For mild to moderate dental alignment issues, invisible aligners can be as effective as traditional braces. However, for more complex cases involving significant rotations, severe bite problems, or major tooth movements, traditional braces may be more appropriate. This is why professional evaluation is important before choosing a treatment.

Most brands recommend wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only for eating, drinking (except water), and brushing your teeth. Some brands also offer nighttime treatment options, which require wearing aligners for 10 hours per night, but these treatments are generally longer.

Some dental insurance plans partially cover orthodontic treatments, including invisible aligners. The amount of coverage varies significantly depending on the policy. It is recommended to check with your insurer before starting treatment. Many aligner brands also offer free insurance checks to help you determine your coverage.

Invisible aligners can cause some discomfort, especially during the first few days of using a new set of aligners. This pressure sensation is normal and indicates that the aligners are working to move your teeth. However, the pain is generally less intense than with traditional braces and decreases after a few days.

After completing your aligner treatment, you will typically need to wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new position. These retainers are similar to aligners but are designed to be worn during sleep. Most orthodontists recommend wearing retainers indefinitely to prevent teeth from returning to their original position.