How Invisalign Aligns Teeth: The Process in Detail

Straightening teeth with Invisalign is a modern and discreet journey that relies on cutting-edge technology. Unlike traditional braces, this system uses clear aligners to gently move teeth. But how does it actually work? Let's explore the complete process together, from the first appointment to your new smile.

The fundamental principle: How do aligners move teeth?

Invisalign treatment relies on using a series of medical-grade clear plastic aligners, custom-made for each patient. Each aligner is slightly different from the previous one and has been designed to apply precise and controlled forces to the teeth. By changing aligners every one to two weeks, your teeth are gradually guided to their ideal final position.

The Invisalign treatment process step by step

The process for aligning teeth with Invisalign is a clearly defined journey that combines advanced technology and expert monitoring from your practitioner.

Step 1: Initial assessment and 3D planning (ClinCheck®)

Everything starts with a complete evaluation. Your orthodontist uses a 3D intraoral scanner (such as the iTero scanner) to create a high-precision digital impression of your teeth. This information, combined with photos and X-rays, allows the creation of a personalized virtual treatment plan: the ClinCheck. This is one of the major advantages of Invisalign: you can view a 3D simulation of each movement and the final result before even starting.

Step 2: Technical preparation in the mouth

Once you validate the treatment plan, your practitioner prepares your mouth. This phase may include:

• Placing Invisalign attachments: Small composite buttons the same color as your teeth are bonded to some of them. They serve as "grips" to allow aligners to apply the forces necessary for complex tooth movements.
• Stripping or interproximal reduction (IPR): In case of lack of space, the practitioner may minimally polish (a few tenths of a millimeter) the enamel between certain teeth to create the space required for proper alignment.

Step 3: The active phase – Wearing aligners

You will receive your first aligners, and the rest depends on you! For treatment to be effective, it is imperative to wear your aligners between 20 and 22 hours per day. You will only remove them to eat and to brush your teeth. You will change aligners following the rhythm defined by your practitioner, usually every week or every two weeks.

Step 4: Retention – Stabilizing the result

Once your teeth have reached their final alignment, it is essential to stabilize this new position. The retention phase is mandatory to prevent teeth from returning to their initial position. It most often consists of a thin wire bonded behind the teeth and/or wearing retention aligners at night.

What types of malocclusions can Invisalign correct?

Invisalign is effective for a very wide range of orthodontic problems:

• Dental crowding, whether mild or severe.
• Mispositioned or "crooked" teeth.
• Interdental gaps, like diastemas.
• Many bite problems (how the jaws fit together).

Conclusion: A clear path to an aligned smile

Aligning teeth with Invisalign is a structured, predictable and discreet process. Thanks to 3D technology, the patient is an active participant in their treatment and can project themselves into their future smile from the start. The keys to success are expert planning from the practitioner and rigorous cooperation from the patient, leading to beautiful straight teeth and a lasting smile.