Clear aligner therapy is the most requested treatment option at our Evanston practice — and for many patients, it delivers outstanding results. But it's not the right fit for every case. Before you commit, it's worth understanding exactly how it works, where it excels, and where traditional braces may serve you better. We'll give you an honest answer either way.
How clear aligner therapy works
Invisalign treatment begins with a digital 3D scan of your teeth — no impressions. That scan is used to plan your tooth movements and fabricate a series of custom-fitted aligner trays.
Each tray is worn for one to two weeks, gradually moving your teeth toward the planned final position. You swap trays at home; we check progress every six to ten weeks at scheduled appointments.
Digital Scan
A 3D scan captures the precise shape of your teeth. No impressions, no mess.
Custom Plan
We design the movement sequence and you preview your final result before treatment begins.
Aligner Series
Your custom tray series is fabricated. Most patients receive several months of trays at a time.
Progress Check-ins
Every 6–10 weeks, we verify movement is on track and hand off the next set of trays.
Refinements
Some cases require additional trays at the end for fine-tuning. This is normal and expected.
Retention
Treatment ends with retainers to hold your results long-term.
Are you a good candidate?
Clear aligners are effective for a wide range of cases — but not all of them. Your candidacy depends on the complexity of your bite correction, your compliance commitment, and a few clinical factors.
Generally well-suited
- Mild to moderate crowding or spacing
- Overbites and underbites with limited skeletal involvement
- Adults and teens who can commit to 20–22 hours of daily wear
- Patients who prioritize discretion during treatment
- Previously treated patients with minor relapse
May require braces instead
- Severe rotations or significant vertical movement needs
- Complex skeletal discrepancies
- Patients unlikely to maintain consistent wear
- Some bridgework or certain existing restorations
- Cases requiring precise torque control throughout
The only way to know for certain is an evaluation. Many cases we see are excellent clear aligner candidates — and some that patients assume require braces can be treated with aligners effectively.
Compliance is the biggest variable
Clear aligners require discipline. They need to be worn 20–22 hours per day — meaning they come out only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and oral hygiene. Patients who don't maintain this schedule see slower progress and sometimes need to extend treatment significantly. We'll be honest with you about whether your lifestyle is a good fit.
Clear aligners vs. traditional braces
Neither option is universally better. The right choice depends on your case, your lifestyle, and what you're willing to manage day-to-day.
Common questions about Invisalign and clear aligners
Is Invisalign as effective as traditional braces?
For mild to moderate cases, clear aligners can be equally effective — and in some situations, more comfortable. For complex bite corrections involving significant rotations, vertical movement, or skeletal discrepancies, traditional braces often provide better control. We'll recommend whichever option gives you the best outcome, not the one you're most hoping to hear.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most comprehensive Invisalign cases range from 12 to 24 months. Shorter cases with mild alignment issues can be completed in 6–12 months. Your timeline depends on case complexity and — critically — how consistently you wear your aligners. Missing wear time extends treatment.
Can teenagers use Invisalign?
Yes. We offer clear aligners for teens, including options with compliance indicators that show how consistently trays are being worn. Whether aligners are the right fit for your teen depends on the clinical case and your teen's commitment to consistent wear. We'll give you a candid assessment at the consultation.
What happens if I don't wear my aligners enough?
Teeth won't move on schedule, which extends treatment time and sometimes requires additional aligner trays. In cases of significant non-compliance, results can be compromised. Clear aligners require genuine discipline — we'll help you assess honestly whether they're the right fit for your lifestyle.
Find out if Invisalign is right for you
At your consultation, we'll scan your teeth, review your goals, and give you a straightforward recommendation — including whether clear aligners are the best option for your case.
Book a Smile Consultation