Invisalign at home

The idea of straightening your teeth at home might be tempting, but it isn’t worth the risk. Dentists and orthodontists can ensure your treatment is safe, effective, and fast.

Who wouldn’t love to have a straighter, healthier smile without the cost, discomfort, and inconvenience of emergency visits to the office to repair a broken wire or bracket? Wouldn’t it be great to have a discrete, comfortable solution show up in the mail, so we never have to leave the house?

Tempting as that idea may be, dentists and orthodontists play a critical role when it comes to straightening our teeth. They help devise treatment plans, track progress, and make adjustments when things don’t go as planned. Dental health professionals help make sure we don’t spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on treatments that don’t work or jeopardize our health.

Can Invisalign treatment be done at home?

No. The only way to get Invisalign treatment is through a dental health professional, like a dentist or an orthodontist.

One of the primary benefits of Invisalign treatment is that it is administered under the supervision of a dentist, orthodontist, or other dental health professional. Supervision by a qualified provider is crucial for ensuring optimal results, similar to other clear aligners.

Do I need a dentist/orthodontist for Invisalign aligners?

Yes. Moving teeth without knowing all aspects of your oral condition can lead to issues like bone loss, receding gums, bite damage, jaw pain, and more. Dentists and orthodontists provide essential quality control services to ensure that your treatment is safe, effective, and fast¹.

Straightening your smile is important

Misaligned teeth can hurt your self-esteem, your mental health,² and even your physical health. In some cases, they can lead to speech issues, difficulty eating, jaw pain, and more. Misaligned teeth can also make people more susceptible to tooth loss, impacted teeth, jaw problems, and injury³.

When your teeth aren’t lined up correctly, it creates places where bacteria can hide. This makes it harder to properly clean your teeth and can ultimately lead to cavities and, in extreme cases, even gum disease³.

See what your new smile might look like after treatment

The Invisalign SmileView™ tool can simulate your new smile and help you visualize what it might look like once treatment is done. Visit the Invisalign SmileView page or download the My Invisalign™ app to get started.

How Invisalign treatment compares to other clear aligners

Aligners all share some things in common – they’re (usually) clear, removable, and impact your daily life much less then braces. They work by applying pressure to your teeth, moving them closer to the right position. Every few weeks you switch to a new set of aligners, which move your teeth a little more. This happens again and again until your teeth are moved into the right positions.

There are important, key differences between Invisalign treatment and other clear aligners.

Invisalign aligners are the number 1 doctor recommended clear aligner brand in the world.⁴

For over 25 years, Invisalign aligners have been transforming smiles and changing lives. In fact, over 20 million patients have been treated worldwide with the Invisalign^® System.⁵

Invisalign aligners are customized for your comfort

Invisalign aligners are made with SmartTrack material, which moves your teeth more predictably⁶. Additionally, Invisalign aligners are trimmed based on your unique gum line to provide optimal comfort and aesthetics during your treatment.⁷

Paying for Invisalign treatment

Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment the same way they cover braces. Depending on your plan, your insurer may pay a certain percentage of your treatment, or a certain dollar amount. Many popular dental carriers don’t cover DIY aligners⁸, so it would be good to check with your insurance to know how much your insurer would cover for treatment. Download the My Invisalign™ app and explore your options.

If you need treatment and are unsure how to pay for it, you can consult a dentist or an orthodontist. They may offer options such as complementary consultations or financing plans with monthly payments, even if you do not have insurance.

Talk to your orthodontist

Ready to learn more? Try talking to your local orthodontist, dentist, or dental health provider. They can review your situation, answer your questions, and help come up with a treatment plan that works for your smile and your wallet. Want to explore Invisalign treatment? Use the Doctor Locator tool to find an Invisalign-trained provider near you.