All You Need To Know About Invisalign Clear Braces
Everyone wants a smile they actually love. For most of us, a beautiful smile means aligned teeth.
Besides aesthetics, alignment is about comfort and oral health. When teeth sit where they’re supposed to, they’re easier to clean, less prone to uneven wear, and less likely to cause jaw strain or headaches. Wouldn’t that keep you smiling?
If you’re looking for a discreet orthodontic journey, you might want to consider invisible teeth aligners. At Savage Smiles in Chandler, Arizona, we explain how an Invisalign smile could be your next best investment!
What Do People Think About Clear Aligners?
Invisalign began in 1997 in Redwood City, California, when five individuals wondered how they could straighten teeth without metal wires and brackets and founded Align Technology. They introduced the System two years later, a series of custom-made clear aligners designed through digital treatment planning.
Now, millions of patients in over 100 countries use Invisalign clear braces. As such, when you read reviews, you’ll find a mix of reactions. For instance, one patient, Romain, used to feel genuinely self-conscious about their crooked teeth. After finishing treatment, they said that the insecurity was gone.
Unfortunately, patients Laura, Igor, and Jordan had a different experience.
Laura invested a significant amount of money and followed every instruction carefully, but still ended up with one tooth that didn’t fully straighten. Igor’s initial treatment plan included 21 aligners, but he needed 35 more. Jordan wore clear aligners for two years, but the overall harmony of their teeth, jaw, and facial structure still left them disappointed.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
On average, the cost of Invisalign braces ranges between $3,000 and $5,000. Here are three things that influence the treatment price:
- Case Complexity: If you only need to move a few mildly crowded teeth or correct a slight spacing issue, your treatment will likely be shorter and more straightforward. If you’re dealing with significant bite issues, it’s going to take more planning and trays. More effort equals higher fees.
- Provider Experience: Orthodontists go through training to provide effective invisible teeth aligners. Experience matters! Dentists who have handled many cases are better at anticipating challenges and adjusting plans efficiently. They deserve to be paid for their excellence.
- Your Consistency: Clear braces only work if you wear them. The general guideline is 20 to 22 hours per day; if you don’t follow that, your teeth won’t move as planned. When that happens, you’ll need additional trays, which will bring more expenses.
What Are the Usual Invisible Braces Complaints?
Invisalign braces have undeniable advantages, especially over traditional braces. When you’re paying several thousand dollars for such a treatment, you’d expect the experience to be perfect.
Here’s a reality check — it’s still orthodontics. And orthodontics, even the modern kind, come with pros and cons. Many patients who have tried invisible braces tend to mention the same “complaints” that may or may not be a deal-breaker for you.
Speech Difficulties
“S” sounds can come out softer or sharper than usual when wearing clear aligners. That happens because the aligners take up space in your mouth, changing how your tongue moves when you speak.
One patient shared that during the first few days of wearing their very first tray, they developed a noticeable lisp. Within a few days, though, their speech adjusted. Every time they switched to a new tray, the lisp would return briefly.
Frequent Removal and Cleaning
You must remove your invisible teeth aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. It’s not a big deal if you’re just at home. In other settings, however, it can be awkward.
One patient explained that they work long shifts with barely any breaks, and stopping to wash hands, remove aligners, store them properly, eat, brush (ideally), rinse, and put the trays back in is inconvenient. Since they’re also sporty, they said that being out and about without a source of clean water around is challenging.
Treatment Plan Changes
To achieve a great smile, your provider will take digital scans of your teeth, use specialized software to map out a projected tooth movement plan, and have a series of custom aligners created.
Unfortunately, some patients were frustrated because their timeline kept changing. One patient, for example, was told they’d have to wear Invisalign clear braces for a year and a half. Three years later, they were still in treatment. They went through at least four batches of aligners because the results didn’t line up with expectations.
What Is the Failure Rate of Invisible Teeth Aligners?
It’s easier to find success rates for invisible teeth aligners. However, you can get a reasonable sense of failure rates from them, too.
One study revealed that 88% of malocclusion cases treated with “Invisalign near me” achieved effective correction. Why might you become part of the 12%?
- Compliance: Because the aligners are removable, it’s easy to leave them out and forget about them. Not wearing them as prescribed will lead to unsatisfactory outcomes.
- Complexity: Extremely severe orthodontic problems may still be more predictably treated with traditional braces.
