Medically Reviewed by Dr. Shaila Kabani on September 24, 2026
We’re entering into holiday season, which means that New Year’s is less than two months away. It’s the time when we set goals for ourselves, like practicing better oral hygiene and rebuilding our self-confidence. Invisalign is a proven, trusted solution to re-align your teeth and get a smile you are proud to show off.
What is Invisalign?
The dental industry was disrupted in 1997 when Align Technology, Invisalign’s parent company, was founded. Originated by students at Stanford with minimal orthodontic training, the company and its founders was not immediately welcomed into the public eye. Sure, the potential benefits of Invisalign were clear – new orthodontic patients would no longer have to use clunky, unsightly braces to achieve the smile they wanted. Instead, clear aligners would be used to re-align teeth and treat problems like crowding, an overbite, or jaw complications. But people and doctors weren’t sold on the idea that clear aligners could work as effectively as metal braces.
Yes, Invisalign does come with a higher price tag, but patients who have received the treatment will tell you it’s worth every penny.
How Does it Work?
Invisalign will gradually straighten your teeth over time using clear retainers that attach to your teeth. The entire treatment process is overseen by an orthodontic specialist who will help you manage your progress and achieve the best results. To start, your doctor will capture a 3D image of your teeth and create your personalized treatment plan. These images will help the doctor decide the duration of your treatment plan and how aggressive it should be. Custom, clear aligners are developed that fit perfectly on your teeth and are nearly invisible to other people. You will continue to switch out these aligners with new ones (typically on a weekly basis) until your treatment plan has finished.
The Benefits of Invisalign
There are several benefits to choosing Invisalign over traditional metal braces, including both cosmetic and health reasons. Invisalign is much less intrusive to your lifestyle and achieves the same great results. Some of these benefits include:
• Cosmetic: Subtle, clear aligners are used as an alternative to traditional metal braces that can make patients feel uncomfortable or self-conscious.
• Flexible: When you’re eating, using mouthwash, or brushing your teeth, your clear aligners can be easily removed. Just make sure you put them back in to maintain your progress towards a beautiful smile!
• Mobility: Thanks to all of the advances in Invisalign, patients now have more control over their teeth movement. Movement with traditional braces can be uncomfortable and painful due to all the wires and brackets.
• Easy maintenance: Your journey towards a perfect smile will be easy after your initial consultation and evaluation. You will be given clear aligners to get you through several weeks, eliminating the amount of time you need to spend in the doctor’s office. You will still need to go back once or twice a month to track your progress and address any concerns with a professional.
• Less intrusive: Metal and ceramic braces can interrupt our daily lives. There are limits on what you can eat and drink, treatment is highly visible, and particles tend to get stuck. Clear aligners are much easier to live with and maintain.
• Monthly payment options: Most orthodontists offer flexible payment plans so you can get Invisalign without breaking the bank.
It took several years for Invisalign to become mainstream and really change how orthodontists work. Now, it is considered the industry standard that is on its way to completely replacing its traditional alternatives. The days of sending patients home with a mouth full of metal are nearly behind us.
How long does Invisalign treatment typically take?
Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of your case. Minor corrections can be completed in as few as six months, while more involved alignment issues may require 12 to 18 months. Your provider will create a personalized treatment plan based on a 3D scan of your teeth, which gives an estimated timeline before you begin.
Is Invisalign as effective as traditional braces?
For the majority of common orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, and mild to moderate bite problems, Invisalign can achieve results comparable to traditional braces. Cases involving significant bite corrections or complex tooth movements may still be better suited to conventional brackets and wires. A consultation with an Invisalign-trained provider is the best way to determine whether clear aligners are appropriate for your specific situation.
Can I eat normally with Invisalign?
Yes. One of the most practical advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are fully removable, so you can eat and drink whatever you like without restriction. You simply remove the aligners before meals, eat normally, brush your teeth, and put the aligners back in. There are no dietary limitations the way there are with traditional braces, where certain foods can damage brackets or wires.
How much does Invisalign cost compared to traditional braces?
Invisalign typically costs more than traditional metal braces, though the difference has narrowed as the technology has become more widespread. Many dental insurance plans that cover orthodontic treatment will apply the same benefit toward Invisalign as they would for braces. Flexible payment options are available through most providers. A consultation is necessary to get an accurate estimate based on your specific treatment needs.
About the Author
Dr. Shaila Kabani
Kabani Dental, Marietta, GA
Dr. Shaila Kabani has been practicing dentistry since 2000 and has accumulated more than 300 hours of advanced clinical education. She and her team serve patients throughout Marietta, East Cobb, Vinings, and Smyrna, providing comprehensive general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care with a personalized approach at every appointment.