smile
works

Invisalign

Should I get

Invisalign or Braces?

Invisalign
invisaline vs braces

Pros

More esthetic / Less visible
Removable / Easy to clean teeth
Faster for some difficult cases
Always on the teeth

Cons

Need to wear 22+ hours a day
Takes more time for severe cases
Less esthetic
Cleaning teeth is more work

How does

Invisalign work?

Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that are custom-made specifically for your teeth. As you replace each aligner every 2 weeks, your teeth will gradually move towards the projected final position. Unlike traditional braces, since they are removable, you can take them out to enjoy your food and to properly clean your teeth.

Not all Invisalign treatment

is created equal

1. SmileWorks' award-winning orthodontist

Not all Invisalign providers are orthodontists.

Some general dentists or online companies offer braces or aligners. However, only an orthodontist who has taken the additional 3 years of advanced training at an accredited residency can call themselves an orthodontic specialist or be a member of the AAO. Only the best ones get selected into highly competitive Orthodontic programs to become orthodontists, and so only 7% of dentists are orthodontists.

It’s not worth the risk of permanent damage to your face and smile to allow anyone who isn’t an orthodontist to attempt to move your teeth. By selecting an AAO orthodontist, you are choosing a specialist who possesses the skills and experience to give you your best smile. Look for the AAO logo at your orthodontist’s office, or locate an AAO orthodontist using ‘Find an Orthodontist’ at aaoinfo.org/truth.

2. Digital 3D scan of teeth (no more gooey impression!)

Impressions of teeth are not only uncomfortable for the patients but take more time and are less accurate than digital scan. Digital 3D scan takes about 3 minutes to take and can immediately generate simulation of the treatment outcome of your teeth so that you can see, during the initial consult visit, how your teeth will look after the treatment!

3. 3D X-ray of jaws

Most of dental clinic only has 2D X-ray machines which show limited view of the teeth. At SmileWorks, we have 3D X-ray machine that can capture more detailed image of the teeth and the jaws for more accurate diagnosis of orthodontic treatment.

4. Treatment with same doctor for entire treatment

In bigger dental clinics, you may see different dentists over the course of your treatment, which may prolong the treatment. At SmileWorks, you will see the same orthodontist that you started your treatment with, so that you can communicate your clinical concerns more effectively and can achieve the smile that you wanted to achieve.

Invisalign

Timeline

1

Initial consultation with orthodontist

(30-60 minutes)

2

Initial records

(30-60 minutes)

  • X-rays
  • Photographs
  • 3D scan of your teeth

3

Start Invisalign

(30-60 minutes)

  • 2-4 weeks later
  • 'attachments' placed
  • stripping' of teeth on some teeth, as needed

4

Regular visits every 6-8 weeks

(15-30 minutes)

  • Mild cases (6-12 months)
  • Moderate (12-24 months)
  • Severe (24+ months)

5

End of treatment

(60-90 minutes)​

  • Attachments removed
  • Teeth polished
  • Final records
  • Retainers given

6

Retainer check every 3-6 months

(15-30 minutes)​

  • Retainers must be worn full-time for first 4 months
  • then every night afterwards