Most adults who are interested in straightening their teeth but don’t want metal braces can benefit from Invisalign. Invisalign can provide a more beautiful smile, even for patients with more severe orthodontic needs, and top Fort Lauderdale dentist Diana Tadros, DDS, AAACD, FICOI, FAGD offers this effective treatment at our acclaimed South Florida practice. Whether your teeth are crooked, misaligned, or gapped, Invisalign can give you the smile you’ve always wanted without the discomfort of traditional metal braces.
What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners to gradually reposition teeth and improve bite issues. The flexible, removable trays provide enhanced comfort while correcting dental concerns such as unevenly spaced, crowded, or gapped teeth, as well as overbites, underbites, and crossbite mispositioning. At the forefront of inconspicuous cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign can give adults and teens a more discreet option for achieving a more uniform, balanced, and beautiful smile.
Am I A Candidate For Invisalign®?
A majority of patients are good candidates for Invisalign. Invisalign is typically best for adults, but it can be an effective treatment for teens or older children who can handle the responsibility of wearing their aligners for at least 20 hours per day. Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you should not smoke, as this can stain or damage your clear aligners. Some patients who have severe issues such as improper alignment may require other orthodontic care to resolve the issue. Our experienced dentist in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Diana Tadros, will examine your teeth and recommend whether Invisalign is right for you.
What Can I Expect In My Invisalign® Treatment?
Your Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation, where Dr. Tadros will determine whether these invisible braces are recommended for you. Then, impressions are made so that your Invisalign aligners can be custom made. Small fasteners are also bonded to the teeth so that your aligners can be secured in place each time you wear them.
Throughout the treatment, you will then wear a series of aligners for at least 20 hours a day. These aligners are designed to subtly shift the teeth over time, which may cause some slight discomfort. Throughout the course of your treatment, you will have appointments with Dr. Tadros to check in on your progress.
Invisalign treatment typically lasts between 12 and 18 months. Many patients begin to see their results within the first few weeks of treatment, and these continue to improve over time. After your Invisalign treatment is complete, you will be given a retainer to wear periodically to make sure your teeth remain in their new, proper alignment. Dr. Tadros will give you specific instructions throughout the Invisalign process regarding when to wear your aligners and how to care for them.
Is Invisalign® Painful?
Invisalign is generally not considered painful, but it’s normal to experience mild discomfort — especially when starting treatment or switching to a new set of aligners. This sensation is typically described as pressure rather than pain, and is actually a sign that the aligners are properly working to gradually move the teeth into their desired positions. Each new aligner is designed to make slight adjustments, so some tightness or soreness may occur for the first day or two before subsiding.
Compared to metal braces, Invisalign can be much more comfortable and unobtrusive, as treatment doesn’t involve metal brackets or wires that can irritate the cheeks and gums. The smooth plastic aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, minimizing soft tissue irritation.
Complementary Procedures to Invisalign®
While Invisalign can be highly effective at straightening your teeth and bite, many patients choose to combine it with additional cosmetic or restorative treatments to achieve a more complete smile transformation. Common treatment options that can accentuate the beautiful results achieved with Invisalign include:
- Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening offers one of the most simple yet powerful treatments to enjoy a luminous, more symmetrical smile once your Invisalign treatment plan is complete. Whitening enhances the final result by brightening enamel and removing stains, allowing the newly aligned teeth to appear even more vibrant and youthful. Many patients prefer to complete whitening towards the end of their Invisalign journey so the final shade is uniform across all teeth.
- Smile Makeover: Invisalign is commonly performed as part of a larger Smile Makeover, which combines multiple aesthetic treatments tailored to the patient’s goals. Invisalign often serves as a foundational step in this process by correcting alignment issues before other enhancements are applied. After teeth are properly positioned, procedures such as porcelain veneers, dental bonding, gum contouring, and/or teeth whitening can be performed with greater precision and long-lasting results.
- Full Mouth Rehabilitation: For patients with more complex dental concerns, full mouth rehabilitation (also called full mouth reconstruction) may be recommended alongside or after Invisalign treatment. This approach addresses not only bite and jaw alignment, but also functional issues such as worn teeth, bite problems, missing teeth, or damaged restorations.
For certain patients, Invisalign can be an integral part of a broader strategy to restore both oral health and aesthetics. By combining treatments whenever beneficial, Dr. Tadros can improve the longevity, comfort, and function of your smile.
Will I Need To Wear A Retainer After Invisalign® Treatment?
Patients will need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment. Once your teeth have been aligned, a retainer helps keep them in their new positions and prevents them from shifting back. This phase is essential for maintaining your results long-term. Most patients start by wearing their retainer full-time, then transition to nighttime wear as directed by Dr. Tadros. The type of retainer you’ll receive may be similar to your Invisalign trays or a different design, depending on your needs. Skipping this step can undo all the progress you’ve made. Dr. Tadros will give you personalized instructions to ensure your smile stays straight and healthy for years to come.
How Should I Choose My Invisalign® Provider?
When choosing an Invisalign provider, it’s important to look for someone with advanced training, proven experience, and a commitment to using the latest technology. Dentists like Dr. Tadros complete extensive continuing education to provide safe, effective Invisalign treatment. With a high number of successful Invisalign cases, Dr. Tadros has earned recognition as an Invisalign Preferred Provider—making her an excellent choice for your care in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
In addition to her experience, Dr. Tadros is a leader in digital dentistry and 3D printing. At her state-of-the-art practice, she offers on-site Invisalign tray design and fabrication, using advanced scanning and modeling tools to deliver highly precise, customized results. This streamlined, tech-forward approach helps patients achieve beautiful smiles faster and more comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®
Can you eat with Invisalign on?
During Invisalign treatment, you will remove your aligners when you eat or drink. This keeps the aligners clean and makes it easier to eat without limiting the foods you can choose.
Do you wear Invisalign when you sleep?
You should wear your Invisalign aligners while you sleep. Aligners should be worn at least 22 hours per day.
Can you brush your Invisalign with toothpaste?
You can clean your Invisalign aligners with a gentle formula of all-purpose toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Does Invisalign cause headaches?
Headaches are a common side effect when you first start with Invisalign treatment. They may also occur when you switch to a new aligner during the course of your treatment. Most headaches as a result of Invisalign are minor.
Does Invisalign whiten teeth?
You can whiten your teeth while undergoing Invisalign treatment, but the aligners themselves do not whiten teeth.
Does Invisalign work on older people?
Invisalign is suitable for both teens and adults.
What are the advantages of Invisalign?
Some advantages of Invisalign include reduced discomfort, simpler hygiene, discreet appearance, and effective straightening of the teeth for improved oral health.
Which is better braces or Invisalign?
When choosing between braces and Invisalign, there are many factors to consider including the severity of your misalignment. Invisalign has many advantages over braces including easier brushing and flossing, invisible aligners instead of noticeable brackets and wires, and reduced discomfort. A dentist or orthodontist can determine whether you are suited to Invisalign treatment during a consultation appointment.
Schedule Your Invisalign® Appointment
To schedule a comprehensive dental exam with Dr. Tadros, call Beauty and the Teeth Dental in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida at (954) 519-7465. If you prefer, you can also contact us online or book an appointment directly. Dr. Tadros also services patients from Lauderdale by the Sea, Oakland Park, and Pompano Beach.
