Invisalign: A Clear Alternative, but Does It Work?

One alternative to traditional braces is Invisalign, a tooth-straightening system that doesn’t rely on brackets or wires. Instead, users wear a series of removable custom-made, form-fitted trays made of clear plastic. These devices, known as aligners, exert slight pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them.

Every two weeks the user switches to a new set of trays until the teeth reach their final position. The entire process may take one to two years.

Because the aligners are made of clear plastic, they are nearly invisible when worn. You wear the aligners all day but remove them when you eat, brush, and floss. This is appealing for some people who want to straighten their teeth, but don’t want braces because they can be difficult to keep clean and they may not allow you to eat certain foods.

This system isn’t for everyone, though. Invisalign tends to cost more than braces. In addition, some orthodontists warn that the Invisalign system is appropriate only for individuals who need minor corrections, and question whether the device is as effective as braces. As with braces, some dental insurance plans pay for a portion of the cost.

Source: Dental Health for Adults: A Guide to Protecting Your Teeth and Gums. Copyright © by Harvard University. All rights reserved.