- Expertise: An inexperienced dentist Chandler AZ might misjudge tooth movement or fail to monitor progress closely enough.
- Dental Health: Healthy gums and bone structure are essential for predictable movement. For those with untreated gum disease, tooth decay, or compromised bone support, the Invisalign System may not respond as expected.
- Lifestyle: Do you smoke, enjoy colored drinks, or skip regular checkups? Bad oral hygiene can interfere with treatment progress.
- Biology: Some people’s bone density or tissue response simply slows tooth movement. Of course, this factor is beyond anyone’s control.
Are There Any Clear Braces Lawsuits?
When a company has been around for nearly three decades, it is bound to attract attention. With that kind of scale, success stories multiply, but so do disputes. Let’s share two instances of Align Technology facing legal scrutiny in business practices and competition.
City Smiles vs Align Technology
Dental practices that purchased Invisalign braces and/or iTero scanners directly from Align Technology since March 15, 2015, filed an antitrust class action lawsuit, alleging the former acquired and maintained monopoly power in custom clear aligners and hand-held digital intraoral scanners.
The lawsuit claims that this alleged dominance allowed Align Technology to inflate prices unfairly. Plaintiffs are seeking treble damages and injunctive relief under federal antitrust laws.
Align Technology vs Dischinger Orthodontics
In a separate federal lawsuit, Align Technology filed a case against Dischinger Orthodontics, an orthodontic practice in Lake Oswego. The former alleged that the latter was effectively counterfeiting or misrepresenting the brand by advertising it but allegedly providing patients with a competing off-brand aligner instead.
What Are Alternatives to Clear Aligners?
Invisalign isn’t the only game in town. It’s worth knowing your other options!
- Invisalign vs Byte: With Byte, you order an impression kit, make molds of your teeth at home, and mail them back. However, it’s only for mild to moderate alignment issues. Without consistent in-person supervision, there’s more risk of failure. Also, Byte is no longer enrolling new customers into treatment.
- Invisalign vs SmileDirectClub: SmileDirectClub went all-in on remote teledentistry in 2014. But after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, it shut down global operations less than three months later.
- Invisalign vs Traditional Braces: Metal braces are generally unattractive and uncomfortable. But for complex corrections, they’re still the most reliable treatment. They’re fixed in place, so compliance isn’t a problem.
- Invisalign vs Smileie: Smileie is a newer brand targeting mild to moderate cases. It’s appealing cost-wise, but it doesn’t yet have the long-term track record or widespread clinical backing that Invisalign does.
What Are Statistics Every Dental Patient Should Know?
Let’s look at the numbers to understand trends.
Clear Aligners
- In 2025, the global clear aligner market was valued at $4.22 billion and projected to reach $13.29 billion by 2034.
- North America held 57% of the 2025 clear aligner market.
- 52% of general dentists reported providing orthodontic treatment, and nearly half use clear aligners.
Invisible Braces
- The global invisible orthodontics market was estimated at $6.1 billion in 2023 and could hit $33.9 billion by 2030.
- 36% of market share is from North America, followed by 28% from Europe, 26% from Asia-Pacific, and 10% from the rest of the world.
- Invisible braces work 20% faster than traditional braces in some instances.
Invisalign
- A web-based survey found that while 9% of people familiar with Invisalign didn’t know its cost, 64% said it’s more aesthetically attractive, and 49.7% believed it’s generally better than traditional braces.
- In one study, 2% of patients preferred clear aligners for correcting misalignment.
- A 19-case study found that the Progress Assessment was highly accurate in dentition width.
Get Your Invisalign Smile in Chandler, Arizona
An Invisalign smile is absolutely a dream of many. The journey will have ups and downs, so it’s crucial to have an expert guiding your treatment.
Choosing a local dentist near me means you’re getting in-person evaluations, accurate digital scans, thorough progress checks, and honest conversations about your case. If you’re in Chandler, Arizona, Savage Smiles has been serving the community for more than 13 years. That longevity defines consistency and trust!
Are you a good candidate for Invisalign invisible teeth aligners, or would other clear aligners work just fine? Maybe veneers, crowns, or other smile makeovers are right up your alley. Whatever your goal, we’ll point you toward the best solution and be transparent with the pricing.
Call Savage Smiles at (480) 334-5402 or schedule an appointment online.
