What is Invisalign and what does it do?
Invisalign is an orthodontic system that corrects the position of the teeth with custom-made clear aligners instead of brackets and wires. In Turkey it is also commonly called “şeffaf plak” (clear aligner), “invisible braces” or “wire-free orthodontics”. Each aligner gives the teeth a slightly different position from the one before; as the aligners are changed in sequence, the teeth move in small steps towards their planned final position.
Because the aligners are thin and clear, they are usually hard to notice when you talk and smile. They are taken out for eating and brushing and worn for the rest of the day. We explain how the method works, the aligner material and the role of attachments on the What is Invisalign? page, and the overall framework of clear aligner treatment in the guide to orthodontic treatment with clear aligners.
In short: Invisalign is orthodontic treatment that combines digital planning, clear aligners changed in sequence and regular check-ups. To be effective, the aligners need to be worn 20–22 hours a day.
How does Invisalign treatment start in Ankara?
If you are considering Invisalign treatment in Ankara, the first step is an orthodontic examination. At the examination your concerns are heard, and your teeth, gums, bite and facial structure are assessed. If needed, X-rays and photos are taken, and the teeth are recorded in 3D with an intraoral scanner in a few minutes. Whether clear aligners are suitable for you is first discussed at this stage.
Our clinic is in the Park Oran Office building in the Oran neighbourhood of Çankaya, Ankara (next to Panora Mall, opposite One Tower Mall). Directions for patients coming from Çankaya, Oran, Dikmen, Ayrancı, Kavaklıdere, Ümitköy, Çayyolu, Gölbaşı and other parts of Ankara are on the getting here from Çankaya and around page. We describe what happens at the first visit step by step on the first orthodontic examination page.
Which problems can clear aligners correct?
Clear aligners can be used for a large share of tooth alignment and bite problems. For each problem we explain the causes, what can happen if it is left untreated and the treatment options on separate pages:
- Crowded teeth: Teeth that overlap or are rotated; one of the conditions most often treated with clear aligners.
- Gaps between teeth (diastema): Especially gaps between the front teeth.
- Deep bite: The upper front teeth cover the lower teeth too much.
- Open bite: The front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed.
- Crossbite: Upper teeth biting inside the lower teeth.
- Protruding teeth: Upper front teeth tilted forward.
- Underbite, retruded lower jaw and retruded upper jaw: Problems linked to jaw position; some need an appliance or surgical planning.
In marked skeletal jaw discrepancies, clear aligners alone may not be enough; these are explained on the skeletal jaw problems page. You can find the full list on the orthodontic problems we treat page.
Who is it suitable for? Invisalign by age
In clear aligner treatment, age alone is not a limit; what matters is the condition of the teeth, gums and jaw development. The goal of treatment and the points to watch change with age:
| Stage | Approximate age | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Invisalign First | 6–10 | Problems needing early treatment in the mixed dentition, arch expansion |
| Invisalign Teen | 11–17 | Erupting teeth, fitting in with school and social life, wear tracking |
| Wire-free orthodontics for adults | 18+ | Correcting alignment and bite in patients who have finished growing |
For the timing of a child's first orthodontic check-up, see the early orthodontic treatment and orthodontics for children pages. Special aligners used for a retruded lower jaw during growth are described on the Invisalign mandibular advancement page.
The Invisalign treatment process step by step
- Examination and assessment: Whether clear aligners are suitable is discussed.
- Records and 3D scan: X-rays, photos and an intraoral digital scan are taken; no impression material is used.
- Digital treatment plan: Tooth movements are planned stage by stage on the computer; a simulation showing the target position is shared with you.
- Aligner fitting: Attachments are bonded if needed; wearing and cleaning are demonstrated.
- Aligner changes and check-ups: Aligners are usually changed every 1–2 weeks, with check-ups mostly every 6–10 weeks.
- Retention: A retainer or a fixed retention wire is used to keep the teeth in their new position.
The details of each step are on the clear aligner treatment process page.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The duration depends on the type and severity of the problem. Mild crowding may be corrected within a few months, while comprehensive cases usually take 12–24 months. Wearing the aligners for the recommended time is the most important factor in keeping to the expected duration. Your estimated duration is shared once the digital plan has been prepared.
Clear aligners in daily life: how many hours, how to clean?
- Wear time: 20–22 hours a day. They come out only for eating, for drinking anything other than water, and for brushing.
- Food and drink: Drink only water with the aligners in; after eating, brush your teeth and put the aligners back.
- Cleaning: Clean the aligners with lukewarm (not hot) water and a soft brush.
- Speech: A slight lisp is possible in the first days; for most people it passes quickly.
- Tenderness: A feeling of pressure for the first 1–3 days of a new aligner is normal.
Detailed tips are on the wear and care guide page, and common situations such as an aligner irritating the tongue or gums are on the problems and solutions page.
Clear aligners or braces?
| Clear aligners (Invisalign) | Brackets (braces) | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, hard to notice | Visible on the teeth |
| Removable? | Yes; taken out for eating and brushing | No; fixed throughout treatment |
| Oral care | Normal brushing and flossing | Careful cleaning around the brackets needed |
| Patient responsibility | Must be worn 20–22 hours a day | No putting in or taking out |
| Check-up frequency | Mostly every 6–10 weeks | Usually more frequent adjustment visits |
Which method suits you is decided at the examination, based on the type of problem and your expectations. Detailed comparison: Clear aligners or braces?
What does the cost of Invisalign treatment depend on?
The fee for clear aligner treatment varies from person to person depending on the extent of the problem, treatment length, the number of aligners needed, additional procedures and retention after treatment. For this reason, fee information is given in writing after the examination and treatment planning. We explain the factors that affect the fee on the what determines the fee? page.
After treatment: retention
Teeth tend to move back towards their old positions, especially in the first months after treatment. That is why a retainer is used after treatment: removable retainers are worn full-time for a while and then usually at night; in some cases a thin fixed wire is bonded behind the teeth. Details: retention.
Digital planning and iTero scanning
In Invisalign treatment, a 3D model of the teeth is created with an intraoral digital scanner. On this model, the direction and amount of movement of each tooth is planned; the plan is shared with the patient as a simulation before treatment starts. The simulation is a plan; because biological response varies from person to person, an additional set of aligners may be needed during treatment.
What to look for when choosing a dentist for Invisalign in Ankara
Clear aligner treatment is orthodontic treatment; correct diagnosis, proper planning and regular follow-up by a dentist are its foundation. Aligners sold online without an examination do not include this follow-up. Questions to ask and points to consider when choosing a dentist are on the choosing a dentist page.
More information
- Frequently asked questions: What patients most want to know, by topic.
- Orthodontic glossary: Explanations of terms such as attachment, IPR, retainer and protrusion.
- Videos: Animations and videos explaining clear aligner treatment.
- Resources: Reliable external sources and patient information documents.
- Blog: Articles on orthodontics, children's dental health and smile aesthetics.