Short answer: Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system made by Align Technology, consisting of custom clear aligners that move the teeth in small steps planned on a computer. The teeth are scanned digitally with the iTero scanner, the movements are planned in the ClinCheck software, and the aligners, made from SmartTrack material, are worn 20–22 hours a day in most cases. Suitability and duration are determined by an orthodontic examination.
The short answer to the question what is Invisalign is this: Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system made up of custom clear aligners that move the teeth in small steps planned on a computer. Instead of metal brackets and wires, it uses thin, removable aligners that fit snugly over the teeth. Each aligner is designed slightly differently from the one before, and as the teeth adapt to these differences, they move toward the planned position. In this article we explain in plain language how the system was developed, which technologies it uses and how it relates to the concept of "clear aligners."
What is Invisalign, and who makes it?
Invisalign is a proprietary clear aligner system developed and manufactured by Align Technology, a company based in the United States. The company was founded in the late 1990s and has built up extensive clinical experience in digital orthodontics over the years. Today the system is used in many countries around the world by trained orthodontists and dentists.
Thinking of Invisalign as just an aligner would be incomplete. The system consists of three main parts:
- SmartTrack material: The multilayer, flexible thermoplastic material the aligners are made from. Its structure, which wraps around the teeth, aims to transmit force in a more controlled way.
- iTero intraoral scanner: A scanner that creates a digital three-dimensional model of the teeth instead of using traditional impression material. Most patients find this method more comfortable than impressions taken with putty.
- ClinCheck planning software: The software in which the dentist virtually plans every step from the starting position of the teeth to their target position. Before treatment begins, the patient can see an animation of the predicted tooth movements.
These three components work together: the scan data is transferred to the software, the dentist approves the plan and the aligners are made according to that plan. At our clinic, clear aligner treatment is provided only with Invisalign; you can also find details of the system on our Invisalign treatment page.
Are clear aligners and Invisalign the same thing?
No, they are not exactly the same: "clear aligners" is the general name for a treatment method, while Invisalign is a proprietary system of that method. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably in everyday language, the difference between them is similar to the difference between "facial tissue" and a particular brand of tissue.
The basic idea of clear aligner treatment is to apply light, continuous force to the teeth with aligners that are changed in sequence. We cover the general definition, history and uses of the method in detail in our article titled what are clear aligners. Invisalign, on the other hand, is the system that applies this general method with its own material, scanning and planning infrastructure.
Knowing this distinction helps you correctly interpret the information you come across while doing research. When an article says "clear aligners," it may mean the general method; when it says "Invisalign," it is describing the features of a specific system.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign works with a series of aligners designed so that each aligner moves the teeth only a small amount. Teeth are not completely fixed in the bone; when appropriate, controlled force is applied, the surrounding bone remodels and the tooth slowly changes position. The principle is the same with wires and brackets; only the tool that applies the force is different.
Treatment usually proceeds through these steps:
- Examination and records: An orthodontic examination is done, X-rays are taken if considered necessary, photographs are taken and the teeth are scanned digitally.
- Digital planning: The dentist plans the tooth movements step by step in the ClinCheck software. If needed, adding small, tooth-colored bumps (attachments) to some teeth or creating a very small amount of space between teeth is included in the plan.
- Making and delivering the aligners: The aligners, made according to the approved plan, are handed to the patient and the rules for wearing them are explained.
- Wear and checkups: In most cases the aligners are worn 20–22 hours a day and removed only for eating and brushing. Each aligner is worn for the period the dentist sets, and then the next one is used. Progress is assessed at regular checkups.
- Retention: When active treatment ends, the retention phase begins so that the teeth keep their new position.
The total length of treatment depends on the degree of crowding, the bite problem and how consistently the patient wears the aligners. A few months may be enough for simple cases, while more complex cases can take longer. The exact duration is set by the dentist after the examination and planning.
Who is Invisalign suitable for?
Invisalign can be used for many orthodontic problems, from mild and moderate crowding to gaps between teeth and some bite problems. Which conditions can be treated with aligners depends on the specifics of the case and the dentist's assessment. In general, it is often chosen for the following problems:
- Crowding and tight spacing of the teeth
- Gaps between teeth (diastema)
- Some types of deep bite, open bite and crossbite
- Relapse in people who have had orthodontic treatment before
Age alone is not decisive. There are different approaches for children, teenagers and adults; we looked at this topic in our at what age can you get clear aligners article. In advanced skeletal problems, however, aligners alone may not be enough and different treatment options may be considered.
Differences and similarities with other brands
Clear aligner systems from different manufacturers are similar in their principle of moving teeth with a sequence of aligners. All of them are custom-planned, all of them are removable, and with all of them a large part of success depends on the patient wearing the aligners consistently.
Differences between systems usually show up in these areas:
- Aligner material: The flexibility of the material, its layer structure and the way it fits the teeth can vary from system to system.
- Planning software: How tooth movements are simulated and the planning tools offered to the dentist differ.
- Manufacturing process and clinical data: How long the system has been in use and the case experience behind it vary.
- Dentist's experience: Whichever system is used, the knowledge and experience of the orthodontist who prepares and follows the plan is one of the key factors that determine the result.
You can find general information about the systems on the market on our clear aligner brands page. As an Invisalign Provider, our clinic chooses to work only with this system; this allows us to build experience on a single digital platform for planning and follow-up.
Cost and accessibility
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies from person to person and cannot be reliably determined without an examination and planning. The main factors affecting the cost are the complexity of the case, the number of aligners needed, the length of treatment and whether additional procedures are required.
At our clinic, the treatment fee is given to the patient in writing after the examination and digital planning are completed. If you would like to know more about the factors that affect cost, see our clear aligner costs page.
In terms of accessibility, Invisalign is a system that can be provided at clinics with trained dentists. Because you need to come in for regular checkups throughout treatment, choosing a clinic you can easily reach makes the process easier to manage.
When should you seek Invisalign treatment in Ankara?
If the irregularity of your teeth bothers you aesthetically, you have difficulty chewing or cleaning, or your teeth have shifted again after previous orthodontic treatment, an orthodontic examination can point you in the right direction. At our clinic in Park Oran Ofis in Oran, Çankaya, Funda Pekyılmaz Sarıkaya, specialist orthodontist (Uzm. Dt.), assesses your situation with an intraoral scan and examination and explains whether Invisalign is a suitable option for you; you can use our contact page to make an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Are Invisalign aligners noticeable?
Because the aligners are clear and thin, in most cases they do not draw attention at conversational distance. The small bumps called attachments are tooth-colored, so they may be slightly visible up close. Visibility varies from person to person and with the position of the teeth.
How many hours a day should Invisalign aligners be worn?
The general recommendation is to wear the aligners 20–22 hours a day. They are removed when eating, when drinking anything other than water and when brushing. Not wearing the aligners consistently can delay the teeth from moving as planned.
Does Invisalign give the same results as braces?
In many cases, similar goals can be achieved with either method. However, for some complex tooth movements and skeletal problems, one method may be more suitable. Which method is right for you is determined by an orthodontic examination.
What happens after Invisalign treatment ends?
When active treatment is complete, the retention phase begins so that the teeth stay in their new position. In this phase, retainers worn at night or thin wires bonded to the back of the teeth are usually used. The dentist decides which method to choose.
