How much does Invisalign cost in Canada? Answering your questions

Invisalign has been around since the late ’90s, but unless you’re a dentist, you probably know very little about the technology behind it. Celebrities like Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Gisele Bundchen, and even Serena Williams have had amazing transformations with Invisalign, but the reason to invest in this subtle alternative to braces goes way beyond getting a Hollywood smile. “I’ve seen dramatic improvements in overall gum health, reduced risk of cavities, and improvements in recession,” says Dr. Aisling Whitaker, dentist and owner of Bitehaus Dental in Toronto’s St. Clair neighborhood. Think of it this way: You may go to your dentist because you’re concerned about how one or two teeth look, but that misalignment can cause a number of problems below the surface, including gum disease. “When teeth are aligned, they are much easier to clean, whether you floss or not. Whether it is Invisalign or traditional orthodontics, [alignment] plays a huge role in overall oral health.” Below, we explain everything you need to know about Invisalign from start to finish.

What is Invisalign and how is it different from traditional braces?

Invisalign is a teeth straightening treatment that uses clear aligners to set your teeth in place. It is recommended to wear these clear trays for 20 to 22 hours a day and they are usually replaced every week until the teeth align, which is usually achieved within 12 to 18 months.

“[Compared to braces], the discomfort experienced by the patient is generally lower, the hygiene aspect is better and it looks more discreet,” says Whitaker. With Invisalign, you can easily remove the aligners to floss your teeth and clean hard-to-reach areas, which usually means fewer cavities.

Traditional braces require visits to the orthodontist or dentist every six to eight weeks for wire adjustments. In the case of Invisalign, you do not change threads every six weeks, but switch to a new tray every week. This means that the rate of change remains the same and the teeth move the same distance, but the adjustments are made in smaller steps during the treatment process. The gradual movement that occurs with each new plate results in a milder initial tightness compared to braces.

Is Invisalign invisible?

Almost. Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic so they blend in with your teeth. However, it’s important to be aware of the attachments, often referred to as “knobs,” that are often placed on the surface of the teeth. “They’re like little white triangles and squares that match your tooth structure in color,” Whitaker explains. “I describe them to patients as steering wheels. Without those attachments, the movement of the teeth is not predictable.

“I’m very honest with my patients about the attachments, including their size, position, and the number of teeth involved,” she says. You can think of them as pressure levers that guide the teeth into the correct position based on the specific movement required for each tooth. This aspect of Invisalign has been extensively researched over the years, making treatment accessible to more people than ever before. So while the attachments are a little more noticeable, they’re still quite subtle and often necessary.

How often do I have to go to the dentist once I start?

From the initial consultation to receiving your first set of aligners, the process typically takes about two weeks. Then expect regular checkups with your dentist or orthodontist every four to six weeks to monitor your progress.

One of the benefits of Invisalign is the integrated digital treatment plan that streamlines the process. “First we scan the teeth digitally – no gel – and send the scan to Invisalign. We then receive a model of your teeth, showing what each aligner will do week after week,” says Whitaker. “This means that when patients come in for their appointments, we can scan their teeth and see that things are going according to plan. It is predictable, which is very motivating for the patient.”

With AI coming into play, that four-to-six-week timeline could change faster than we think. “There’s a new innovation called ‘dental monitoring’ or ‘AI-driven virtual care’ that allows patients to scan their mouths at home with their smartphones, and it’s a total breakthrough in dentistry,” says Whitaker. It monitors approximately 150 data points and delivers virtual reports to the dentist on a weekly basis, enabling timely adjustments and faster results, especially if the treatment is going smoothly. This advancement has the potential to significantly reduce the need for in-person visits while providing doctors with a safe and convenient way to communicate with their patients outside of the office.

