Invisalign has become the most popular orthodontic solution for adults and teenagers who want an aligned smile without wearing fixed metal braces. But it’s not magic and not suitable for every case. Here’s what you need to know before deciding.
What is Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic alignment system using personalised transparent aligners. You change to new sets every 1-2 weeks, each set moving teeth by fractions of a millimetre until you reach the planned result.
The system was developed by Align Technology and has been used worldwide for over 20 years, with more than 17 million patients treated. In Brașov we offer it as one of the three main orthodontic options — alongside classic metal braces and aesthetic sapphire braces.
How it works — step by step
1. Consultation and digital scan
At the first visit we do an intraoral scan (no impression paste). The 3D image of your dentition is uploaded to Invisalign ClinCheck software.
2. Digital plan + simulation
The technician + orthodontist plan each stage of treatment. You see a 3D simulation of the final result before ordering aligners.
3. Aligner manufacturing
The aligner set is produced in the US (or Costa Rica for Europe) and delivered in 3-4 weeks. For a medium case you receive 20-30 aligner pairs.
4. Attachment placement
On some teeth the doctor places attachments — small resin points that help aligners exert specific forces. They’re tooth-coloured, nearly invisible.
5. Wearing aligners — 22 hours/day
Remove aligners only for eating, brushing, and flossing. Ideal: minimum 22 hours/day. Less than that = treatment doesn’t work properly.
6. Check-ups every 6-8 weeks
Come to the clinic to verify progress, receive next aligner sets, adjust plan if needed.
7. Refinements (optional)
At the end, if some details haven’t moved exactly as planned, we do a refinement — a new short aligner set to correct.
8. Retention
Mandatory after any orthodontic treatment. Fixed lingual wire + night-time tray.
Who Invisalign is suitable for
✅ Excellent for:
- Mild and moderate crowding
- Spaces (diastemas) between teeth
- Moderate open or deep bites
- Relapses after old orthodontic treatments
- Adults who want discretion
- Disciplined teenagers (Invisalign Teen)
⚠️ More difficult or not suitable for:
- Very complex cases (severe rotations, ectopic eruption)
- Patients with low discipline (don’t wear aligners 22h/day)
- Certain skeletal problems requiring orthognathic surgery
- Children with mixed dentition (better with classic functional appliances)
At the initial consultation we tell you honestly whether Invisalign is the best solution for you or whether a fixed appliance would be more suitable.
How long the treatment takes
| Case complexity | Typical duration | Number of aligners |
|---|---|---|
| Mild cases (Invisalign Lite/Express) | 4-7 months | 7-14 |
| Moderate cases (Invisalign Moderate) | 8-14 months | 15-25 |
| Complete cases (Invisalign Comprehensive) | 12-24 months | 25-50+ |
| Teen cases | 12-18 months | 20-40 |
Actual duration depends on complexity and how disciplined you wear aligners.
Indicative cost in Brașov
| Treatment type | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| Invisalign Lite (mild cases) | 6,000-9,000 RON |
| Invisalign Moderate | 10,000-13,000 RON |
| Invisalign Comprehensive | 12,000-17,000 RON |
| Invisalign Teen | 11,000-14,000 RON |
Cost includes digital plan, all aligners, attachments, check-ups, and first retention. Instalment payment without interest available.
Advantages of Invisalign vs classic braces
| Aspect | Invisalign | Fixed metal braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | nearly invisible | very visible |
| Removable | yes | no |
| Comfort | no brackets/wires that scratch | can cause sores |
| Hygiene | normal, aligners come off | difficult, food traps |
| Emergencies | very rare | broken wires, detached brackets |
| Eating | unrestricted (remove them) | restrictions (popcorn, gum, sticky) |
| Clinic visits | 1 every 6-8 weeks | 1 every 4 weeks |
| Sport / photos | remove aligners | stay on |
Invisalign disadvantages — honestly
- Mandatory discipline — if you don’t wear them 22h/day, it doesn’t work
- Higher cost than classic metal braces
- Can’t eat with them — must remove for every snack/coffee
- Lost aligners — costs to order a new one (though partially covered)
- Visible attachments — small points on teeth during treatment
- Limitations for severe cases — sometimes fixed braces are the only option
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink coffee with aligners? Only cold, plain water. Coffee, tea, juices stain aligners and damage the plastic. Remove them, drink, brush or rinse, put them back.
Can I smoke with aligners? Technically yes, but you’ll stain your aligners yellow/brown within 24h. Recommendation: no smoking. Plus, smoking affects gum healing.
How long do I feel pain? The first 2-3 days after each new aligner have mild discomfort — pressure, biting sensitivity. Improves quickly.
Can I use Invisalign and do sports? Yes. In fact they’re better than fixed braces for sports — no risk of lip cuts.
How long do aligners last? Each aligner is worn 1-2 weeks, then discarded. Don’t wash them intensely (they become opaque) — rinse with cold water + gentle brushing with soft toothbrush.
What happens if I lose an aligner? Order a new one (cost ~150-250 RON) or move to the next earlier if the orthodontist agrees. Don’t skip sets — risk of disrupting the plan.
How we decide at consultation if Invisalign is suitable
At the first visit we do:
- Clinical exam — teeth condition, gum, occlusion
- Panoramic X-ray (or OPG if you have a recent one)
- Intraoral scan — free for patients who choose Invisalign
- Expectations discussion — what you want to change, in how much time
- Personalised plan — we honestly recommend what works for your case
If you choose Invisalign, you receive the 3D simulation of the final result before paying anything — so you know exactly how you’ll look.
Booking an Invisalign consultation in Brașov
For a complete orthodontic consultation (with plan and cost estimate for Invisalign), contact the DentalBliss clinic in Brașov. We bring orthodontic expertise for all ages — children, teenagers, adults.
If you have questions before booking, message us on WhatsApp or Messenger. We respond quickly.