Does Invisalign Really Work? | Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa | Invisalign FAQ Palm Desert, CA

Don't want traditional braces? Wondering does Invisalign really work as well as braces? Is it for you? Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa breaks it all down

Last updated:

Skip to Main Content   73151 El Paseo Suite C Palm Desert, CA 92260 Patient Portal Text Us! (760) 219-7487 Call Us! (760) 565-0234 Home Aboutarrow_drop_down About Us Office Tour Our Team Patient Informationarrow_drop_down Same Day Teeth Consultation Technology Servicesarrow_drop_down View all Services All-on-4 Implants ClearCorrect Braces Dental Checkup Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Dental Implants Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates Dentures and Partial Dentures Emergency Dentist Full Mouth Reconstruction Invisalign Dentist Kid Friendly Dentist Root Canal Treatment Sedation Dentist Smile Makeover Snap-On Smile Teeth Whitening White Spot Removal Patient Educationarrow_drop_down Blog Alternative to Braces for Teens Dental Anxiety Do I Have Sleep Apnea Do I Need a Root Canal I Think My Gums Are Receding Improve Your Smile for Senior Pictures Options For Replacing Missing Teeth Oral Cancer Screening Oral Hygiene Basics What Can I Do to Improve My Smile What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary Which is Better Invisalign or Braces Why Are My Gums Bleeding Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants Wisdom Teeth Extraction Reviews Patient Portal Contact Us Home About About Us Office Tour Our Team Patient Information Same Day Teeth Consultation Technology Services View all Services All-on-4 Implants ClearCorrect Braces Dental Checkup Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Dental Implants Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates Dentures and Partial Dentures Emergency Dentist Full Mouth Reconstruction Invisalign Dentist Kid Friendly Dentist Root Canal Treatment Sedation Dentist Smile Makeover Snap-On Smile Teeth Whitening White Spot Removal Patient Education Blog Alternative to Braces for Teens Dental Anxiety Do I Have Sleep Apnea Do I Need a Root Canal I Think My Gums Are Receding Improve Your Smile for Senior Pictures Options For Replacing Missing Teeth Oral Cancer Screening Oral Hygiene Basics What Can I Do to Improve My Smile What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary Which is Better Invisalign or Braces Why Are My Gums Bleeding Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants Wisdom Teeth Extraction Reviews Patient Portal Contact Us Does Invisalign Really Work Palm Desert, CA Invisalign® is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. Many patients favor them for their discreet, almost invisible appearance. For many patients, Invisalign can deliver results almost as quickly and as efficiently as traditional metal braces. Invisalign is available at Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa in Palm Desert and the surrounding area. We can help you achieve the smile of your dreams without a mouth full of metal. Call us today at (760) 565-0234 to schedule an appointment and learn more. Request An Appointment First & Last Name (Required) Email (Required) Phone Number (Required) How Did You Hear About Us?Existing PatientGoogleDiscovered OnlineWord of MouthFacebook or Other Social MediaOther Select an Option Results Come With Compliance Invisalign has continually improved its technology and transformed over 9.6 million smiles since its inception. Various updates and additions have allowed for more complicated conditions to be treated effectively. The Invisalign difference is its SmartTrack material, designed for comfort and faster treatment; SmartForce attachments and precision wings for more predictable tooth movement; and SmartStaging technology that predicts desired and planned outcomes. The iTero® Element Scanner scans the gumline to create more accurate, comfortable, and secure aligners. During treatment, a patient must wear the aligners for roughly 22 hours a day, removing them only for eating and brushing. They will have routine checkups every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on their treatment plan, in which we examine the teeth. Invisalign treatment may not work as effectively if a patient fails to adhere to the specific instructions regarding wear time, hygiene practices, maintenance, and care. “Invisalign has continually improved its technology and transformed over 9.6 million smiles since its inception.” Commonality by Age Group Invisalign is made for patients of all ages. A 2015 article found that Invisalign treatment is common in patients between 13.6 and 31.9 years old. We find that teens and adults are the most common patients seeking Invisalign treatment due to its comfort, discreetness, and shortened treatment time. Invisalign created the first clear aligner treatment, called Invisalign First, for children with primary teeth and growing permanent teeth. Children start growing permanent teeth between 6 and 7 years old, and orthodontic treatment can help guide the teeth into proper development. Invisalign treatment is available for children, teens, and adults with conditions viable for treatment. “We find that teens and adults are the most common patients seeking Invisalign treatment due to its comfort, discreetness, and shortened treatment time.” Requirements for Candidacy Although Invisalign technology has advanced to allow treatment for more patients, not everyone is a candidate. During the smile assessment, we conduct both a physical oral exam and a 3D scan that traces the entire smile. We will also discuss oral and general health history, along with any past dental treatments. In most cases, patients with severe orthodontic conditions are not advised to go with clear aligner treatment as they may need braces to effectively treat their case. Invisalign is intended primarily for patients with minor to moderate issues, such as overcrowding, spacing, or improper bite alignment. Possible treatment alternatives will be discussed if a patient is not a good candidate for Invisalign. “Invisalign is intended primarily for patients with minor to moderate issues, such as overcrowding, spacing, or improper bite alignment.” Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Does Invisalign Really Work in Palm Desert, CA Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces There are a few differences between Invisalign and braces. Clear aligners have the advantage of being both discrete and removable. This allows patients to continue living their lifestyle with very few restrictions and keep their oral cavity clean. However, patient compliance is crucial with Invisalign treatment as not adhering to an orthodontist's specified instructions can limit or diminish anticipated results. Braces are extremely durable as they are made of metal and tightly connected by wire. They offer patients a bit of personality through the variety of colored wires available, often an intriguing factor for children and adolescents. An added advantage is they cannot be lost or broken, especially favorable for young patients. However, there is a list of restricted foods and beverages with braces treatment as they can easily cause enamel deterioration and gingival decay. Patients with braces must learn what to avoid and how to properly clean and maintain their oral cavity during treatment. “Clear aligners have the advantage of being both discrete and removable.” Questions Answered on This Page Q. Is there anything I need to avoid with Invisalign? Q. What results come with compliance? Q. Is there commonality by age group? Q. What are the requirements for candidacy? Q. What is the difference invisalign vs. traditional braces? People Also Ask Q. How long does Invisalign take? Q. How do clear aligners save time straightening? Q. How effective are Invisalign and traditional braces? Q. What are the pros and cons of Invisalign? Q. How can someone find the right Invisalign Dentist? Q. How effective is Invisalign in treating overbites and underbites? Invisalign & Lifestyle Changes One of the many advantages of Invisalign is that it requires minimal lifestyle changes. Patients will have to switch out their aligners every one or two weeks, and they will need to come into the office to pick up their new set of aligners every six to eight weeks. In most cases, Invisalign patients require fewer orthodontist visits than braces patients. Still, there are some things patients should know to complete Invisalign treatment safely. They must care for them properly to avoid staining or other undesirable results. This involves rinsing the aligners nightly, brushing them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep them clean. If possible, patients should rinse them whenever they take them out. As mentioned earlier, patients should only remove aligners when necessary — such as when eating, brushing, or drinking anything other than cool water. Patients who play high-contact sports should ask Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa if it is safe to keep the aligners in the mouth while playing. “One of the many advantages of Invisalign is that it requires minimal lifestyle changes.” Frequently Asked Questions Q. Who is not a candidate for Invisalign treatment? A. Invisalign is not for patients with severe dental or orthodontic conditions. It may not be suitable for patients who have difficulty with self-reliance or know they may not adhere to necessary protocol. Lastly, patients with several prior dental treatments or surgeries may not be good candidates due to weakened bone. Q. How is candidacy determined? A. During the initial consultation, patients are examined using a 3D scanner that takes hundreds of photos per second and creates an accurate digital image. We also conduct a physical oral exam and check for any signs of wear-and-tear or gingival decay. The Invisalign system interprets the findings and helps us determine whether the patient is a good candidate for treatment. Q. What happens during Invisalign treatment? A. Once a patient qualifies for Invisalign, we curate a treatment plan using the smile scan conducted during the consultation. The 3D renderings are sent to a lab that creates the custom trays for the first few weeks. The patient will have follow-up appointments every 4 to 6 weeks to check progress and are given their next sets of aligners. Q. Will I have to wear a retainer after I complete treatment? A. As with all orthodontic treatments, it is highly advised that patients wear a retainer to avoid relapse or shifting. Teeth tend to naturally shift back to their original placement without a device applying a specific amount of force. However, wearing a retainer even once a week for at least a year can make a big difference in long-term results. Q. How long is the average treatment duration with Invisalign? A. The length of treatment varies with each case. Patients may take as little as six months or as long as three years depending on the severity of their condition. It also depends largely on patient adherence to their individualized instructions and proper care and maintenance. Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options. Let Us Help – Click for Directions to Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa Scan here to view this page, Does Invisalign Really Work, on mobile Invisalign® Terminology Aligner Trays With Invisalign® treatment, the patient will receive a series of aligner trays and swap out each one for the next one in the series every two weeks in order to gradually straighten the teeth. Blue Compliance Indicator (Invisalign® Teen) The blue compliance indicator is a small blue dot on the aligners that will fade from blue to clear in order to indicate if the patient is wearing the aligner for the proper amount of time and where the patient is in the Invisalign® process. ClinCheck® Software ClinCheck® software allows professionals to map out the straightening process the patient’s teeth will go through with Invisalign® in great detail. Gum Line The gum line is the line in the mouth where the teeth and gums meet. If a patient struggles with gum recession, then the