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How Invisalign Clear Aligners Work

Smiling teenage girl holding a clear aligner tray up near her smile

Clear Aligner Therapy How Invisalign Aligners Work

Invisalign aligners are thin, clear trays made from smooth plastic and shaped to fit your teeth. Each set is designed to move the teeth just a little. Every week or two you switch to the next set, and step by step your teeth move into place.

Because the aligners are removable and nearly invisible, they're a popular choice for teens and adults who want to straighten their teeth without brackets and wires.

A Day With Aligners Your Simple Routine

Morning

Brush & Pop In

Brush your teeth, rinse your aligners and put them back in.

Mealtime

Take Them Out

Store them in their case while you eat, then brush or rinse before putting them back.

Bedtime

Clean & Wear Overnight

Brush and floss, clean your aligners and wear them while you sleep.

Woman's hands rinsing a clear aligner tray under the bathroom faucet next to its case

Keep Them Clear Caring for Your Aligners

  • Rinse aligners whenever you take them out.
  • Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water. Hot water can warp them.
  • Drink only plain water while wearing them.
  • Always keep them in their case when they're not in your mouth.

What Aligners Can Correct Common Fixes

  • Crowding

    Overlapping or twisted teeth.

  • Spacing

    Gaps between teeth.

  • Overbite

    Upper teeth that cover too much of the lower teeth.

  • Crossbite

    Teeth that fit inside instead of outside.

Teen or Adult? Choose Your Path

Clear aligners work for both teens and adults. Teens can learn more on our Invisalign Teen page, and adults can visit our Invisalign for Adults page. For younger children who need expansion, ask us about the Invisalign Palatal Expander.

Frequent Questions Learn More About Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign clear aligners are thin, removable trays made of smooth, clear plastic that fit snugly over your teeth. Each set is custom-made to move your teeth a little at a time, following a digital treatment plan your orthodontist designs.

Because they're nearly invisible and come out for meals, aligners are a popular alternative to braces for teens and adults.

Close-up of a single clear Invisalign aligner tray held between a thumb and finger.

Invisalign offers several everyday advantages:

  • Nearly invisible, so most people won't notice them
  • No food restrictions, since aligners come out to eat
  • Easier brushing and flossing
  • No brackets or wires to rub or break
  • Fewer emergency visits

Braces may still be the better choice for some complex bites. We'll help you compare.

Wear your aligners about 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat, drink anything besides water, brush and floss. Consistent wear keeps your teeth tracking with the plan and helps you finish on time.

Attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps bonded to certain teeth. They give the aligners something to grip so they can rotate, tip or move teeth more precisely. They're shaped and colored to blend in, and they're polished off painlessly when treatment ends.

Rinse your aligners every time you take them out, and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and cool water at least once a day. Avoid hot water and colored or scented soaps. When they're not in your mouth, keep them in their case so they don't get lost, damaged or chewed by pets.