Invisalign®: Your Complete Guide to Clear Aligner Treatment
If you’re new to Invisalign®, you might wonder how it really works and what to expect day-to-day. Invisalign uses clear, removable trays to straighten your teeth gently and gradually, all without the brackets and wires of traditional braces.
But when we meet with patients at Starbody Dental, the most common questions go beyond the basics: How long will it take? What’s the cleaning routine? How much does it cost, and what happens after your final tray?
This expert guide covers every step, from your digital scan and custom treatment plan to living with aligners, caring for them, and understanding when Invisalign is (and isn’t) the best fit. Along the way, you'll get real-world advice from a team that puts family, comfort, and relationship-centered care at the heart of every visit.
Quick Takeaway: Invisalign moves your teeth with a series of custom-made trays for a subtle, nearly invisible transformation, typically at a cost and pace similar to modern braces, all with the flexibility to fit your life.
Traditional braces are still a reliable solution for straightening teeth, but for many, their visible brackets and dietary restrictions just aren’t a great fit. Invisalign changed the game by offering a treatment that works with your routines rather than against them. More than 15 million people have chosen clear aligners because they can blend in with work, school, and social life—while being removable for meals and special occasions.
We see this advantage firsthand at Starbody Dental, especially for adult and teen patients who value both confidence and control. Still, Invisalign isn’t perfect for every smile, which is why we offer complimentary consultations so you can learn your options first.
Invisalign is what orthodontics looks like without metal. Instead of brackets and wires, you’ll wear a progression of thin, clear trays that gradually guide your teeth into place. Each tray is worn about one to two weeks, and you’ll need to keep up with 20–22 hours of wear each day for the best results. Because trays are removable, everyday habits like brushing, flossing, or enjoying your favorite foods are much simpler than with braces.
Why it matters: The flexibility to take trays out is freeing—but it’s also the top reason some patients fall behind. Consistency matters, and having a supportive dental team makes it easier to stay on track.
If you've ever struggled with the challenges of braces yourself, you'll appreciate that our team—including Dr. Kaitlyn and Dr. Michael—has been there, too. Their personal journeys with extensive dental treatment inspire the empathy woven through every orthodontic appointment at Starbody Dental.
If you’re considering how aligners fit into a bigger plan—like combining teeth whitening or veneers with orthodontics—we can tailor your timeline and care to help you achieve a truly confident smile.
We always encourage open conversation. If you’re weighing Invisalign versus other options, we’re here to help you make an informed, no-pressure decision that fits your goals and lifestyle.
To get the most from your treatment, rinse aligners every time you remove them. Brush gently once a day with a soft toothbrush and cool water, and use a dab of clear, unscented soap for any stubborn spots. Avoid whitening toothpaste or hot water, which can scratch or warp your trays. For deeper cleaning, a retainer-safe solution is helpful.
Keeping your trays clean isn’t just about looks; it’s crucial for preventing staining, odors, and even gum irritation. If you have questions about care, check out our Invisalign maintenance blog for step-by-step tips.
When you reach the end of your aligner series, you’ll celebrate a new smile—but it’s important to know that your teeth can still shift without support. That’s where retainers come in. At first, you’ll wear them most of the day; after a few months, nighttime wear is enough for most adults. At Starbody Dental, we walk you through lifelong retainer and aftercare instructions so you can keep your results for years.
Sometimes, a tooth moves a little less than expected. When that happens, we’ll design a few extra trays—called refinements—to finish your results. This step is common and doesn’t mean you’ve failed at treatment; it simply ensures your smile matches the results you were promised.
The price of Invisalign ranges from $3,000–$7,000, influenced by your case complexity and duration. At Starbody Dental, we break down all fees transparently up front, and our team helps maximize your out-of-network insurance. Many patients choose CareCredit or our Membership Plan for extra savings and flexible payment options.
Why it matters: Understanding your financial path lets you compare Invisalign to traditional braces and other clear aligners with confidence. For a custom quote, please reach out to our team.
Expect gentle pressure for a day or two after each new tray—proof that your teeth are moving. Unlike braces, aligners lack wires or brackets to cause mouth sores. Most of our patients find Invisalign far more comfortable and need only occasional over-the-counter pain relief.
If you’re worried about sensitivity or have a strong gag reflex, mention it during your consultation. We offer patient comfort and sedation solutions to help every patient feel relaxed and supported during our treatments where needed.
Invisalign shines as a solution for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, rotations, and many bite concerns (like overbite or crossbite).
For highly complex adjustments—like major jaw discrepancies or severe bite issues—braces are still preferred.
Most patients finish in 12 to 18 months, though minor correction might wrap up in under a year. On the other hand, more complex cases could take closer to two years. Keeping up with aligner wear—and not skipping check-ins—will lead to a smooth Invisalign journey.
Clear aligners are discreet, removable, easier to keep clean, and often feel less intrusive than braces. Traditional braces can move teeth faster in some complex cases, and don’t rely on the same level of patient compliance. Cost is similar for most people, so the decision often comes down to lifestyle, appearance, and comfort preferences.
Mail-order options like Smile Direct Club are tempting for their lower sticker price, but they skip the critical step of in-person evaluation and ongoing support. Invisalign, guided by your trusted Murfreesboro dentist, offers careful monitoring, precision software planning, and the peace of mind that comes with expert guidance. If your goal is lasting, healthy results, supervised care matters.
Attachments are tiny, tooth-colored “buttons” carefully placed on your teeth to give aligners extra grip for complex movements. They make it possible to correct rotations or “pull” teeth into place—without wires. Attachments are easily removed at the end of treatment and are barely visible in daily life.
Why it matters: Attachments expand the kinds of movements aligners can accomplish, making Invisalign a good fit for more patients.
Invisalign offers a proven, flexible way to straighten teeth without the look or hassle of braces. When you work with an experienced, community-rooted provider like Starbody Dental, you get compassionate guidance at every step—from your very first scan to your final retainer check. Our mission is to make you feel at home, listened to, and fully supported on your journey to a life-changing smile.
Thinking about Invisalign or clear aligner therapy? Schedule your consultation in Murfreesboro or explore our full range of orthodontic and cosmetic services. The biggest step is often just starting the conversation, and our team can’t wait to meet you.
Call 615-896-1330 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
