Invisalign Appleton, WI
Clear orthodontic aligners have been growing in popularity for many years. One of the most recognizable brands is Invisalign®. Invisalign is a form of orthodontics that uses clear tray aligners to straighten the teeth instead of the traditional mouthful of metal wires and brackets.
If you are a candidate, Invisalign provides an almost invisible way to straighten your teeth. Invisalign is available at Timbercrest Dental Center in Appleton and the surrounding area. Call us at (920) 442-4084 to schedule an appointment to see if this treatment is right for you.
An Alternative to Traditional Braces
Invisalign uses clear tray aligners instead of metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth. The aligners are constructed of a solid piece of plastic strong enough to shift the teeth and move them into the correct position. Every one or two weeks, the patient receives a new tray with an updated aligner. Each tray will feel slightly different as it shifts and moves the teeth.
The idea of using removable aligners to adjust the teeth is not a new concept. The idea was first introduced in the 1940s. Additional improvements were made through the decades, though the technology did not improve until the 1990s. The creators of Invisalign developed their mass-market system in 1999.
“Invisalign uses clear tray aligners instead of metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth.”
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 Timbercrest Dental Center 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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Taking Care of Invisalign Aligners
It is essential to use and care for Invisalign aligners appropriately to have a good orthodontic outcome. For Invisalign to work, the aligners have to be worn for the recommended number of hours a day. Patients should try to limit the number of times they remove the aligners since it will not take long to exceed the time they can be left off.
Cleaning the Aligners
Patients should always rinse the aligners when they are removed. Bacteria and plaque can easily attach to them, which can cause an unpleasant odor and sticky feeling on the teeth. Aligners should be cleaned with a clear and unscented antibacterial soap. If patients use toothpaste to clean the aligners, they should make sure that it is not a brand with whitening agents, as these can wear away the plastic.
Invisalign aligners need to be stored in a case when not being worn. Leaving them out in the open exposes them to germs that can then be transferred to the mouth.
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is essential at any time, but it is a bit easier when using Invisalign versus traditional braces. Food and plaque can get trapped in conventional braces' metal brackets and can be tough to brush. Since Invisalign aligners can be removed, it is simple to brush and floss and replace the aligners when finished.
Make sure to brush and floss after meals before putting the aligners back in the mouth. This helps keep food particles from getting stuck in the aligners, leading to bacteria growth and bad breath.
“It is essential to use and care for Invisalign aligners appropriately to have a good orthodontic outcome.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What steps are involved with getting Invisalign?
Q. How do I use and care for Invisalign aligners?
Q. What are the pros and cons of Invisalign?
Q. What is the duration of Invisalign treatment?
People Also Ask
Q. How often do I need to wear my clear aligners?
Q. What are some examples of purely cosmetic procedures?
Q. What are the differences between braces and Invisalign?
Q. Is there commonality by age group?
Q. When are braces more effective than Invisalign?
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.
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Invisalign® Terminology
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 Timbercrest Dental Center in Appleton at 920-442-4084 to learn more about whether or not you are a candidate.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- Invisalign®. How Invisalign Works. 2026
- Invisalign®. Take the Smile Assessment. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
About our business and website security
- Timbercrest Dental Center was established in 2003.
- We accept the following payment methods: Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Outagamie County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Appleton, Grand Chute, Greenville, Kaukauna, Hortonville, Little Chute, Neenah, Menasha, and Kimberly
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