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What is Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatment, also known as an orthodontic treatment system without conventional braces, is a treatment method consisting of a series of nearly invisible, removable clear aligners used to align the teeth. These aligners are custom-made for each patient and gradually move the teeth into their ideal positions over time. Compared to traditional braces, they are far less noticeable.

Who Is Eligible for Clear Aligner Treatment? Is There an Age Limit?

Clear aligner treatment can be applied to individuals with healthy teeth and surrounding oral tissues. While it is commonly used in adult patients, it can also be applied to children starting from the ages of 7–8, depending on dental development.

Can Clear Aligner Treatment Be Applied to Patients with Dental Implants or Previous Dental Treatments?

Since dental implants are osseointegrated with the jawbone, they cannot be moved like natural teeth. However, clear aligner treatment can be applied to patients with dental implants if the treatment plan ensures that no orthodontic force is applied to the implant and it remains stationary.

There is no contraindication for patients who have previously undergone restorative procedures such as fillings or root canal treatments.

Can Clear Aligners Be Used in Patients with Severe Crowding?

Successful outcomes can also be achieved in patients with severe dental crowding using clear aligner therapy. In some cases where permanent tooth extraction is planned due to excessive crowding, clear aligner treatment may be preferred instead of conventional fixed orthodontic appliances.

How Does Invisalign Treatment Progress?

Before starting Invisalign treatment, all existing dental caries must be treated and dental calculus (tartar) must be removed. As with any orthodontic treatment, a comprehensive clinical examination is performed, including intraoral radiographs. Subsequently, a three-dimensional digital model (impression) of your teeth is obtained and used to create a personalized treatment plan.

The treatment plan prepared by your orthodontist—together with your intraoral scan records, radiographs, and clinical photographs—is shared with the aligner manufacturing company. A customized digital treatment simulation is then created and submitted to your orthodontist for approval.

After reviewing the simulation, your orthodontist may make the necessary modifications. Once the treatment plan is finalized, the total number of aligners and the estimated duration of the treatment are determined. Treatment duration and the number of aligners vary from patient to patient depending on the severity and nature of the initial orthodontic problem.

Before giving final approval, your orthodontist may share the treatment simulation with you so that you can discuss whether the projected outcome meets your expectations. Once the final simulation is approved, the production of the aligners begins. The aligners are typically delivered to your orthodontist within approximately 3–4 weeks.

During the first appointment, small tooth-colored attachments—referred to as “attachments”—are usually bonded to the tooth surfaces. These attachments help the aligners grip the teeth more effectively and enhance the efficiency of tooth movement. If necessary, interproximal enamel reduction (IPR), also known as stripping, may be performed. Your orthodontist will then provide you with the appropriate number of aligners.

Follow-up intervals with clear aligner therapy are generally longer compared to conventional fixed orthodontic appliances. Monthly visits are often not required, and follow-ups at intervals of approximately 2–3 months may be sufficient.

To support patients throughout their clear aligner treatment, the My Invisalign application can be used to remind patients when to change aligners, monitor daily wear time, inform the orthodontist, and track upcoming appointments. Patients can also share progress photos with their orthodontist, family, or friends. Based on the submitted photos, the orthodontist can monitor treatment progress and provide feedback.

Interim check-ups during clear aligner treatment may also be conducted as virtual appointments. For this purpose, the Invisalign Virtual Care feature enables orthodontists to remotely monitor their patients’ Invisalign treatment. Through the My Invisalign app, patients can take and upload progress photos using their mobile devices. When a patient submits photos at the time of an aligner change, the orthodontist reviews them via the Invisalign Virtual Care platform to assess whether the treatment is progressing according to plan and can provide appropriate instructions.

If live interaction is required to discuss treatment-related matters, a video consultation can be scheduled through the Invisalign Virtual Care platform, or the patient may be instructed to schedule an in-office appointment. This system allows orthodontists to manage Invisalign treatments even for patients living in different countries.

What Should Patients Pay Attention to During Clear Aligner Treatment?

Aligners should be changed strictly according to the schedule recommended by the orthodontist and should not be replaced prematurely. The daily wearing time should not be less than 20–21 hours. Eating and drinking hot beverages while wearing the aligners should be avoided. Once the aligners are removed, patients may eat and drink freely without dietary restrictions.

How Should Clear Aligners Be Maintained?

Aligners should be cleaned daily by brushing them under running lukewarm water. In addition, denture cleaning tablets or special aligner cleaning gels may be used.

How Long Should the Aligners Be Worn?

Since this treatment is customized for each individual, the total duration depends on the daily wearing time and the specific condition of the teeth. Only the treating orthodontist can determine the duration of the treatment process.

Does Invisalign Have Advantages Over Traditional Braces?

Invisalign aligners are transparent, making them barely noticeable to others.

Maintaining oral and dental hygiene is easier, as the aligners can be removed for normal toothbrushing.

Because teeth can be cleaned more effectively, the risk of dental caries is significantly reduced.

Clear aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces and do not irritate the teeth or gums.

Fewer in-office visits are required during Invisalign treatment, saving patients time.

Additionally, it is possible to digitally predict the final position of the teeth at the beginning of treatment.

Seeing the expected treatment outcome from the start enhances patient motivation.

Can Any Dentist Perform Invisalign Treatment?

This treatment must be performed by an orthodontist who has completed the required Invisalign certification.

What Happens After the Active Treatment Phase Is Completed?

After the completion of active orthodontic treatment, retention therapy is required to maintain the achieved tooth positions and prevent relapse. Retention aligners or lingual retainers should be used for this purpose. During this phase, follow-up visits may be scheduled every six months.