Invisalign and Clear Aligner Orthodontics
Altoona Dentist
Last updated
You will find our office to be equipped with amenities designed to make your experience more pleasant and enjoyable. From a comfortable waiting area to relaxing treatment areas, every detail has been designed with your satisfaction in mind.
Over recent years, there’s been a rising demand for clear aligners, including Invisalign. These appliances have been demonstrated to provide similar results to traditional braces. This is accomplished without requiring unsightly elastic bands, wires, and brackets. They also provide the convenience of being able to remove them when eating and performing dental hygiene. Altoona Smiles can help you get started with invisible orthodontic treatments today!
Featured Treatments
Family &
General Dentistry
Our aim at Altoona Smiles is to provide exceptional dental care.
Children’s
Dentistry
Our aim at Altoona Smiles is to provide exceptional dental care.
Cosmetic
Dentistry
Our aim at Altoona Smiles is to provide exceptional dental care.
Emergency
Dentistry
Altoona Smiles offers same-day appointments.
Invisalign &
Clear Aligners
Everyone deserves to smile proudly with well-aligned teeth.
Botox
Altoona Smiles is proud to offer treatments utilizing botox and cosmetic fillers.
Invisalign Treatment Success by Case Complexity
Issue Detection Rate %
Quality of Life Score
Simple Case (Minor Spacing/Crowding)
98
96
Moderate Case (Significant Crowding)
95
94
Moderate Case (Bite Correction)
92
90
Complex Case (Severe Crowding + Bite)
88
85
Complex Case (Severe Misalignment)
85
78
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0%
50%
100%
Narrative: Shows that Invisalign achieves excellent results for simple and moderate cases (95-98% success). More complex cases achieve excellent results (85-88%) but may require longer treatment or more aligners. Patient satisfaction remains high (78-96%) across all complexity levels, reflecting the esthetic and comfort advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces.
| Case Type | Severity | Treatment Duration | Number of Aligners | Success Rate | Patient Satisfaction | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple spacing | Minor gaps between teeth | 6-12 months | 12-20 aligners | 98% | 96% | $3500 – 4500 |
| Simple crowding | Mild crowding (1-2 teeth) | 8-14 months | 14-24 aligners | 98% | 96% | $3500 – 5000 |
| Moderate crowding | Significant crowding (multiple teeth) | 12-18 months | 24-36 aligners | 95% | 94% | $4500 – 6000 |
| Moderate bite correction | Overbite/underbite (mild-moderate) | 12-18 months | 20-32 aligners | 92% | 90% | $4500 – 6000 |
| Complex crowding + bite | Severe crowding AND bite problem | 18-24 months | 36-48 aligners | 88% | 85% | $5500 – 7500 |
| Complex severe misalignment | Severe crowding or bite requiring extractions | 18-24 +months | 40-48+ aligners | 85% | 78% (may need hybrid with braces) | $6000 – 7500+ |
Invisalign clinical research and outcome studies | American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) | Journal of Dental Research | American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics | Patient compliance and treatment success studies on clear aligner therapy
Key Findings About Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign uses a series of custom-fabricated clear plastic aligners that gradually move teeth into correct position; each aligner is worn for approximately 7-14 days before being replaced with the next aligner in the series, with most treatment requiring 12-48 aligners over 12-18 months depending on case complexity.
The success of Invisalign depends critically on patient compliance, aligners must be worn 20-22 hours daily for treatment to progress as planned; patients who don’t wear aligners consistently experience delayed or inadequate tooth movement and may require additional aligners, extending treatment time and cost.
Invisalign treatment begins with a comprehensive scan or impression of your teeth, which is analyzed by specialized software to create a 3D treatment plan showing tooth movement at each stage; patients can view this plan before treatment begins, allowing them to see their smile transformation and understand the treatment process.
Invisalign is effective for treating most orthodontic problems including crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, and crossbite; however, some severe skeletal or bite problems may require traditional braces, extractions, or orthognathic surgery rather than Invisalign alone.
The cost of Invisalign treatment typically ranges from $3500-7500 depending on case complexity, with simpler cases (minor spacing or crowding) costing less and more complex cases (severe crowding, bite correction) costing more; most dental insurance provides some coverage for orthodontic treatment if coverage is included in the plan.
Long-term stability of Invisalign results depends on appropriate retention after treatment completion; most patients require permanent fixed retainers plus nightly wear of clear removable retainers to maintain their corrected tooth position indefinitely.
See Why Patients Trust Us Through Verified Reviews
“Orthodontics has transformed dramatically over the past two decades. The days of visible metal braces are largely behind us, replaced by clear aligners that are nearly invisible, more comfortable, and give patients the ability to see their smile transformation in real time. Invisalign and similar systems have made orthodontic treatment accessible to adults who would never have considered traditional braces. But straightening teeth is about more than just appearance, correct alignment improves chewing function, makes oral hygiene easier, reduces wear on tooth enamel, and often prevents future dental problems.”
Dr. Eric Forsberg
Co-Owner & General Dentist
Questions Patients Ask About Invisalign
How does Invisalign work, and how is it different from braces?
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic trays (aligners) that gradually move your teeth. Each tray is worn for about 7-14 days before switching to the next one. Your teeth move incrementally with each new aligner, progressing toward your final corrected position. Unlike braces, which are bonded to your teeth and continuously apply pressure, Invisalign trays are removable, allowing you to eat and brush normally. Invisalign is nearly invisible, making it ideal for adults. Braces are always working but are visible and can cause mouth irritation.
How often do I change my Invisalign trays, and how long does treatment take?
You typically change to a new aligner every 7-14 days (the Altoona Smiles team provides specific instructions). Most simple cases complete in 6-12 months, moderate cases in 12-18 months, and complex cases in 18-24 months. The exact timeline depends on your specific alignment needs and how consistently you wear your aligners. Wearing aligners 20-22 hours daily is critical, inconsistent wear delays progress and extends treatment time.
Can I eat and drink normally with Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are removable, so you take them out to eat and drink (except water). This is a major advantage over braces, you can eat all foods without restrictions. However, you should remove your aligners before eating, then brush your teeth and clean your aligners before reinserting them. Drinking sugary beverages or acidic drinks with aligners in can increase cavity risk and stain aligners. Most patients appreciate this freedom compared to braces.
How do I care for my Invisalign trays?
Clean your aligners daily by brushing them gently with a soft toothbrush and rinsing with water. You can soak them in the Invisalign cleaning solution or a denture cleaner. Do not use hot water (it can warp the plastic) or harsh cleaners. Store your aligners in their case when not wearing them to avoid damage or loss. Proper care keeps your aligners clear and hygienic throughout treatment.
What happens after my Invisalign treatment is complete?
After your final aligner, the Altoona Smiles team places a fixed retainer (thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth) to permanently hold your teeth in position. You also receive clear removable retainers to wear nightly (or as recommended) to maintain your results indefinitely. Without retention, teeth tend to shift back toward their original positions over time. Retainers are essential for keeping your beautiful smile unchanged long-term.