is complex you may still require traditional metal braces.

Hopefully, this article has answered your question “How does Invisalign work?” If you’re interested in Invisalign to straighten your teeth and give you the smile you’ve always longed for, then why not schedule a free Invisalign consultation with the experienced team at Chesterfield Dentistry to see if it’s the right treatment for you? Call us today at 314-936-3621 or use our online booking service.