Invisalign® straightens teeth using a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners. Each set is worn for about one to two weeks, moving your teeth a fraction of a millimeter at a time along a plan mapped out digitally before you start. Because the aligners are removable, you eat what you like, and brushing and flossing stay exactly the same.
Invisalign can address many of the same concerns as traditional braces: crowding, gaps, and bite issues such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite. Alignment is about more than looks — crowded teeth are harder to clean, and bite problems can contribute to uneven wear and jaw discomfort.
At Pacifica Dental, your Invisalign consultation is complimentary. We'll evaluate whether clear aligners fit your case, show you what treatment would involve, and give you clear costs before you commit.
Benefits of invisalign
Nearly invisible
Most people won't notice you're in treatment — a real advantage at work and in photos.
Removable
Take the aligners out to eat and drink, and to brush and floss normally — no food restrictions.
No brackets or wires
Smooth plastic means no metal irritation and typically fewer emergency visits than braces.
Digitally planned
Your tooth movement is mapped in advance, so you can preview the direction of treatment before you start.
Candidacy
Often a good fit
- Adults and older teens with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite concerns
- Patients who can commit to wearing aligners 20–22 hours a day
- Patients whose gums and teeth are healthy or treated before starting
Worth discussing first
- Complex or severe cases may be better served by traditional orthodontics — we'll tell you honestly at the consultation
- Success depends on wear time; aligners left in the case don't move teeth
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. A consultation and exam are the only way to know which treatment fits your situation.
The process, step by step
- 1
Complimentary consultation
We examine your teeth and bite and confirm whether Invisalign fits your case.
- 2
Digital records
Impressions or scans and photos are used to build your custom treatment plan.
- 3
Wear your aligners
Each set is worn about 1–2 weeks, 20–22 hours a day. Checkups roughly every 6 weeks keep treatment on track.
- 4
Retention
When alignment is complete, retainers protect the investment you've made.
Recovery & aftercare
- Clean aligners daily with a soft brush and cool water — hot water warps them.
- Store aligners in their case, never a napkin (that's how they end up in the trash).
- Wear retainers as directed after treatment to keep teeth from drifting back.
Limitations & considerations
- Wear time discipline is entirely on you — this is the most common reason results drift off plan.
- Some tooth movements are harder for aligners; attachments (small tooth-colored bumps) are often needed.
- Mild pressure or tightness with each new aligner set is normal for a day or two.
- After any orthodontic treatment, retainers are needed to hold the result. Results vary by patient.
Alternatives to consider
- Traditional braces for complex movements
- Porcelain veneers or Lumineers when the goal is purely cosmetic reshaping of a few front teeth rather than moving them
What affects the cost
- Case complexity and estimated number of aligners
- Whether refinements (additional aligner sets) are needed
- Retainers after treatment
- Some dental plans include orthodontic benefits; financing options are available — ask us
Reading that helps you decide
Invisalign FAQs
How long does Invisalign take?
It depends on your case — simple spacing can move quickly while bite corrections take longer. We'll give you an estimated timeline at your consultation, and consistent wear is the biggest factor in staying on schedule.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Most patients feel pressure for a day or two with each new set — a sign the aligners are working. It's typically milder than adjusting braces.
Will it affect how I talk?
Some patients notice a slight lisp for the first few days that fades as they adjust.