Invisalign in Aurora

What it is

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners. Aligners are thin, clear plastic trays made to fit your teeth closely. You wear each set for a week or two as directed, then switch to the next one. Each set moves your teeth a small step closer to the position planned at the start.

Because the trays are clear and come out, many adults and teens find them easy to fit into work, school and social life. You take them out to eat, to drink anything but plain water, and to brush and floss. The trade-off is simple: they only move teeth while they are in your mouth, so they need to be worn about 22 hours a day.

At our Aurora clinic, Dr. Farhad Sobouti, DDS, MSc (Orthodontics), FRCDC, provides our orthodontic treatment, including aligners. He will tell you plainly whether aligners suit your goals. Some bite problems and tooth movements are handled more predictably with braces, which are explained on our orthodontics page.

Is it right for me?

• Your teeth are crowded, gapped or a little crooked.
• You have a mild to moderate bite concern, which your dentist will confirm.
• Your teeth have drifted since you had braces years ago.
• You can commit to wearing trays about 22 hours a day.
• Your teeth and gums are healthy, or you will treat cavities and gum problems first.
• You want a less noticeable way to straighten your teeth.

Step by step

1. Orthodontic assessmentDr. Sobouti checks your teeth, gums, bite and jaw and takes records such as photos and X-rays. He explains whether aligners fit what you want to change.
2. Treatment planYour teeth are recorded to build a planned series of small movements. You can review the plan and the expected timeline before you agree.
3. AttachmentsSmall tooth-coloured bumps may be bonded to some teeth. They give the trays something to grip so each tooth moves as planned.
4. Wear and switchYou wear each set as directed and switch on schedule. We show you how to put trays in, take them out and keep them clean.
5. Progress checksWe check that your teeth are tracking with the plan. Sometimes a few extra trays are needed near the end to finish the details.
6. RetainersWhen the movement is complete, you receive retainers. Wearing them as directed is what keeps your teeth from drifting back.

How it compares

General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.

Benefits and risks

Cost and coverage

Aligner fees are set after your orthodontic assessment, because the number of trays and the length of treatment differ a great deal from one person to the next. We use the Ontario Dental Association fee guide as our reference. Some private plans include orthodontic coverage, often with a lifetime limit, and some only cover children, so we bill your insurer directly and can send a predetermination before you start. When we last checked, the Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage page listed orthodontic services as not available; check Canada.ca for any change. Parisa, our Treatment and Financial Coordinator, will explain your payment options before treatment. You can also ask about our in-house dental plan and student program. You get a written estimate before your first tray is ordered.

What shapes your estimate

• How complex your tooth movement is
• The expected number of trays and length of treatment
• Whether extra trays may be needed to finish
• Records such as photos, X-rays and digital or physical models
• Fillings, cleanings or gum care needed first
• The type of retainers after treatment

Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.

After your visit

• Wear your retainers exactly as directed, often full-time at first and then at night.
• Clean trays and retainers daily with a soft brush and cool water; hot water can warp them.
• Keep trays in their case whenever they are out, never wrapped in a napkin.
• Bring your retainers to checkups so we can check the fit.

Questions