The aligning trays are fully removable, which means more discipline and commitment is required. That's rarely a problem — the trays are comfortable and nearly invisible. Results comparable to braces are achievable with the right treatment plan.
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Patient Resources · Procedure info
Invisalign®
For most adults, the prospect of wearing metal braces for years feels discouraging. Invisalign® offers a nearly invisible aligning system that straightens teeth quickly — with no metal, and trays you can remove when it matters.
i. — How it works
Clear aligners, custom to your smile
Invisalign® treatment uses a series of custom-made aligning trays. Every few weeks we change the trays to fit your new tooth configuration — quietly nudging teeth into position.
Because the trays are removable, treatment is patient-paced in the way that matters most: you take them out to eat, to brush, and for the occasional important occasion. A great number of patients report complete satisfaction with both the experience and the result.
- 20–29Aligner sets per arch (typical)
- ~2 weeksBetween tray changes
- 22 hrs/dayRecommended wear time
ii. — What it corrects
What kind of bite problems can Invisalign® correct?
Invisalign® corrects the same dental problems as traditional metal braces — the only difference is the trays are nearly invisible to the naked eye, and can be removed at will.
- AOvercrowding
Too little space for teeth to align normally. Overcrowding can cause tooth decay and raises the likelihood of gum disease.
- BLarge gaps between teeth
Sometimes caused by missing teeth or because the jaw has continued to grow abnormally.
- CCrossbite
When one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Uneven wear over time can lead to bone erosion and gum disease.
- DOverbite
The upper teeth project further than, or completely cover, the lower teeth. Long-term, jaw pain and TMJ symptoms can develop.
- EUnderbite
The inverse — the lower teeth project further than the upper teeth. Like overbite, can lead to jaw pain and TMJ over time.
iii. — How it comparesInvisalign® vs traditional braces Invisalign® vs porcelain veneers
What advantages does Invisalign® offer over braces and veneers?
Traditional braces, Invisalign® aligners, and porcelain veneers are three different ways to refine the alignment and appearance of teeth. Each works better in different situations.
Unlike veneers, Invisalign® actually straightens teeth. Veneers are thin covers permanently affixed after the teeth are etched — meaning teeth aren't the same once veneers are placed. They're also more expensive long-term and typically last under 20 years.
iv. — What to expect
What does Invisalign® treatment involve?
Most patients are surprised by how straightforward the process is. Here's the flow from your first consultation to wearing your first aligner.
- Treatment planning. Three-dimensional digital images of your entire jaw allow us to move specific teeth on screen, view your jaw from different angles, and preview the final look — including how your face may change as your bite improves.
- Aligner fabrication. Once the plan is set, a unique series of aligners is made. The total number varies by case — most patients need 20–29 sets per arch.
- Tray changes every ~2 weeks. Each new tray picks up where the last left off. Progress between appointments is often visible to the naked eye.
- Brief check-ins. We see you periodically to confirm the trays are tracking correctly and the teeth are moving on plan.
v. — Day-to-day
What are some considerations when wearing the trays?
Living with Invisalign® aligners can take a few weeks to get used to. A few practical notes:
- Wear them constantly, except when eating or drinking. Food can become trapped between the tray and the teeth, causing decay — so trays come out for every meal.
- 22 hours a day is the target. Less wear time means slower progress and a higher chance of needing refinement aligners at the end.
- New trays roughly every two weeks. Progress between appointments is often visible without a mirror.
- Removable when you need it. Important occasions are easy — just take them out for the photo, the meal, the speech.
If you have any questions about Invisalign® specifically for your case, please ask Dr. Martenson or Dr. Ma at your consultation.
Ready to find out if Invisalign® is right for you?
Book a no-pressure cosmetic consultation. Dr. Martenson or Dr. Ma will evaluate your bite, walk through whether Invisalign® or another approach is the best fit, and tailor a treatment plan to your goals.
— Trusted in the East Bay —
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30 years
Serving the East Bay
iii. — Visit
Take a tour, or schedule your visit.
Experience the practice first-hand. Send us a message, or call us during open hours — most weeks we have same-week availability.
