What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that gradually shifts teeth into their ideal positions using a series of custom-made, removable trays. Each aligner is crafted from medical-grade SmartTrack thermoplastic, an FDA-approved, BPA-free material designed for comfort and effectiveness. You’ll wear each set for 20 to 22 hours daily, switching to a new set every one to two weeks as your teeth move into place.
Invisalign in Aurora, CO is available at Garlock Orthodontics, where clear aligners offer a virtually invisible alternative to traditional braces for patients across the surrounding communities. Adults with busy careers and teens who want to smile confidently in photos can reach their smile goals without metal brackets or wires.
Invisalign has helped millions of patients change their smiles since the system launched in 1998. At Garlock Orthodontics, Dr. David Garlock and Dr. Logan Smith pair their orthodontic training with current digital tools to deliver custom Invisalign treatment plans for patients of all ages right here in Aurora, CO.
Benefits of Invisalign Clear Aligners
Patients choose Invisalign for reasons that go far beyond appearance. The advantages show up at work, at school, at the dinner table, and in the bathroom mirror every morning.
- Nearly Invisible Treatment — Clear aligners are hard to notice, even up close. This makes Invisalign in Aurora a great fit for adults who have face time in their careers and teens who don’t want the “metal mouth” look during school photos or social events.
- Comfort You Can Feel — Forget about the irritation that comes with brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic that won’t poke your cheeks or gums. Most patients adjust to wearing them within a day or two, and there are no emergency visits for broken brackets or poking wires.
- Eat What You Love — Because aligners are removable, you can take them out for meals, which means there are no food restrictions and no worrying about popcorn shells getting stuck in brackets. Just remove your aligners, enjoy your meal, brush your teeth, and pop them back in.
- Easier Brushing and Flossing — With traditional braces, cleaning around brackets and wires takes extra time and effort. With Invisalign, you simply remove your aligners and clean your teeth normally. Keeping gums healthy is easier, which helps reduce cavities and supports your oral health throughout treatment.
- Fewer Trips to the Office — Traditional braces often require adjustments every four weeks. Compared to monthly braces adjustments, Invisalign patients typically visit our Aurora, CO office every six to eight weeks for quick check-ins. That means less time away from work or school.
- Preview Your Results Up Front — Using 3D treatment planning technology, we can show you a digital preview of how your teeth will move throughout treatment. You’ll see your projected smile before you even begin. Learn more about our iTero technology and how it shapes your plan.
The Invisalign Treatment Process at Garlock Orthodontics
Getting started with Invisalign in Aurora at our practice is simple. Here’s what to expect:
- Free Consult and Digital Scan
Your Invisalign experience begins with a complimentary visit. We use an iTero digital scanner to capture detailed 3D images of your teeth, with no messy putty impressions needed. This scan takes just a few minutes and gives us everything we need to plan your treatment. - A Plan Built Around Your Teeth
Using your digital scan, we map out exactly how your teeth will move from where they are now to where they need to be. You’ll see a 3D simulation of your smile at each stage, from start to finish. This lets you visualize your results before treatment even begins. - Receive Your Custom Aligners
Once your aligners arrive, we’ll show you how to wear and care for them properly. You’ll wear each set for one to two weeks, removing them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing your teeth. - Progress Check-Ins
Every six to eight weeks, you’ll stop by Garlock Orthodontics for a brief check-in. Dr. Garlock or Dr. Smith will review your progress, answer any questions, and provide your next sets of aligners. These check-ins are quick, usually just 15 to 20 minutes. - Complete Treatment and Retain Your Results
Once you’ve worn your final set of aligners, it’s time to celebrate your new smile! You’ll switch to wearing retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions. Most patients wear retainers full-time initially, then switch to nighttime wear.
Average treatment time varies based on your specific needs. Many patients complete treatment in 12 to 18 months, though simpler cases may finish in as few as 6 months.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
Invisalign treats many of the same orthodontic concerns as traditional braces. It works well for:
- Crowding: teeth that overlap or are too close together
- Gaps: spaces between teeth
- Overbite: upper teeth extending too far over lower teeth
- Underbite: lower teeth sitting in front of upper teeth
- Crossbite: upper and lower teeth not aligning properly
- Open bite: upper and lower teeth not meeting when the mouth closes
The best Invisalign candidates are responsible teens and adults who can commit to wearing their aligners 20 to 22 hours daily. Consistency matters. The more you wear your aligners, the better your results.
