Invisalign clear aligners in North York

How Invisalign straightens teeth

Invisalign uses a series of thin, clear plastic trays, each shaped a little differently from the last. Wearing each set for the time we recommend applies gentle, steady pressure that moves your teeth step by step toward the planned position. Small tooth-coloured bumps called attachments may be bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip and guide movement.

Treatment starts with an iTero digital scan of your teeth. The scan creates a 3D model on screen, which Dr. Maralani uses to plan how each tooth should move. You'll be able to see your teeth on the screen during the scan and talk through the plan with her. Once the plan is approved, your aligners are made and sent to the office.

Aligners come out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush. For them to work, they need to be worn most of the day and night, usually around 20 to 22 hours. Because they're removable, keeping up with wear is up to you. That flexibility is one of their advantages, and also the main reason some treatments take longer than planned.

Invisalign may help with

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Front teeth that have shifted since you had braces as a teen
• Mild to moderate overbite, underbite or crossbite
• Teeth that are hard to clean because they overlap
• Wanting straighter teeth before veneers or bonding

Benefits

• Clear aligners are hard to notice when you talk or smile
• Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
• No brackets or wires to rub your cheeks
• Planned from a digital scan, with no putty impressions
• Can reduce the need for veneers in a smile makeover

What to expect

1. ConsultationDr. Maralani checks your teeth, gums and bite and talks about your goals. Any cavities or gum problems are treated before aligners start.
2. iTero scanA small wand records a 3D model of your teeth in a few minutes. We use it to plan the movement of each tooth.
3. Your plan and alignersWe review the plan and the expected number of aligners with you. Once you agree, the aligners are made for you.
4. Starting treatmentWe place any attachments, fit your first aligners and show you how to wear and clean them.
5. Check-ins and retainersYou visit regularly so we can check progress. When treatment ends, you'll wear retainers to keep your teeth in place.

Invisalign for teens

Teens can use Invisalign too. Because aligners come out, parents often ask how they'll know if they're being worn. Regular check-ins every few months let us spot problems early.

When braces or a specialist may be needed

We don't provide traditional braces. If your teeth or jaw need movement that aligners can't do well, or a young child needs early orthodontic care, we'll refer you to an orthodontist and keep caring for your teeth and gums here.

Your Invisalign visits, step by step

Every case is different, but most follow the same pattern. At your first visit, we take an iTero scan and records. At the second visit, we place small tooth-coloured attachments and give you your first six sets of aligners.

From the third visit on, we see you about every three months until your treatment is finished. Near the end, we take a final scan for your permanent retainers, and at your last visit you receive Vivera retainers to hold your new smile in place.

Aftercare

• Wear aligners for the hours we recommend, usually 20 to 22 a day
• Take them out to eat and drink anything but plain water
• Brush your teeth before putting aligners back in
• Rinse and gently brush the aligners daily; avoid hot water
• Keep aligners in their case when they're out of your mouth
• Wear your retainers as directed after treatment ends

Other options

Traditional braces, provided by an orthodontist, can treat a wider range of cases and don't rely on you to wear them. For small gaps or a single uneven tooth, bonding or veneers can change the look without moving teeth. In some cases, a combination of a short course of aligners and bonding gives a good result.

Cost and coverage

The cost of Invisalign depends on how complex your case is, how many aligners you need, and the length of treatment. Retainers are part of planning too. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association suggested fee guide. Some insurance plans include orthodontic coverage, often with a lifetime maximum or age limit. The Canadian Dental Care Plan does not cover orthodontics. We check your plan and give you an estimate before you start, and payment plans are available.

Our promise: we check your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.

Related services

Related patient guides

• How to care for your clear aligners
• At what age should my child have an orthodontic check?
• Invisalign vs braces: which is right for you?

Trusted health information

• Caring for your teeth and mouth (Government of Canada)
• Taking care of your child's teeth (Government of Canada)
• Canadian Dental Care Plan (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)

Invisalign near you

We're at Bathurst and Sheppard in North York. Patients visit from Clanton Park, Lansing-Westgate, Bathurst Manor, Willowdale West, Wilson Heights and Armour Heights, and from across North York and York Region.