Who is the best candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign is suitable for many adults and teens with mild to moderate orthodontic problems, such as crooked teeth, splits, and even overcrowding. “When I was a teenager and I had traditional braces, I had a lot of teeth pulled. In general, we don’t want to do that anymore. We don’t want to pull out healthy teeth, we want to keep a big wide arch so people can breathe well, sleep well and have room for their tongues,” says Whitaker. With Invisalign it is possible to widen the smile and get more space by making sure that the back molars are not crooked. Other processes that can be done in conjunction with Invisalign include IPR (also known as interproximal reduction), which can slightly reshape extra-wide teeth to make them more uniform.

Those who need more complex orthodontics and even certain skull shapes may be better suited to traditional braces, so it’s always best to consult your doctor before diving in. Another thing to consider: your suitability for Invisalign also depends on whether you are *actually* willing to commit to the process. “Patient compliance is a big factor,” she says. “Some teens are great with Invisalign, and others only wear it half the time, and then it’s not going to work.”

Can I use Invisalign after having braces?

Absolute! “The majority of the patients I see are adults who have had braces in the past, who may not have known how diligent they had to be with their braces,” says Whitaker. “Or they haven’t had any commission for 10 years and still want to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.”

Do I have to remove my Invisalign every time I eat or drink?

This one might surprise you: For the most part, says Whitaker, you don’t. “In the past we advised patients to take their aligners off to eat and drink, but now research has shown that if you have them in as much as possible and you wear them while eating, the pressure of that chewing actually reduces the treatment accelerates and makes it more successful,” says Whitaker. But don’t reach for the sour gummies just yet. “We tell people to take them off when eating and drinking sugary foods and highly staining things, like red wine, blueberries or turmeric.”

Does Invisalign hurt?

While Invisalign is generally less painful than traditional braces, you may still experience some discomfort or pressure when switching to a new set of aligners, which will usually go away in a few days as your teeth adjust. “For the majority of my patients, needing a pain reliever is usually not enough, but certain things can help with that discomfort,” says Whitaker. She recommends “Munchies” or “Chewies,” which are essentially tripod and tube-shaped chew toys. “They can help you fit your aligner in because gnawing on something encourages movement and also helps with discomfort — it’s like how young babies use teethers,” says Whitaker. “There are also other vibration devices that many companies have tried — some dentists swear by them — but I find they’re usually unnecessary and are a higher cost.”

What is the best way to keep my Invisalign clean?

Invisalign sells its own cleansing system and cleansing crystals, but at $70 and $56, respectively, they don’t come cheap. Fortunately, there are some more affordable alternatives available. “Usually I suggest people brush their aligners with their toothbrush and water, but one of my favorite things to use is an ultrasonic cleaner, which is usually for jewelry,” says Whitaker. Fill it with water – not product – and the vibrations will help remove dirt. It is important not to use toothpaste as it can scratch the surface of the aligners. A small amount of mouthwash or diluted dish soap can also be used instead. If you choose to use a cleaner like Polydent, make sure you choose the one designed for clear containers to avoid any potential dermatitis reactions. And remember: it’s not meant for everyday use, so use it sparingly for occasional cleaning.

How much does Invisalign cost?

Cost depends on a number of factors, including length of patient treatment, degree of complexity, and where in Canada you are located. According to Whitaker, the average cost in Toronto can range from $4,000 to $10,000 if you work with an orthodontist. While you can see ads for Invisalign starting at $2,500, be wary: they often don’t include the cost of monitoring and recordings.

Do I have to wear braces forever?

Short answer: yes. After completing your Invisalign treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain the results. “There is the option of placing a lingual bar behind the six front teeth, but it does not hold the premolars and molars. So the current advice is full arch retainers for life to maintain the airway and tongue space,” says Whitaker. The length of time the retainer is used can vary from person to person, but it’s normal for people to have a retainer full-time at first. and then gradually transitioning to wearing only at night.”The most important part of all orthodontic treatment, whether one continues with traditional braces or Invisalign, is keeping the teeth in place. Most patients are not aware of aware that dentists want them to wear braces for the rest of their lives,” Whitaker says. want to move constantly throughout our lives.”

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Clarification — June 23, 2023: This article has been updated to clarify that it is recommended that transparent trays be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day and added to dentist recommendations.

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