Straight teeth are not just about looks; they affect how you bite, how you clean your teeth, and how confident you feel every time you open your mouth. If crowding, gaps, or misalignment have been on your mind, Invisalign may be the solution you have been waiting for, and you do not have to travel far to get it.
Longwood Dental Group, serving the Greater Boston area from our Brookline location, offers Invisalign as part of a comprehensive approach to cosmetic dentistry that addresses both the health and appearance of your smile. Our multi-specialty team brings together general dentists and specialists under one roof, meaning your treatment is informed by a breadth of clinical perspectives that most practices simply cannot offer.
What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?
Invisalign is a type of clear aligner system that slowly moves your teeth into their ideal places using a series of custom-made, removable trays. Each set of aligners is worn for a designated period before progressing to the next, moving teeth incrementally according to a precise digital treatment plan. Unlike traditional metal braces, the trays are nearly invisible and can be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing.
What Invisalign Can Treat
Invisalign is a well-established option for correcting a wide range of alignment concerns. The following conditions are commonly addressed with clear aligner therapy.
- Crowded teeth: when there is not enough space in the arch for teeth to align properly
- Gapped teeth: spaces between teeth that affect both function and aesthetics
- Overbite: upper front teeth that overlap too far over the lower teeth
- Underbite: lower teeth that sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed
- Crossbite: some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside
Each of these conditions responds differently to aligner treatment, and candidacy is determined through a thorough clinical evaluation. Research published by the National Institutes of Health confirms that clear aligner therapy has become a well-documented modality in orthodontic care, with outcomes that continue to improve alongside advances in digital treatment planning.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
Invisalign is an excellent fit for many teens and adults, but the right candidate matters because clear aligners work best within certain conditions. During your consultation we confirm the following before recommending treatment.
- Mild to moderate misalignment, the crowding, spacing, and bite issues aligners are designed to correct
- Good oral health, meaning any cavities or gum disease are treated before aligner therapy begins
- Commitment to wear time, since aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day to stay on track
- A desire for a discreet option, for patients who prefer not to draw attention to their treatment
If a more complex bite correction is needed, we will tell you honestly and discuss the best path forward during your visit.
The Invisalign Process at Longwood Dental Group
The process is designed to be comfortable and predictable from start to finish, and our team guides you through each stage.
Consultation and Scan
We use our digital impression intraoral scanner to capture a precise 3D model of your teeth, with no uncomfortable putty impressions.
Custom Treatment Plan
Your scan maps out the full treatment digitally, so you can preview your projected results before you commit to a single aligner.
Wear and Check-Ins
You receive several sets of aligners at a time and wear each 20 to 22 hours a day, with periodic visits to monitor your progress.
Retention
Once your teeth reach their final positions, a custom retainer keeps your new smile stable for the long term.
Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of the case, but many adults complete Invisalign in 12 to 18 months, and some patients with mild corrections finish sooner.
Why Invisalign Is a Strong Choice for Adults
One of the most cited reasons adults choose Invisalign over traditional braces is discretion. The clear trays are far less noticeable than brackets and wires, making them a practical option for professionals and anyone who prefers not to draw attention to their orthodontic treatment. The table below shows how the two approaches compare across the factors patients ask about most.
| Consideration | Invisalign | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Nearly invisible clear trays | Visible metal brackets and wires |
| Removability | Removable for meals and cleaning | Fixed in place for the full term |
| Diet | No food restrictions | Several foods must be avoided |
| Oral hygiene | Brush and floss as normal | Cleaning around brackets is harder |
| Comfort | Smooth trays, no wires | Wires can irritate soft tissue |
Being able to take out your aligners for meals means there are no dietary restrictions, and keeping up your brushing and flossing routine is straightforward. For patients who already have or are considering dental veneers, completing Invisalign first can optimize the cosmetic outcome, and patients interested in teeth whitening often find the results more uniform after alignment has been corrected.
Meet Your Invisalign Providers
Your treatment is guided by experienced Invisalign providers who plan each case with precision. Dr. Dana Lazowski and Dr. Ahmed Abugad both provide Invisalign as part of their general and restorative practice, and they collaborate with our wider multi-specialty team so your alignment plan is coordinated with your overall oral health. That depth of collaboration, paired with modern digital scanning and treatment planning, is what lets us deliver predictable, natural-looking results.
Cost and Financing for Invisalign
The cost of Invisalign depends on the complexity of your case and how long treatment takes, so a personalized estimate comes after your consultation. Longwood Dental Group accepts most major dental insurance plans, many of which include orthodontic benefits that can offset part of the cost, and we offer an in-house membership plan. Our team will review your benefits and available financing options so that cost does not stand between you and a straighter smile.
Watch How Invisalign Works
Sometimes it helps to see the treatment in action. This short video walks through how clear aligners gradually move your teeth into place.
Invisalign FAQs
How long do I wear my Invisalign aligners each day?
For the best results, aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and complete your oral hygiene routine. Consistent wear time is the single biggest factor in keeping treatment on schedule.
Is Invisalign painful?
Most patients feel mild pressure or tenderness for the first few days with each new set of aligners, which is a normal sign the trays are gently moving your teeth. The discomfort is temporary and far less than many expect, with no wires or brackets to irritate the cheeks and lips.
What are Invisalign aligners made of?
Invisalign aligners are made from a clear, medical-grade thermoplastic designed for a snug, comfortable fit. The material is smooth and BPA-free, and it is what gives the trays their nearly invisible appearance.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
You may notice a slight lisp for the first few days as your tongue adjusts to the aligners, but this almost always resolves quickly once you get used to wearing them.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment length depends on the complexity of your case. Many adults complete Invisalign in 12 to 18 months, while patients with milder corrections may finish sooner. We give you a clearer timeline after your evaluation.
Choose Longwood Dental Group for Invisalign Near Boston
We have built a reputation for providing complex, high-quality dental care that many practices in the Boston area are not equipped to handle, and over the years our team has helped hundreds of patients achieve straighter, healthier smiles. Our team of dentists brings together clinicians across specialties in a collaborative environment, so your treatment plan benefits from multiple perspectives and a standard of precision that reflects years of collective experience.
Whether you are a first-time orthodontic patient or looking to correct relapse after previous treatment, our team is ready to assess your needs and build a plan designed around your goals. If you are ready to take the next step toward a straighter, healthier smile, contact our office to schedule your Invisalign consultation today. You can also review our Invisalign treatment guidelines to learn what to expect.