If you’re in the process of researching Invisalign treatment, one of the first questions you’re probably asking yourself is - How does Invisalign move teeth?

It’s a great question, and the answer is actually pretty simple!

Although Invisalign treatment has many differences when compared to traditional braces (e.g. it is removable, more esthetic, etc.), it moves teeth in the same way that traditional braces would. Both sets of orthodontic treatment work by exerting pressure on your teeth, which is the force that moves your teeth into the desired position. In the case of braces, it is brackets and wires which create this pressure on the teeth, while it is plastic custom aligners in the case of Invisalign.

Invisalign clear aligners are changed every 1-2 weeks, and have pressure areas built into them. This pressure, over time, slowly but surely acts on your teeth to create tiny movements with each new aligner. 

Over the duration of your Invisalign treatment, which can range from a few months to a few years, all of these tiny movements will have made up what becomes your perfect smile! 

Pretty simple, huh?

Well, not quite so simple. While Invisalign does move your teeth, bone is what holds them in place. Otherwise, they’d fall out! The pressure that Invisalign exerts on your teeth also puts pressure on this bone structure (allowing the teeth the space they need to move into a straighter position). This is why slow and steady movements are important - moving teeth too quickly can result in your bone not having enough time to remodel around your teeth, which can lead to unwanted issues later on.

Over the duration of your Invisalign treatment, which can range from a few months to a few years, all of these tiny movements will have made up what becomes your perfect smile! 

Over the duration of your Invisalign treatment, which can range from a few months to a few years, all of these tiny movements will have made up what becomes your perfect smile!

Pretty simple, huh?

Well, not quite so simple. While Invisalign does move your teeth, bone is what holds them in place. Otherwise, they’d fall out! The pressure that Invisalign exerts on your teeth also puts pressure on this bone structure (allowing the teeth the space they need to move into a straighter position). This is why slow and steady movements are important - moving teeth too quickly can result in your bone not having enough time to remodel around your teeth, which can lead to unwanted issues later on.

First, your Invisalign aligners need to fit your teeth very well. It is very important that your custom aligners fit properly in order for Dr. Rothman to achieve the predictable movements that are so important when it comes to making your treatment smooth and efficient.

Upon starting your Invisalign treatment, Dr. Rothman will capture a highly accurate digital “scan” of your teeth, which creates a digital model of your teeth. With this model, Invisalign and Dr. Rothman will be able to structure your individual treatment process and develop an entire case worth’s of aligners. Each aligner offers specific, predictable movements which move your teeth closer to the perfect smile with each step.

Ok, so we’ve established that you have a great-fitting set of aligners that are ready to gently move your teeth into a straight, perfectly aligned smile. Awesome! And while applying force, or pressure, is the major player when it comes to moving your teeth, the other factor is time.

Invisalign aligners need sufficient hours of wear to work properly- approximately 22 hours a day to be exact! Without adequate wear, your aligners won’t offer the proper force necessary to get those teeth into position. Treatment progress and results will be compromised if aligner wear time is insufficient. Patient compliance is essential for ideal results with Invisalign, and hence only you can help achieve your perfect smile by wearing your aligners as directed by Dr. Rothman.