Invisalign® Clear Aligners in Boston’s Back Bay

Invisalign is a system of clear plastic aligners made from a 3D model of your teeth. You wear a series of aligners, and each one gently moves your teeth a little closer to the final position your dentist planned.

Here’s what makes the system work:

• Custom aligners. Each set is made for your teeth only, from SmartTrack® material that Align Technology developed for its aligners.
• Attachments. Small, tooth-colored shapes may be bonded to some teeth. The aligners press against them to guide each movement. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says whether you need them depends on your treatment plan.
• A digital plan. ClinCheck software maps how every tooth will move, stage by stage, before any aligners are made.

The Invisalign system is FDA-cleared. Align received its first FDA 510(k) clearance for the system in 1998.

Invisalign at a glance

Invisalign can treat many common problems, including crowded teeth, gaps, and some bite issues. The AAO says aligners are effective for many issues, but suitability is case-dependent. The only way to know is an exam.

Invisalign is often a good fit if you:

• Have crowded or overlapping teeth
• Have gaps between your teeth
• Had braces as a child and your teeth have shifted
• Want to straighten teeth before crowns, veneers, or other restorative work
• Want a removable option you can take out to eat and brush

Some cases are better suited to braces. Complex bite problems and certain tooth movements can be harder with aligners. If aligners aren’t the right fit for your teeth, your dentist will explain why and talk through other options.

Not sure which way to go? Compare Invisalign vs. braces.

Your treatment follows a clear set of steps, from your first visit to your retainers.

1. Exam and cleaning. We check your teeth and gums first. The AAO says any dental work needs to be completed before you’re scanned, so we take care of cavities or gum problems before treatment starts. See dental cleanings and exams.
2. A 3D iTero scan. Instead of traditional impressions, we use an iTero scanner to build a 3D model of your teeth.
3. Your ClinCheck plan. Your dentist reviews and adjusts your ClinCheck plan, which maps each tooth movement. You’ll see a preview of how your teeth are planned to move before you commit.
4. Your first aligners. Once you approve the plan, your aligners are made and we fit your first set. If you need attachments, we place them at this visit.
5. Regular check-ins. You’ll visit us about every six to eight weeks so your dentist can check your progress and give you your next sets of aligners.
6. Retainers. When your teeth reach their final position, you’ll get retainers to help keep them there.

Want a sneak peek first? Try the Invisalign Smile View tool.

Treatment time depends on how much your teeth need to move. Your dentist gives you a personal estimate after your 3D scan and ClinCheck plan.

It helps to know that aligners aren’t automatically faster than braces. The AAO says aligners “can take just as long as braces.” Simple cases usually need fewer aligners than complex ones, and wearing your aligners as directed keeps you on schedule.

Invisalign only works when you wear your aligners. Align says to wear them 20–22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat, drink (except water), and brush.

A few simple habits make a big difference:

• Wear them 20–22 hours a day. Leave them in while you work, sleep, and run errands.
• Take them out to eat. The AAO says only tap water should be sipped with aligners in. Remove them for meals and other drinks.
• Brush before you put them back. Clean your teeth after eating so food isn’t trapped against your teeth.
• Switch sets on schedule. You’ll move to a new set weekly or every two weeks, as your dentist directs.
• Expect some pressure. The AAO says mild discomfort is common for the first few days, and many people notice pressure when they switch to a new set.

For more day-to-day tips, read living with Invisalign.

The cost of Invisalign depends on how much your teeth need to move and how many aligners your plan uses. Align says each doctor sets their own price and that Invisalign is comparable to the cost of braces. You’ll get a written quote after your exam and 3D scan.

Many dental plans with orthodontic benefits help with the cost. Align and the AAO both say you can use HSA or FSA funds, and we offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry. Learn more about Invisalign cost and payment options.

Invisalign can work at many stages of life. Choose the page that fits you:

• Invisalign for teens. What parents should know about wear time, sports, and school.
• Invisalign for adults. Straightening around work, crowns, implants, and gum health.
• Invisalign before your wedding or big event. How to plan treatment around an important date.

Straightening is often the first step to the smile you want. Because we’re a general and cosmetic dental practice, you can straighten and finish your smile in the same Back Bay office.

After your aligner treatment, you might consider:

• Teeth whitening to brighten your newly straight smile
• Dental bonding to repair small chips or reshape edges
• Porcelain veneers to change the shape or color of front teeth

Straightening first can also make cosmetic work simpler, because your teeth are already in a better position. Ask about a smile makeover if you’re planning several changes.

Once your teeth are straight, a retainer helps keep them in place. Align says, “Your teeth will shift without a retainer.”

Your dentist will recommend a retainer plan for you. Wear your retainer exactly as directed, and bring it to your checkups.

We offer both Invisalign and ClearCorrect® clear aligners. Both are FDA-cleared under the same FDA product code for sequential aligners. Your dentist will recommend the system that fits your teeth, your goals, and your treatment plan.

Learn more about all of our clear aligner options.

Dr. Michelle Stevens and Dr. George Stevens provide Invisalign treatment at Dental Arts of Boston. They’re general dentists who also provide cosmetic and restorative care, so your aligner plan can be coordinated with any other treatment you need.

• Dr. Michelle Stevens, DMD treats teen and adult patients with Invisalign clear aligners. She earned her DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She is a member of the Molis Coaching Community, an ongoing clear aligner education program.
• Dr. George Stevens, DMD earned his DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, is trained in Invisalign and ClearCorrect aligners, and has cared for Boston patients for more than 40 years.

Preview your planned tooth movement before you commit. Schedule Online or call 857-376-6559 to book your Invisalign consultation at Dental Arts of Boston.

Sources: AAO aligner FAQs · AAO aligner FAQs, page 2 · AAO: braces vs. clear aligners · Align: wearing your aligners · Align: cost · Align: where to get Invisalign · Align: Vivera retainers · FDA 510(k) K981095 · Align Technology FY2025 10-K