gum tissue around the teeth may begin to wear away. Incisal Ridges Incisal ridges are the portion of the crown of the tooth that makes up the incisal portion and can be a direct cause of overbite if they are extended too far. iTero Element® Scanner An iTero Element® scanner allows professionals to create a 3D image of the patient’s teeth in minutes and predict what it will take to move the teeth into proper alignment. Malocclusion Malocclusion is the condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the bite is closed. Conditions of malocclusion can include overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite; all of which are treatable with Invisalign®. Overbite An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth jut out over the lower teeth, covering them and causing other issues. Polyurethane Resin Polyurethane Resin is a USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight compound that makes up the Invisalign® aligners. SmartForce Attachments SmartForce attachments are small attachments that professionals place on the patient’s teeth before placing aligners to help move the teeth. Smart Track® Material Smart Track® material is in Invisalign® aligners to increase comfort, improve control of movement, increases the speed of treatment and applies a gentle force to the teeth over time. Smile-Scan Smile-Scan analyzes the way a patient smiles by measuring the position of the mouth and eyes before giving a score. Vivera® Retainers Vivera® retainers are a type of retainer that consists of clear plastic material and helps to maintain orthodontic corrections after a treatment. Learn More Today Invisalign can help you get the smile of your dreams without a mouth full of metal. We at Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa can help. Call us today at (760) 565-0234 to schedule an appointment and learn more. Helpful Related Links American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025 Invisalign®. How Invisalign Works. 2025 Invisalign®. Take the Smile Assessment. 2025 WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025 About our business and website securityDesert Dream Dentistry & Spa was established in 2017.We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and VisaWe serve patients from the following counties: Riverside CountyWe serve patients from the following cities: Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Cathedral City, and Palm SpringsHealthgrades. View Background Information and ReviewsNorton Safe Web. View DetailsTrend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details Scan here to open directions to Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa on mobile Back to top of Does Invisalign Really Work QR code for Does Invisalign Really Work Palm Desert, CA Which is Better Invisalign or Braces Clear vs Traditional Braces Related Topics 7 Things Parents Need to Know About Invisalign Teen Alternative to Braces for Teens Clear Aligners Invisalign for Teens Invisalign vs Traditional Braces Is Invisalign Teen Right for My Child Which is Better Invisalign or Braces Invisalign Dentist Find a Dentist in Palm Desert, CA Type Your Search Query Here Related Posts How Emergency Dentists Perform A Root Canal Retreatment If severe tooth pain returns after a previous root canal, an emergency dentist may recommend root canal retreatment to eliminate the infection and restore long-term dental health. While an initial endodontic procedure has a high success rate, complications can arise years later that require professional intervention. By choosing an emergency dentist, you can find immediate… Options For Replacing Missing Teeth: Are Partial Dentures Easier To Care For Than Dentures? Dentures are a removable option for replacing missing teeth that can provide the wearer with either a full or partial set of false replacement teeth. Your best choice depends on the number of natural teeth that need to be replaced. In either case, a crucial aspect of successful denture wearing is proper care and hygiene… Dentist Consult For Options For Replacing Missing Teeth Dentist consultations are a great place to learn more about options for replacing missing teeth. There are several different options for replacing missing teeth. During a consultation, a dentist will help you determine the treatment option that best suits your health and circumstances, guiding you towards a healthier future for your smile.A dentist consultation should… Options For Replacing Missing Teeth: Are Dental Bridges Right For Me? If you are someone with gaps in their smile, there are many options for replacing missing teeth available to you. A dental bridge is a time-honored solution for replacing missing teeth. Similar methods for replacing teeth have been used for thousands of years.A dental bridge is a single or series of false teeth, called pontics,… Explore additional topics covered on our website: Clear Braces Cosmetic Dental Services Invisalign Dental Office Find Dental Care Near Me Call Us Today Scan here to call Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa on mobile 73151 El Paseo Suite C Palm Desert, CA 92260 Get Directions Call Us Today! (760) 565-0234 Request Appointment Comments or Suggestions? Contact Us https://desertdreamdentistry.com AboutWe are committed to providing quality healthcare to families located in the Palm Desert area and treat patients of all ages. Office Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa 73151 El Paseo Suite C Palm Desert, CA 92260 Contact Phone: (760) 565-0234 Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa. Privacy Policy / Sitemap Facebook YouTube Yelp Instagram Request Your Appointment Today! Request Appointment Visit the Home Page Contact Us Request Appointment Get Driving Directions Access Accessibility Options Activate Black Text Activate White Text Increase Font Size Decrease Font Size Reset Accessibility Options Request An Appointment First & Last Name (Required) Email (Required) Phone Number (Required) How Did You Hear About Us?Existing PatientGoogleDiscovered OnlineWord of MouthFacebook or Other Social MediaOther Select an Option