Reviewed by Dr. Adel Elbaz, DDS, general dentist · Last reviewed
Invisalign in London, Ontario
Invisalign straightens teeth with a series of clear, removable aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. Each set moves your teeth a little, and you switch to the next set every one to two weeks. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them, and you take them out to eat, brush and floss.
At Lunar Smile Dentistry on Wharncliffe Road South, Dr. Adel Elbaz provides Invisalign for teens and adults. A consultation takes about 30 minutes: we scan your teeth, talk through your goals, and tell you honestly whether aligners suit your case.
Limited-time offer: save $1,000 on Invisalign treatment. Ask about it when you book your consultation.
What Invisalign can treat
Clear aligners work well for many common alignment problems:
- crowding: teeth that overlap or twist because there isn’t enough room
- gaps between teeth
- overbite, underbite and crossbite in many mild to moderate cases
- teeth that shifted after braces when a retainer wasn’t worn
- an uneven smile before cosmetic work such as veneers or bonding
Straighter teeth aren’t only about looks. Crowded teeth are harder to clean, which raises the risk of cavities and gum disease, and a poor bite can wear teeth unevenly.
Some complex bite problems, large jaw differences or teeth that need to be pulled down into place are better treated with braces or by an orthodontist. If that’s your situation, we’ll tell you at the consultation.
Not sure? Try our 30-second smile assessment.
How treatment works
- Consultation. We examine your teeth and gums, take a digital scan (no impression trays), and talk through your goals. Cavities or gum problems are treated first.
- Your treatment plan. From the scan, a 3D plan maps how each tooth moves, step by step. You can preview the expected result before you commit.
- Your aligners. We fit your first aligners and may bond small tooth-coloured bumps (attachments) to some teeth to help the aligners grip.
- Wear them 20 to 22 hours a day. Take them out only to eat, drink anything but water, and clean your teeth. Switch to the next set every one to two weeks.
- Check-ins. Short visits every several weeks let us check progress. Some cases need a small set of “refinement” aligners at the end.
- Retainers. Teeth tend to drift back, so you’ll wear a retainer afterwards, usually every night, to keep your new smile.
See the Invisalign treatment process for more detail.
How long does it take?
It depends on how far your teeth need to move. Minor crowding or spacing can take several months; more involved cases often take a year or more. We’ll give you an estimate based on your own plan at the consultation. The single biggest factor you control is wearing the aligners for the full 20 to 22 hours each day.
Invisalign vs braces
| Invisalign | Traditional braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, hard to notice | Visible brackets and wires |
| Eating | Remove aligners, eat anything | Avoid hard and sticky foods |
| Cleaning | Brush and floss normally | Needs extra tools around brackets |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, pressure when switching sets | Brackets can rub, wires need adjusting |
| Discipline needed | High: you must wear them | Low: they’re fixed in place |
| Best for | Mild to moderate cases | All cases, including complex ones |
Does Invisalign hurt?
You’ll feel pressure for the first day or two with each new set; it’s a sign the teeth are moving. Most people find it milder than braces. Your speech may be slightly different for the first few days.
Living with aligners
- brush your teeth before putting aligners back in, so food isn’t trapped against your teeth
- drink only water while wearing them
- keep them in their case when they’re out (most lost aligners are wrapped in a napkin)
- rinse and gently brush the aligners each day
Cost, payment and coverage
The cost depends on how complex your case is and how long treatment takes. After your consultation, we give you a clear written estimate. Right now you can save $1,000 on Invisalign.
- Insurance: some plans include orthodontic coverage, often with a lifetime maximum and sometimes only for patients under a certain age. We’ll check your plan and bill it directly where we can.
- Payment plans: we can spread the cost over the course of treatment.
- Health spending accounts can often be used.
See financial arrangements and our Invisalign FAQs.
Common questions
Am I too old for Invisalign?
No. There’s no upper age limit, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy. Many of our Invisalign patients are adults.
Can teens use Invisalign?
Yes, once most adult teeth have come in. Aligners are easier to keep clean than braces and don’t get in the way of sports or music.
Do I need to see an orthodontist?
Not for most mild to moderate cases, which we treat here. If your case is complex, we’ll tell you and refer you to an orthodontist.
Will I need to wear a retainer?
Yes. Teeth naturally drift back, so a retainer, usually worn every night, keeps your result.
Can I get Invisalign if I have crowns or fillings?
Usually, yes. Attachments can be bonded to most crowns, and we plan around existing dental work.
Book an Invisalign consultation in London
We’re open six days a week, with evening appointments until 9 pm on weekdays and Saturday hours, so check-ins fit around school and work. Book online or call 226-884-2573.
Part of our clear aligners services in London, Ontario. See all dental services.