Everyone wants a bright, confident smile, and Invisalign has devised a method of obtaining one without the long and painful process of traditional metal braces. Whether the problem is a few crooked teeth, gapping or a slight overbite, Invisalign has produced a system proven to assist patients in correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues, all while never letting on to the people around them that they are in the process of treatment.  Invisalign is an invisible, modern method of straightening teeth through a procedure of successive clear, almost undetectable aligners that are specially customized to the distinct needs of those undergoing treatment.   The aligners fit over teeth and slowly move them into the final position prescribed for the patient, in the end producing a straight smile without interfering with day-to-day life. The Invisalign process works like this:  Every two weeks, patients replace their clear aligner with the next slightly different one in the series, and as the treatment advances, teeth will straighten over time. During the process, patients will visit their orthodontist or dentist every six weeks to gauge progress.  Everyone undergoing the Invisalign treatment works with their doctor to create a customized program to treat their particular issues and in doing so create a full set of aligners made specifically for them. Some patients even have the ability to, through a computer program, virtually see what their new smile will look like upon completing the process.  Invisalign treatment typically lasts between nine and fifteen months, depending upon the situation, and during the course of treatment, patients are likely to use between eighteen and thirty aligners in total.  Invisalign braces, while using a similar process to traditional metal braces in straightening teeth, do differ in some ways.  First, Invisalign braces are fully removable, allowing patients to eat whatever foods they crave during their treatment, as well as provide them with the ability to brush and floss without the obstruction of metal braces in the way. Invisalign treatment is also flexible, allowing patients to remove the aligner for a special occasion if they would like to.  Last, because they do not utilize any wires or metal, Invisalign braces are comfortable to wear and will not irritate patients gums or cheeks, also removing the need for those undergoing treatment to visit the orthodontist every few weeks to make adjustments. It’s important for patients to keep their aligners clean with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush, avoiding using toothpaste when cleaning as it can scratch and, as a result, stain the aligners.