That said, Invisalign isn’t the right choice for everyone. Severe orthodontic cases involving significant jaw misalignment may require traditional braces or a two-phase treatment approach. Complex tooth rotations or vertical movements can also be challenging for clear aligners alone.
Invisalign Teen includes special features designed for younger patients, including compliance indicators that fade with wear. These help parents and orthodontic specialists track whether aligners are being worn as prescribed.
The clearest path to knowing if Invisalign will work for you is a free consultation at Garlock Orthodontics. We’ll evaluate your smile, discuss your goals, and recommend the option that fits your needs.
Why Choose Garlock Orthodontics for Invisalign in Aurora
Not all Invisalign providers are the same. Here’s what sets us apart:
Orthodontic Specialists, Not General Dentists
Dr. Garlock and Dr. Logan Smith are orthodontic specialists with training beyond dental school. Dr. David Garlock completed his dental degree before going on to specialty training in orthodontics, building years of clinical experience treating patients of all ages. Dr. Smith earned his Master’s in Orthodontics from Saint Louis University and is a Littleton native. When you choose an orthodontic specialist for Invisalign, you benefit from focused training in tooth movement and bite correction that general dentists don’t receive.
Digital Tools That Make Treatment Easier
Our iTero digital scanner captures precise 3D images of your teeth, eliminating uncomfortable putty impressions. The same technology powers our treatment planning software, which lets us show you exactly how your smile will change week by week.
Care Built Around You
At Garlock Orthodontics, you’re more than a patient with a set of pearly whites. We take time to understand your smile goals and build a treatment plan made specifically for you. Our team remembers your name, your kids’ names, and what you talked about at your last visit.
Serving Aurora, CO and Beyond
Our Aurora, CO office welcomes patients from Centennial, Parker, and Southeast Denver. We’ve helped families throughout the area achieve beautiful, healthy smiles.
Flexible Payment Options
We work with most insurance plans and offer low monthly payment options to make Invisalign affordable. Use our online payment calculator to explore financing before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
How much does Invisalign cost in Aurora, CO?
Invisalign costs vary based on treatment complexity and duration. Many patients find that Invisalign costs about the same as traditional braces. At Garlock Orthodontics, we offer free consults with a custom cost estimate. We accept most insurance plans and offer flexible financing with low monthly payments.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment length depends on your specific orthodontic needs. Most patients complete Invisalign treatment in 12 to 18 months, though minor corrections may take as few as 6 months. During your consult, we’ll give you a realistic timeline based on your digital treatment plan.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Most patients feel mild pressure or tightness when switching to a new set of aligners. This is normal, it means your teeth are moving! The tenderness typically fades within a day or two. Unlike braces, there are no brackets or wires to irritate your cheeks and gums.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
Some patients notice a slight lisp during the first few days of wearing aligners. This is temporary. Your tongue quickly adjusts to the aligners, and most people speak normally within a week. Many patients report that others can’t tell they’re wearing aligners at all.
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign the same way they cover traditional braces. Our team will verify your benefits and help you understand your coverage before treatment begins. We also offer financing options for any remaining balance.
Which is better: Invisalign or traditional braces?
Both straighten teeth well, but the right pick depends on your case and lifestyle. The table below breaks down the main differences side by side.
| Feature | Invisalign | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Nearly invisible | Visible metal or ceramic |
| Removability | Yes, for eating and brushing | Fixed throughout treatment |
| Food restrictions | None | Avoid hard, sticky foods |
| Office visits | Every 6-8 weeks | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic | May cause irritation initially |
| Best for | Mild to moderate cases | All case types |
Invisalign offers discretion, comfort, and convenience, since you can remove aligners for eating and brushing. Traditional braces may be a better fit for severe cases or patients who prefer not to worry about removing and tracking aligners. During your consult, we’ll recommend the option that best fits your lifestyle and orthodontic needs.
Schedule Your Free Invisalign Consultation in Aurora
Ready to see what your smile could look like? Garlock Orthodontics offers complimentary consults at our Aurora, CO office. During your visit, you’ll receive a free iTero scan, see a preview of your potential results, and get answers to all your questions about Invisalign in Aurora. We’ll discuss your smile goals and review financing options that fit your budget, with no pressure, just honest guidance from orthodontic specialists who go the extra smile for every patient.
Request your free consult today. We proudly serve patients from Aurora, Centennial, Parker, and Southeast Denver at our Aurora, CO office. Sit back, relax & get started with the team that loves making people happy.