Invisalign®

If multiple dental concerns are affecting your smile, full mouth reconstruction can restore comfort, function, and confidence.

Col Left

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Invisalign works for most malocclusion concerns. Ideal candidates typically:

  • Have fully developed permanent teeth
  • Maintain good oral hygiene
  • Are committed to wearing aligners consistently
  • Want a more discreet alternative to traditional braces

Why Choose Invisalign

Invisible & discreet

Invisible & discreet

Clear aligners are designed to be discreet, making them ideal for patients who want a more subtle orthodontic treatment.
Comfortable Fit

Comfortable Fit

Smooth, custom-made plastic reduces irritation to cheeks and gums compared to traditional metal braces.
Removable

Removable

Aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, allowing you to maintain excellent oral hygiene.
Effective for Many Orthodontic Issues

Effective for Many Orthodontic Issues

Invisalign addresses crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, as well as bite problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.
No food restrictions

No food restrictions

Enjoy your favorite foods. Just remove aligners before eating and brush before reinserting.
Possibility of Smile Architect

Possibility of Smile Architect

By planning Invisalign treatment with the final result in mind, we can virtually design the ideal smile, address bite concerns or severe crowding, and often reduce overall treatment time.

Invisalign Treatment Process

1
Consultation

Your orthodontist will evaluate your smile, discuss your goals, and determine whether Invisalign is the right treatment for you.

2
Digital Scans & Records

Detailed scans, X-rays, and photos of your teeth are taken to create a precise digital model of your smile.

3
Custom Treatment Plan

Advanced software allows your orthodontist to create a step-by-step plan showing how your teeth will move during treatment.

4
Custom Aligners

Your aligners are custom-made for your teeth. Each set is worn for one to two weeks before moving on to the next.

5
Smile Maintenance

Once treatment is complete, retainers help maintain your new smile and prevent teeth from shifting back.

Start Your Invisalign Journey
Book Appointment
Col Left

Investing in Your Smile

A confident smile is one of the best investments you can make. The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on several factors, including:

  • The complexity of your teeth alignment
  • The length of your treatment plan
  • The specific treatment details prescribed by your orthodontist
Col Left

Flexible Payment Options

We strive to make Invisalign affordable. Options may include:

  • Discounts for full payment by cash or check
  • Payment plans tailored to your budget
  • Most major credit cards accepted and third-party credit companies

Smiles from My Dentist SanFrancisco

dental service
dental service
dental service
dental service
dental service

*The before and after images above are provided for reference purposes only. They are not intended to represent any guaranteed results or work.

Ready to Transform Your Smile?

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.

Teeth

What Our Patients Say

star star star star star

What I love about Invisalign is I can take them out to brush and floss easily. I don’t have to work around metal braces, struggling to get my toothbrush and floss in.

Breanna

Waitress & Student

star star star star star

At my age, I wouldn’t feel comfortable with metal braces in person. Invisalign is truly invisible, and I believe in it—I’m practically a walking, talking billboard for the product.

William

Investment Broker

star star star star star

I am absolutely, positively thrilled. The fact that I was done with it in less than a year, and really had no inconveniences whatsoever, makes me wonder why I even hesitated.

Vivian

Nurse

star star star star star

What I love about Invisalign is I can take them out to brush and floss easily. I don’t have to work around metal braces, struggling to get my toothbrush and floss in.

Daniel

Waitress & Student

star star star star star

I chose Invisalign because I’m not a kid anymore. I didn’t want braces or the hassle of keeping them clean. Traditional braces require a lot of work to maintain good dental health.

Ione

Administrative Assistant

star star star star star

Everybody comments on my new smile, even when I’m wearing the aligners. Plus, I can remove them at any time, so they don’t affect my lifestyle.

Teresa

Consultant

star star star star star

I was skeptical about plastic aligners, but I’m glad I invested. In about nine months, my teeth were straightened with clear, comfortable, easy-to-remove aligners that fit my busy lifestyle.

Alex

Disneyland Entertainment

star star star star star

I always wanted to have straight teeth, but never thought my smile would look this great. Plus, no one even knew when I was wearing them. I couldn’t be happier!

Gina

Media Buyer

star star star star star

I wanted my teeth straighter, but I didn’t want to be in pain. My aligners are so comfortable, compared to the metal braces I had when I was a kid, that sometimes I forget I have them on.

Martin

Financial Analyst

star star star star star

I’m so glad I chose aligners over metal braces. I’ve heard stories of food getting stuck, and I didn’t want that hassle. It’s so easy—I just remove my aligners when I eat.

Christa

Property Manager

Rated 5/5 based on 200 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Invisalign system?

The Invisalign system is a nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve your ideal smile. Using advanced 3D imaging, your dentist creates a complete treatment plan showing your teeth’s movement from start to finish.

A series of custom-made clear aligners gradually shifts your teeth. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before moving to the next until your final result is achieved. Treatment time is personalized based on your needs.

How many patients are in Invisalign treatment?

More than 5,000,000 patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign aligners. The number of Invisalign smiles grows daily. At your next appointment, we can answer any questions you might have, and get you started on the smile you’ve always wanted.

Invisalign and the Invisalign logo, among others, are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc., and are registered in the U.S. and other countries.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign is a nearly invisible, removable teeth aligner system. Transparent, custom-made trays fit over your teeth and gently move them using mild pressure, similar to metal braces.

Invisalign works best for mild to moderate misalignment. Severe cases may require more advanced orthodontic treatment.

Aligners are tailored to each patient, offering precise results. They are generally comfortable, with slight pressure indicating progress. For optimal results, aligners should be worn at least 22 hours a day. Treatment typically lasts 6 to 12 months for mild cases, and up to 18 months for more complex issues.

Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?

In most cases, if traditional braces work for you, then Invisalign aligners would work for you too.

Outlined below are the characteristics that make you an ideal candidate for Invisalign:

  • Have mild to moderate crooked teeth or bite issues.
  • Can commit to wearing aligners 20–22 hours per day and following post-treatment guidelines.
  • Have healthy teeth and gums, with any cavities, gum disease, dental bridges, implants, or TMJ issues treated beforehand.

Teenagers and young adults often respond most efficiently, but adults can benefit too, though results may take longer. Your candidacy depends on your discipline and commitment to wearing the aligners as instructed.

The best way to know if Invisalign is right for you is a consultation with our expert team. We’ll perform a thorough oral exam, review your medical history, and help you plan your ideal smile.

What are the key steps for Invisalign recovery and aftercare?

The success of Invisalign treatment depends on the condition of your teeth and your commitment to the process.

Wear your aligners for about 22 hours daily to guide your teeth into their new position. After treatment, teeth naturally try to shift back, so retainers are essential to maintain your results. Retainers are typically worn at night for life to lock teeth in place.

Avoid food and dark-colored drinks while wearing aligners, as they can get trapped between teeth and trays, causing stains. Hot foods should also be avoided, as they can warp the plastic.

Cleaning is critical: brush your teeth before reinserting aligners, and clean the aligners every morning and night. This prevents bacteria buildup, bad odors, and tooth decay, ensuring a healthy mouth and optimal results.

What are the alternatives to Invisalign?

Invisalign is a popular in-office treatment that corrects misaligned, crowded, or bite issues while remaining discreet compared to traditional braces. However, it can be costly and may not be the best option for those on a budget.

How should I eat and drink while wearing Invisalign?

Follow these simple rules to protect your Invisalign trays and keep your treatment on track:

  • Always remove before eating
Invisalign’s main advantage over metal braces is that it’s removable. Take out your trays before eating or drinking anything besides water. Eating with aligners on can damage them and delay your treatment.
  • Water only
    You can drink water while wearing your aligners, but avoid coffee, tea, or other beverages. Colored drinks can stain the trays and your teeth, and hot liquids can warp the plastic.
  • Clean teeth after every meal
    Brush and floss after each meal before reinserting your trays to maintain oral hygiene and prevent odor or decay.
  • Plan your meals
    Choose foods that minimize the time your aligners are out, and avoid sticky or hard foods that could interfere with treatment.

