When clear aligners first came onto the orthodontic scene a couple of decades ago, people were rightfully stunned and even a little bit skeptical. In 2025, we now know how incredible Invisalign is, and it’s why we see so many curious adult patients. DiMarzio Orthodontics is going to tell you what adults need to know about Invisalign.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is an alternative treatment that aligns teeth without the traditional hardware of braces. Instead, they use BPA-free plastic trays to move your smile into place bit by bit. Here’s a general overview of how the process goes:
- Personalized Digital Scan: We begin with a 3D digital scan of your teeth, creating a customized treatment plan tailored to your smile goals.
- Custom Aligners: You’ll receive a series of clear aligners designed to apply gentle pressure and gradually shift your teeth into place.
- Wear & Switch: Each set of aligners is worn for 1-2 weeks before switching to the next set in the sequence.
- Progress Monitoring: You’ll attend regular check-ins with Dr. DiMarzio or Dr. Marczak to make sure your treatment stays on track.
Why Do Adults Choose Invisalign?
- Virtually Invisible Appearance: If you want to straighten your teeth without drawing too much attention, Invisalign is an ideal choice. The clear aligners are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural smile, making them perfect for professional settings and social interactions.
- Comfortable and Custom-Fit: Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are smooth, which means there won’t be too much friction or irritation to your mouth.
- No Food Restrictions: One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that trays are removable—meaning you can enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about damaging wires or brackets! Just remove your aligners before meals and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
- Easier Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing around all the small parts of traditional braces can be challenging, but with Invisalign, you can maintain your regular oral care routine with ease. No special tools are required—just brush and floss as normal!
- Fewer Office Visits: With Invisalign, you won’t need as many in-office adjustments at DiMarzio Orthodontics. Fewer appointments mean less time away from your busy schedule while still achieving top-tier results.
Some Ground Rules
You might be curious about the best practices when it comes to Invisalign. There are certainly some smart behaviors to keep in mind. The following tips will likely make your treatment run smoothly:
- 20-22 Hours Per Day: Keep your aligners in as much as possible, except when eating, drinking, or brushing—for 20-22 hours per day. Consistency is important to keep your treatment on track and achieve faster results.
- Keep Your Aligners Clean: Rinse your trays whenever you remove them and clean them thoroughly at least once a day. Try to stick to soft bristled toothbrushes, as rougher ones can damage the plastic. A mild soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals will also come in handy.
- Be Cautious with Hot Beverages: Hot drinks like coffee and tea can warp the aligners, affecting their fit and overall effectiveness. This one reason we recommend removing your aligners before drinking anything other than water.
- Use a Protective Case: Store your aligners in a dedicated case instead of wrapping them in napkins or placing them in plastic bags, as they can easily be misplaced or accidentally thrown away. Replacements are attainable, but the wait could delay your treatment progress.
- Utilize Aligner Chewies: Aligner chewies—small, soft cylinders—help ensure a snug fit, making your treatment more effective by improving aligner seating and reducing discomfort.
- Track Your Progress: Take photos every few weeks to observe your smile transformation in real-time and stay motivated throughout your treatment.
Addressing Common Myths About Invisalign
Myth: Invisalign Only Works for Minor Issues
Reality: Invisalign can correct all sorts of conditions, like crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Using advanced treatment planning and SmartTrack material means even more complex cases can be resolved.
Myth: Invisalign Results Are Temporary
Reality: Like braces, Invisalign provides permanent results when followed by proper post-treatment care. Wearing your retainer as prescribed will allow you to maintain your new smile for a lifetime.
Myth: Invisalign Is Too Much Maintenance
Reality: Invisalign aligners are easy to care for—just create a solid routine of rinsing and brushing them daily. They also require minimal professional upkeep compared to the frequent adjustments required for braces.
Clear and Consistent
DiMarzio Orthodontics is proud to have brought Invisalign to so many adult patients in the Quincy area—and we’re confident we’ll continue to do so for years to come! If you’re curious to learn more, you can schedule a free consultation with us.