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How Invisalign Clear Aligners Work

Beautiful, Confident Smiles™

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How Invisalign Clear Aligners Work
VanLaecken Orthodontics
November 24, 2021

Are you ready for braces, but not ready to deal with brackets, wires, and everyone knowing that you have braces on? If so, we have great news for you. It’s possible to get straight teeth without all the fuss by using Invisalign aligners. Each specially calibrated aligner puts just enough force on your teeth to get them to gently move toward the goal. By the end of the process, your teeth will reach their ideal position, giving you the smile you’ve always wanted.

Aligners Perfectly Customized for You

The shape, size, and position of your teeth is completely unique to you, so your aligners have to be as well. Our Sioux Falls Invisalign orthodontists will personalize your clear aligner trays to your exact needs using specially designed equipment and a lifetime of know-how. With every 0.3 millimeters your teeth move, you’ll switch to the next aligner in the set to continue making progress. By the time you reach the last one, your teeth will be nearly in their ideal position with only a fraction of a millimeter to go.

Invisalign Aligners Act Like a Workout for Your Mouth

Traditional braces pull your teeth into position as the dentist tightens up the wires running through the brackets. Clear aligners work in the opposite way by gently pushing your teeth along until they reach their ideal spot. As this happens, they may mildly rotate your teeth to straighten them out and align the upper and lower rows.

You’ll notice the pressure in the first 24 hours after switching to the next aligner in the set. That’s because your teeth actually move that 0.3 millimeters in a single day. But don’t worry, there’s no gum bleeding or severe pain to worry about. The next fourteen days are dedicated to using the aligners to hold your teeth in their new position while your bones and gums heal. Then, you’ll get to switch it up again and take a big step toward the goal line.

Much like working out, you’re not going to achieve perfection in a single day. You have to measure your progress in baby steps, literally 1/3 of a millimeter per aligner, and give your body enough time to adjust.

You Must Commit to Caring for Your Aligners

It’s not just about waiting around, however. You have to take an active role in your treatment to ensure the clear aligners can do their job properly. That means caring for your aligners like they are your lifeline to the straightest teeth possible, because they are

At each meal, for example, you need to pop them out and put them to the side while you eat and drink. This is also important when you’re just taking a sip of anything but water. Neglecting to do so can trap bacteria between your teeth and the aligner material, resulting in cavities galore.

And before you pop them back in place, give the aligner a quick rinse. Also, remember to clean them with any specialized cleansers, like denture cleaner, recommended by your dentist at least once a day. You can even scrub them up with a new, soft toothbrush and your preferred antibacterial soap —no toothpaste needed (except for your teeth, of course!).

Mail Order Aligners are Not What They Seem

After you speak to an orthodontist about clear aligners, you might be tempted to search around for a lower cost option. As you do that, you’re likely to stumble upon mail order aligners, which, at first glance, might seem like a good way to save money.

Unfortunately, using these cheaper aligners can result in problems like failing to straighten your teeth or potentially making matters worse. The lawsuits against the many brands offering this option speak for themselves, after all. So, do yourself a favor and invest in a proven system instead.

Ready to Perfect Your Smile? Schedule Your Consultation to Get Started

If you’re ready to perfect your smile, it’s about time you scheduled your free consultation!  We will assess your smile and help you find the solution that suits both your expectations and your budget. Call today to get started.


Source: “How Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Work,” Laster Orthodontics

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We promise to provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment in a loving, caring atmosphere located for your convenience in Aberdeen, Brookings, Milbank, Sioux Falls, and Watertown, South Dakota. Get started by requesting a free consult today!

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Our 5-Star Experience

patient TESTIMONIALS

Liesl H.
I have had the opportunity to bring all 3 of our children to VanLaecken Orthodontics over the years and they have been so great to work with! They are patient, kind and willing to work with you and help in whatever way they can!!
Codi S.
If you need Orthodontic care...this is the place to be! The staff are always so sweet, kind and caring! ALL of them are absolutely amazing! Dr. Nate is very experienced and does a fabulous job explaining how the process works, what the next step is and the best treatment plan to fit your specific needs. I can't say enough about how awesome my experience has been!
Kay-Lee W
I cant say enough great things about VanLaechen Ortgodontics! Great service and a wonderful atmosphere. Everyone is so kind, compassionate, professional, They are absolutely amazing at VanLaecken Orthodontics! My smile is absolutely beautiful!! I highly highly recommend them!! I am very very pleased.
Riley R.
The workers are very friendly and my teeth look great! Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!
Valeria Alexandra Medina M.
I loved how they treated me and made me feel special. They were never mean, and always made sure you were okay.
Sara J.
The team at VanLaecken is outstanding! Professional, easy to work with, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Sara B.
Excellent customer service, very detailed services specific to each patient, for faster correction time. Would highly recommend.
Michelle B.
The assistants were very kind and the doctor easily explained what will happen during the process of braces. Excited to see what the end results will look like!
Melissa D.
I can’t say enough great things about VanLaecken Orthodontics and their amazing team. My smile started as an 11 out of 10 on the "hard to correct" scale, but they tackled it with such expertise, care, and dedication that I’m still in awe of the results.

From day one, they made me feel confident and comfortable with the process. The entire crew goes above and beyond—not just in their orthodontic skills but also in creating a supportive, welcoming environment. They patiently answered all my questions, worked around my schedule, and cheered me on every step of the way.
Kristen O.
Very professional, organized, helpful, and informed. I never feel like my time is wasted.
Kaley S.
Love this place!! Everyone is super welcoming and I enjoy coming here. Definitely recommend getting your teeth work done here!!
Stella B.
I got invisilign with vanlaecken, and I really enjoy my teeth. My teeth were over corrected a few times which had to be fixed. But other than that great people and I loved my service
Stella B.
I got invisilign here and I do love how my teeth look, although my teeth were overcorrected a few times and had to be readjusted, which took extra time and got a bit annoying. But overall the app was pretty helpful and the people were friendly.
Kat R.
amazing staff, especially Anne and Dawn!! Great service as well, thanks for all that you guys do!!!!
Jeffery H.
Friendliest staff and best orthodontists in the world, therefore, the universe. :). If you need your teeth straightened this is the place to be.
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ABERDEEN
  • 631 S Roosevelt St.
    Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone
  • (605) 226-3120
BROOKINGS
  • 410 Mayfield Dr. Suite #1
    Brookings, SD 57006
Phone
  • (605) 692-7063
MILBANK
  • 102 W 4th Ave. Suite 2
    Milbank, SD 57252
Phone
  • (605) 432-5011
SIOUX FALLS
  • 1518 E 69th St.
    Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Phone
  • (605) 789-7000
WATERTOWN
  • 600 4th St. NE Suite 103
    Watertown, SD 57201
Phone
  • (605) 882-1500

ABERDEEN


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