How do I handle Invisalign during sports and physical activities?

Wearing Invisalign doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite sports. Because the aligners are removable, you can swap them out for a mouthguard during activities to protect your teeth.

Invisalign aligners themselves are not likely to cause serious injury if your mouth is impacted, but it’s important to take precautions with high-contact sports.

Sports generally safe with Invisalign in place:

  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Gymnastics
  • Cycling
  • Tennis

Sports requiring a mouthguard instead of aligners:

  • Wrestling
  • Boxing
  • Martial arts
  • Hockey
  • Football

How often do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?

Invisalign is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The total treatment time and daily wear requirements vary depending on your age, dental condition, and the complexity of your alignment needs.

As a general rule, adults need to wear aligners more consistently than teens. Children’s bodies are still developing, so their teeth move more easily, while adults need to wear aligners rigorously to reposition teeth and maintain their new smile.

You don’t need to wear your aligners every single minute—eating, drinking, and brushing require removal. However, aligners should only be out of your mouth for a maximum of two hours daily. Exceeding this time can delay your treatment progress.

How do Invisalign and SmileDirectClub differ?

Both Invisalign and SmileDirectClub use gentle, gradual pressure to straighten teeth.

Regardless of the method, you must:

  • Wear your aligners consistently
  • Remove aligners for eating and drinking
  • Keep aligners clean
  • Swap out trays as instructed
  • Wear retainers after treatment

The key differences lie in how the treatment is delivered:

Treatable conditions

  • SmileDirectClub is best for mild alignment issues.
  • Invisalign can address mild to severe cases and complex dental problems.


How it works

  • SmileDirectClub is primarily remote, with an at-home kit ordered after a scan.
  • Invisalign is performed step by step under your dentist’s supervision.


Follow-ups

  • SmileDirectClub offers online access to a dentist during treatment.
  • Invisalign requires in-office appointments to monitor progress and receive new aligners.


Benefits

  • SmileDirectClub is more affordable and convenient for at-home use.
  • Invisalign provides full-time professional supervision, making it suitable for complex cases and more precise results.

Does Invisalign take longer than braces?

No, Invisalign generally does not take longer than traditional braces. Most Invisalign treatments last 12 to 18 months, similar to braces. Treatment time depends on individual factors such as oral health, lifestyle choices, and the severity of misalignment.

Severe crowding or complex cases may require longer treatment. Invisalign aligners move teeth gradually using controlled force, similar to braces. While braces move each tooth individually, Invisalign aligners apply force across multiple teeth at once, often making the treatment just as efficient.

Invisalign and orthodontic treatment for children

Metal braces are no longer the only option for correcting malaligned teeth in children. Invisalign First® is designed specifically for younger smiles and can treat mild to complex straightening issues for children aged 6 to 10. In 2016 alone, 4.3 million patients aged 17 or younger were treated with Invisalign, offering a level of convenience that metal braces cannot.

Key Benefits of Invisalign for Kids:

  • Eat freely
    With Invisalign, children can enjoy their favorite foods, including nuts, popcorn, and gum, as long as they remove the aligners before eating or drinking.
  • Hygiene made easy
    Removable trays make brushing and flossing simple, reducing the risk of food traps that metal braces create. Aligners can be washed anytime and safely stored after removal.
  • Safe for athletes
    Invisalign reduces the risk of mouth injuries during sports. Aligners can be swapped for mouthguards, unlike metal braces which can cause cuts or bleeding from impacts.
  • Boosts confidence
    Clear aligners eliminate the social stigma of metal braces. Children can smile and eat freely in public without worrying about food getting stuck or embarrassment from their braces.
  • Discipline is essential
    Success with Invisalign depends on commitment. Lost or improperly worn aligners can make treatment longer and more expensive. While replacements are available, children must follow instructions carefully. If commitment is a concern, metal or ceramic braces remain effective alternatives.