History of Invisalign

Invisalign is a nearly invisible orthodontic alternative to traditional metal braces. This treatment uses clear plastic trays that apply gentle, consistent pressure to specific parts of teeth to move them into alignment slowly. It is a great option for people who do not want visible metal brackets and wires in their mouths.

Zia Chishti got the idea for Invisalign after realizing that a series of retainers could move teeth just as effectively as metal braces. Chishti and his team created a program to model a patient's current bite and design the series of trays that they would need to achieve a straight smile. Invisalign has made it possible for people who would never choose metal braces, for cosmetic or health reasons, to get the smile they have always wanted.

“Invisalign is a nearly invisible orthodontic alternative to traditional metal braces.”

Invisalign’s Three Steps

The first step to getting Invisalign is by scheduling a consultation with our dentist. Our staff will look at overall oral health and take impressions of the mouth. Next, that impression is sent to Invisalign and used to make aligners unique to the patient's mouth for a custom fit.

Once the aligners have been made, our staff will make sure they fit well, answer any questions, and go over the treatment plan. Patients will be expected to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to get results. Regular checkups with Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa will make sure treatment stays on track. Our staff will determine how often new aligners are needed.

After the desired results have been achieved, the patient may be expected to wear a retainer to maintain those results. This will prevent teeth from gradually shifting back to their initial position. Our doctor will provide specific instructions on how often a retainer will need to be worn.

“The first step to getting Invisalign is by scheduling a consultation with our dentist.”

Pros and Cons

There are several advantages to opting for Invisalign treatment. Since Invisalign aligners are clear, patients do not have to worry about visible metal brackets and wires. The removable trays provide an additional benefit of convenience. Patients do not have to restrict their diet since they can remove their trays when eating or drinking. With Invisalign, people can easily clean their teeth since they do not have the brush or floss around metal appliances. The trays are also comfortable to wear since they consist of smooth plastic trimmed to fit around the patient's gums.

There are also some potential disadvantages to Invisalign. The removability of aligners can cause people to forgo wearing them for long enough or even misplace them. The need for strict treatment adherence means that Invisalign treatment is not for everyone. Additionally, Invisalign is most effective for people with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, not those with more severe problems. Invisalign treatment was the most accurate at moving the buccal-lingual crown tip and least accurate at rotating teeth in a 2020 study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

“Invisalign wearers can easily clean their teeth since they do not have the brush or floss around metal appliances.”

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Caring For Invisalign

Keeping aligners clean and caring for them properly is a vital part of Invisalign treatment. With the right care, patients can keep their aligners free from discoloration, smell, plaque, and bacteria. People with Invisalign should brush their trays every time they take them out or put them back in.

It is essential for people to not only keep their aligners clean but also their teeth. Use a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap or the Invisalign cleaning system to keep aligners free from plaque and bacteria. Avoid eating or drinking anything that can stain aligners and leave an unpleasant smell. It is best to take out aligners while eating or drinking anything.

“With the right care, patients can keep their aligners free from discoloration, smell, plaque, and bacteria.”

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. What steps are involved with getting Invisalign?

Q. What is Invisalign?

Q. What are the pros and cons of Invisalign?

Q. How should patients care for their Invisalign?

Q. What is the duration of Invisalign treatment?

People Also Ask

Q. What are the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces?

Q. How often do I need to wear my clear aligners?

Q. Is there commonality by age group?

Q. When are braces more effective than Invisalign?

Q. What are the types of dental cosmetic treatments?

Q. What are some of the types of cosmetic dental treatments?

Treatment Length

The treatment length will depend on various factors, such as the case complexity and how often the patient wears their aligners. Our team will determine how long each patient's treatment will take based on their specific needs and goals. We will provide patients with a more precise duration estimate during their consultation.

The average length of Invisalign treatment is 12 to 18 months. However, people will be able to start seeing changes within a matter of weeks. An article in Progress in Orthodontics concluded that Invisalign might treat mild non-extraction cases more quickly but that more complicated cases require more time than fixed appliance treatment.

“The average length of Invisalign treatment is 12 to 18 months.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does Invisalign hurt?

A. Invisalign treatment is not painful, but it can cause teeth to feel sore. When patients switch out their trays, it is normal to experience some discomfort due to the pressure exerted on teeth. This is a sign that the treatment is progressing and teeth are moving into alignment.

Q. How often will I return for appointments during Invisalign treatment?

A. Invisalign treatment can save patients time coming to the office. While other orthodontic treatments typically require patients to return for adjustment appointments about every three or four weeks, Invisalign patients do not need checkups as often. Patients will need to visit our office about once every four to six weeks to ensure that the treatment progresses as planned.

Q. What are Invisalign attachments?

A. Invisalign attachments are small button-like attachments that are temporarily attached to teeth. We place these attachments at specific locations to help the aligners grip teeth as they are moving them into alignment. Not every patient will need Invisalign attachments. Our team will determine whether they are necessary.

Q. Is it normal for my teeth to feel loose after removing my Invisalign aligners?

A. It is normal for patients to feel like their teeth are loose after removing aligners. This is because their teeth are shifting. As aligners gradually move teeth into their proper position, the gums are also re-forming around each tooth.

Q. Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?

A. Any orthodontic appliance has the potential to affect a person's speech. Invisalign is not likely to cause any speech problems. Patients may notice a slight lisp when speaking, but it should disappear as the tongue gets used to the aligners.

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.

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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 About Invisalign

For many patients, Invisalign is a practical alternative to traditional braces. If you are interested in finding out whether this treatment is right for you, call Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa in Palm Desert at 760-565-0234 to learn more about whether or not you are a candidate.

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

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