Are you thinking about clear aligners (such as Invisalign, Angel Aligner, Spark, etc.) but are feeling a little overwhelmed by where to begin? You’re not the only one—starting something new, especially when it comes to your teeth, can feel like a big step. Drs. Eric and Lena Bortnem at Bortnem Orthodontics have helped plenty of kids and adults who had the same questions you do: How does it work? Will it fit into my routine? Is it worth it? Let’s clear things up and show you how simple (and surprisingly easy) clear aligners can be.
“Invisalign” vs “Clear Aligners”
First things first, let’s clear up some terminology. “Invisalign” has become synonymous with “clear aligners”, much like “Kleenex,” is used to refer to all “facial tissues” and “Chapstick” is used to refer to all “lip balms”. However, Invisalign is just one brand among many that produce clear aligners. While Invisalign is a well-known name, many other companies utilize the same proven technology to deliver beautiful smiles – one of those companies is Angel Aligner. Like Invisalign, Angel Aligner is not some new fad in clear aligner treatment. In fact, they have been manufacturing clear aligners for orthodontists around the world since 2003! However, over the past several years, we’ve seen a massive shift by orthodontists away from Invisalign and toward companies like Angel Aligner. Bortnem Orthodontics has been a part of that exciting paradigm shift and we’ve seen incredible results for our patients.
Ultimately, clear aligners are simply a tool, and the success of treatment hinges much more on patient compliance and the expertise of the orthodontist than on the specific brand of aligners used.
Clear Aligners Aren’t Just “Clear Braces”
If you think clear aligners are just braces without the metal, think again. It’s more like having a custom-fit, low-maintenance tool that works quietly in the background while you go about your day. Drs. Eric and Lena Bortnem craft personalized treatment plans where each set of clear aligners does the heavy lifting—no wires to adjust, no surprise pokes, and no complicated routines. Just steady, hassle-free progress that fits seamlessly into your life.
Here’s how it works:
- Custom Fit: Your aligners are customized to fit your teeth perfectly.
- Steady Progress: Every couple of weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of trays that keeps things moving in the right direction.
- Low-Key Maintenance: Fewer office visits, quick check-ins, and zero metal adjustments.
Now that you know clear aligners aren’t just a “clear” version of braces, let’s talk about what it’s like to actually live with them day-to-day.
What Life with Clear Aligners Actually Feels Like
Wearing clear aligners isn’t some dramatic lifestyle overhaul. It’s more like adding a new habit to your routine, like remembering your reusable water bottle or putting your phone on silent before a meeting. Most adults find that after the first few days, they barely notice their aligners are there. Here’s what day-to-day life looks like:
Eating
Simply remove your aligners before meals, savor your favorite foods, and give your teeth a quick brush before popping them back in. No off-limits snacks, no worries about food getting stuck—just the freedom to enjoy every bite.
Talking
You might notice a slight lisp for the first day or two, but your mouth will adjust quickly. The more you talk, the faster it fades.
Cleaning
Rinse your aligners when you take them out, give them a gentle brush (no toothpaste—it can scratch), and soak them occasionally to keep them fresh.
It’s simple, but there’s one thing that makes all the difference with clear aligners—consistency. Let’s break down why that matters next.
Why Consistency Makes All the Difference
Think of clear aligners like a slow-cooker recipe—it works wonders, but only if you let it do its thing without constant interruptions. The aligners are designed to apply gentle, steady pressure to shift your teeth, and that pressure only works if the aligners are worn full-time as prescribed.
Imagine this: You wear your aligners religiously for a week, then forget them for a full day. That’s like hitting the “pause” button on your progress. Your teeth start shifting back, and suddenly, your timeline stretches longer than planned. It’s not about perfection—everyone forgets once in a while—but the more consistent you are, the faster you’ll see results.
So, if you’re wondering how long this process really takes, the answer depends a lot on how committed you are. Let’s discuss the timeline next.
How Long Does It Take?
When you think of orthodontic treatment, you might picture years of metal braces. However with aligners, the timeline is often shorter and more flexible. Most adults complete their treatment in 6 to 18 months, and many start seeing noticeable changes within the first few weeks. Here’s what can affect how long your treatment takes:
- Starting Point: Minor crowding or small gaps? You’re likely looking at the shorter end. More complex cases, like bite issues, may take a bit longer.
- Consistency is King: Wearing your aligners for 20–22 hours a day keeps your teeth moving as planned. Skipping days slows things down.
- Switching Aligners at the Right Time: Each set is designed to work for a specific period—usually 1–2 weeks at 22+ hours/day. Delaying the switch can stall progress, but you also should not switch if you haven’t been wearing them the prescribed amount.
- Your Body’s Response: Everyone’s teeth move at different rates. Some people’s teeth shift quickly, while others need more time.
- Check-In Appointments: Quick visits with Drs. Eric and Lena help catch any issues early, keeping things on schedule.
- Oral Health: Healthy gums and teeth respond better to treatment. Keeping up with your dental hygiene helps things move along smoothly.
So, while clear aligners can be quicker than braces in some cases, the timeline is really in your hands. Speaking of which—how do clear aligners actually stack up against braces? Let’s compare.
Clear Aligners vs. Braces: What’s the Real Difference?
If you’re weighing Invisalign against traditional braces, it’s kind of like comparing wireless headphones to the old wired ones—both get the job done, but the experience is completely different. Drs. Eric and Lena Bortnem at Bortnem Orthodontics help patients choose the option that fits their lifestyle, but here’s how clear aligners stand out:
- Appearance: Clear aligners are nearly invisible, so you can smile confidently without the flash of metal.
- Comfort: No brackets or wires means no unexpected pokes or irritation. Clear aligners are smooth and custom-fit to your teeth.
- Flexibility: Eat what you love! Just pop out your aligners during meals—no food restrictions or worrying about getting lettuce stuck in braces.
- Fewer Appointments: Clear aligners require fewer in-office visits since there are no wires to tighten. Drs. Eric and Lena Bortnem will check your progress every few weeks.
- Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing are a breeze. No need to maneuver around brackets—just remove the trays and care for your teeth as usual.
While braces are still a great option for some more complex cases, clear aligners from Bortnem Orthodontics offer a level of freedom that fits seamlessly into our adult and child patients’ busy lives.
Ready to Straighten Things Out?
If you’ve been thinking about clear aligners, there’s no time like the present to get started. Drs. Eric and Lena Bortnem at Bortnem Orthodontics make the process simple, flexible, and tailored to your lifestyle—no metal, no fuss, just results. Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward a smile you’ll love!
