Invisalign Review (2025)

Metal braces are a great way to straighten teeth and improve your smile. But some people might not find them visually appealing.

Fortunately, there are teeth straightening options that can be virtually invisible. Invisalign is one of them. 

Here, you'll find straightforward answers about pain, cost, and exactly what to expect from the Invisalign process, guiding you from curious to confident.

Why Should You Get Invisalign?

Invisalign is a leading brand of invisible aligners that are designed to correct mild to moderate tooth misalignments. Here are some of its benefits:

• Nearly invisible — Invisalign trays use advanced SmartTrack material, making them almost invisible at conversational distance.
• Removable convenience — Invisalign trays can be taken out during meals or special events, offering freedom without dietary restrictions.
• Fewer dental visits: Thanks to precise 3D digital planning, Invisalign often requires fewer adjustments in-office compared to traditional braces.
• Comfort — Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional metal braces.

Ceramic braces are another discreet option; however, they still include brackets and wires. This makes Invisalign a more attractive alternative for many seeking invisibility and convenience.

Does Invisalign Have Any Drawbacks?

While Invisalign trays aren’t as uncomfortable as braces, they can still cause some discomfort. You also have to wear them for 20 to 22 hours every day for the treatment to work effectively. Lastly, they can be more expensive than traditional braces. 

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, the average cost of Invisalign is around $2,500 to $5,500, though it can cost up to $9,000. 

You’ll need to discuss it with your Invisalign provider, as numerous factors can affect the cost of your treatment, such as:

• Treatment length
• The severity of dental issues
• The dental or orthodontic office

Dental insurance can partially cover the cost of your Invisalign treatment if orthodontics is included in your plan. It’s best to check with your insurer.

You can also use your Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for your treatment. Alternatively, you can discuss alternative payment options with your Invisalign provider.

What are the Different Types of Invisalign?

Invisalign has various options that are suited to different dental problems. Here’s a quick breakdown of each type:

• Invisalign Full — Comes with 20 to 50 aligners with a treatment time of 12 to 24 months. They’re best for teenagers and adults with complex orthodontic issues like severe crowding, spacing, and bite problems.
• Invisalign Lite — Comes with up to 14 aligners with a treatment time of up to 8 months. It’s best for adults and teenagers with mild to moderate orthodontic cases.
• Invisalign Express (i7) — Includes up to 7 aligners with a treatment time of 3 to 6 months. This plan is excellent for people who need minor corrections, like slight crowding or small gaps.
• Invisalign Teen — Comes with 20 to 50 aligners with an average treatment time of 12 to 18 months. These aligners are designed for teenagers aged 13 to 19.
• Invisalign First — These have an average treatment time of 6 to 18 months, but the number of aligners included may vary. It addresses early orthodontic problems in children as young as 6 to 10.

What Makes Invisalign Different?

Invisalign gently shifts your teeth carefully through planned biomechanics. Each aligner is designed to shift a person’s teeth by about 0.25 mm closer to their ideal positions.

They also use various components to move your teeth safely and effectively. These include:

• SmartTrack® ⁠— Invisalign trays are made of patented thermoplastic material, making them more comfortable, easier to remove, and less visible.
• Accuracy and precision  — Invisalign uses advanced tools to ensure better-fitting aligners and accurate teeth movement during the treatment.
• SmartForce® Attachments — These small, tooth-colored buttons can be attached to your teeth to fix more complex issues.
• Comprehensive treatment — You’ll typically receive several sequential aligners at each visit (often three or more), so your doctor can adjust your treatment based on your progress.

What Do People Say About Invisalign?

We reviewed hundreds of Invisalign reviews. Here’s what people think of it:

Things People Like

• The aligners are unnoticeable, and they haven’t changed the way I talk or move. While I found them a bit uncomfortable at the start, I eventually got used to them.
• The app is very helpful. It makes it easier to monitor my tooth movement and see whether Invisalign works.
• Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign treatment can be completed in a shorter amount of time. I’m impressed with the results.

Things People Don’t Like

• They have poor customer service. I can’t reach out to anyone from the team, so I don’t know the next steps.
• Invisalign cost is very expensive. I don’t recommend this treatment to someone who’s trying to save money on straightening teeth.
• They’re very delayed in sending my next set of aligners. It makes my treatment less effective.

How to Get Started?

To begin treatment, you’ll need to set up a consultation with an Invisalign provider. During your initial consultation, they will:

• Assess your eligibility
• Get a full scan of your teeth
• Suggest a treatment plan
• Explain the treatment process
• Discuss your payment options

After the consultation, your doctor will create a digital plan that shows what your teeth will look like after the treatment. Once you approve it, they’ll take an impression of your teeth or use digital scans and send them to a dental technician.

The first set of aligners will be sent to your Invisalign provider. Once you receive them, you’ll have to wear them daily for at least 20 hours.

What Happens After You Get Your Trays?

After you get your first pair, you’ll have to visit your provider every 4 to 6 weeks so they can monitor your progress and adjust your treatment accordingly. Depending on your progress, they might ask you to switch to your next aligner or prescribe attachments.

Invisalign treatments can take up to 24 months. When you’re done, you need to start wearing Vivera® retainers to keep your teeth straight.

Living With Aligners Day-to-Day

Invisalign aligners fit neatly into daily life, but knowing what to expect for a smooth experience is helpful. Here are some things you need to know about living with aligners:

• Eating and drinking — You must remove the trays during meals or when drinking anything other than plain water to avoid staining the aligners or trapping sugars against your teeth.
• Cleaning routine — Gently brush your aligners with a soft-bristle toothbrush and unscented liquid soap before rinsing them in lukewarm water. Avoid using toothpaste because it can scratch and dull the clear plastic.

If your aligners get lost or damaged, immediately revert to a previous set of trays to keep your teeth stable. Let your orthodontist know immediately so they can provide replacements.

Is Invisalign Worth It?

Invisalign is an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces. The treatment has various benefits, such as convenience and comfort. 

Overall user experience

4

Treatment process

4.5

Pricing and financing

3.9

Customer service and aftersales support

3

Brand reputation

4.1