What is Invisalign and how does it work?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth with a series of custom, removable plastic trays instead of metal brackets and wires. At Belleville Smiles Dental in Belleville, treatment starts with a 3D digital scan, and each new aligner set is worn for one to two weeks, moving your teeth gradually toward the position planned on screen before you begin.
We take precise 3D digital impressions — no uncomfortable putty molds. You see your projected outcome before treatment begins.
Your custom aligner series is manufactured for you. Each set gently shifts your teeth over 1–2 weeks before advancing to the next.
After your final set, we fit you with a discreet retainer to maintain your results long-term.
Is Invisalign as effective as traditional braces?
For most adults and teens with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues, Invisalign can achieve results comparable to braces with far more comfort and discretion. Systematic reviews published in 2024 found clear aligners work best for these cases, while some complex tooth movements are still handled more predictably with fixed braces, which is why every case starts with an honest evaluation.
| Feature | Invisalign | Traditional braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Nearly invisible clear trays | Visible metal brackets and wires |
| Removable | Yes — remove to eat, brush and floss | No — fixed in place for the whole treatment |
| Food restrictions | None while aligners are out | Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, no wires | Brackets can rub cheeks and gums |
| Cleaning | Normal brushing and flossing | Special brushes and floss threaders |
| Best suited to | Mild to moderate crowding, spacing and bite issues | Complex movements and severe cases |
How long does Invisalign take?
Invisalign treatment typically takes 6 to 18 months, depending on how far your teeth need to move. Minor touch-ups can finish in about six months, while comprehensive cases usually run 12 to 18 months. Wearing your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day is the biggest factor you control, and your Belleville care team tracks your progress at regular check-ins.
- Minor adjustments: as few as 6 months
- Comprehensive alignment: typically 12–18 months
- Each aligner set: worn for 1–2 weeks
- Daily wear: 20–22 hours for best results
How much does Invisalign cost in Belleville, MI?
Invisalign at Belleville Smiles Dental typically costs $3,500 to $6,500, depending on case complexity and the number of aligners you need. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment, and CareCredit and Sunbit financing let you spread payments over time. Your exact fee is confirmed after your free digital scan, before treatment begins.
Why choose a Top 1% Invisalign Diamond Provider?
Belleville Smiles Dental is a Top 1% Invisalign Diamond Provider, a designation that places the practice among the top 1% of Invisalign providers. Experience matters because aligner treatment is planned digitally, tooth by tooth. Dr. Alivia Stoddard provides Invisalign care in Belleville, from the first digital scan and projected-result preview through your final retainer.
- Top 1% Invisalign Diamond Provider
- Free digital scan with a preview of your projected result
- Custom aligners plus a retainer to hold your new smile
- Payment options including CareCredit and Sunbit
What results can you expect from Invisalign?
Many patients notice visible improvement within the first few months of Invisalign, and the final result is designed to match the 3D plan you review at the start of treatment. The before-and-after comparison below is a representative example. After treatment, a custom retainer worn as directed keeps teeth from drifting back and protects your investment.
* Representative example. Individual results vary.
What do patients ask about Invisalign?
Patients considering Invisalign in Belleville most often ask about cost, treatment time, daily wear, eating with aligners, and whether their case qualifies. The answers below cover each topic, and the fastest way to get a personal answer is a free digital scan, which shows your projected result and treatment length before you commit to anything.
Sources
- Efficacy of clear aligner therapy over conventional fixed appliances in controlling orthodontic movement — Journal of Orthodontic Science (2024), via PubMed
- An evaluation of the Invisalign aligner technique and consideration of the force system — Systematic review, via PubMed Central
- A comparison of treatment effectiveness between clear aligner and fixed appliance therapies — Systematic review and meta-analysis, via PubMed Central
- Tooth Disorders — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine