Invisalign®

Anchorage, AK

Invisalign® Clear Aligners

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign offers a discreet and comfortable way to achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile without metal brackets or wires. Each set of aligners is custom-crafted to gently move your teeth into their ideal positions over time.

An image of two people smiling one with braces one with invisalign

The Benifits of Invisalign®

Less painful and more comfortable than braces
Results in as little as 6 months
Covered by many insurances
Removable by eating, brushing and flossing
Better oral hygiene during treatment
Virtually invisible
Progress can be tracked with My Invisalign app

Your Most Common Questions & Answers About Invisalign®

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners that gently shift your teeth into the correct position. Each set of aligners is worn for about 1–2 weeks before moving to the next stage.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Treatment times vary depending on your case, but most patients finish within 6–18 months. During your consultation, your dentist will give you a personalized timeline.

Is Invisalign painful?

You may feel slight pressure or discomfort when starting a new set of aligners, this is normal and means the aligners are working. Most patients find Invisalign far more comfortable than traditional braces.

How often do I need to wear the aligners?

For best results, you should wear your aligners for 20–22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking anything besides water, brushing, and flossing.

Can I eat normally with Invisalign?

Yes! You remove the aligners before eating, so there are no food restrictions. Just remember to brush before putting them back in.

Invisalign® vs. Traditional Braces: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to straightening your teeth and enhancing your smile’s function, choosing the right treatment is a major decision. We provide advanced orthodontic options tailored to your lifestyle, comfort levels, and long-term oral health goals here in Anchorage.

To help you understand your choices, we have broken down how clear aligners compare to traditional metal braces across the key areas that matter most.

Comfort & Daily Experience

Invisalign: Made from smooth, custom-molded SmartTrack™ plastic. Because there are no metal components, they do not irritate the soft tissues of your lips and cheeks. They are completely removable, allowing you to eat all your favorite foods and brush and floss normally.
Braces: Utilize metal brackets and wires. While highly effective, they can initially cause minor soreness or irritation to the inside of your mouth. Braces are fixed to your teeth, requiring specific dietary adjustments to avoid sticky or hard foods that might damage the hardware.

Predictable Results

Invisalign: We use advanced digital mapping software to plot your entire treatment plan before we even begin. You can see a virtual 3D preview of how your teeth will move and what your final smile will look like.
Braces: Highly dependable and capable of handling complex, precise mechanical shifts. Dr. McNees manually adjusts the tension during regular progress checks to guide your teeth into perfect alignment.

Treatment Timelines

Invisalign: Average treatment times often range from 12 to 18 months, depending on how consistently you wear your aligners. For optimal results, aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours every day.
Braces: Typically worn for 18 to 24 months. Because they are permanently fixed to your teeth, they work continuously without requiring you to track daily wear hours.

Candidacy

Invisalign: An excellent option for adults and teens looking for a discreet, nearly invisible way to correct mild-to-moderate crowding, spacing, and bite issues.
Braces: The time-tested standard for treating complex orthodontic issues, severe crowding, or significant jaw misalignment that may require fixed, continuous force.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

If traditional braces turn out to be the safest, most effective choice for your or your child’s unique smile, don’t worry—we will gladly refer you to one of our trusted local orthodontists. Dr. McNees is dedicated to ensuring you get the exact care you need. Ready to explore your options? Request a consultation with Dr. McNees today to see if Invisalign is the perfect fit for your lifestyle!