What Is Invisalign? Clear Aligners Explained by a Dentist in Stockholm
Invisalign® is a clear-aligner system used to straighten teeth without traditional metal brackets and wires. Instead of fixed braces, Invisalign uses a series of transparent, removable aligners that gradually move your teeth according to a digital treatment plan.
At Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Södermalm, Stockholm, we use Invisalign as part of dentist-led orthodontic planning. This page explains what Invisalign is, how it works, who it may suit and what you should know before starting treatment.
Quick answer – what is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses custom-made clear aligners to move teeth step by step. The aligners are removable, almost invisible in daily life and designed from a digital treatment plan. Invisalign can help with many cases of crowding, spacing and selected bite problems, but suitability must always be assessed by a dentist.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign treatment starts with an assessment of your teeth, bite, gums and treatment goals. If clear aligners are suitable, your teeth are digitally scanned and a treatment plan is created. The plan shows how your teeth are expected to move over time.
You then receive a sequence of aligners. Each aligner is worn for the period recommended by your dentist, usually around one to two weeks depending on your plan. As you move through the aligner series, your teeth gradually shift toward the planned position.
| Step | What happens? | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Consultation | Your dentist checks your teeth, bite, gums and goals. | This confirms whether Invisalign is clinically suitable. |
| 2. Digital scan | A precise digital model of your teeth is created. | This supports accurate planning without traditional moulds in many cases. |
| 3. Treatment plan | Your expected tooth movements are planned digitally. | You understand the goal, timeline and limitations before starting. |
| 4. Aligner wear | You wear each aligner as instructed, usually 20–22 hours per day. | Consistent wear is essential for predictable progress. |
| 5. Progress checks | Your dentist monitors tooth movement and fit. | Adjustments or refinements can be planned if needed. |
| 6. Retention | After active treatment, retainers are used to maintain the result. | Without retainers, teeth can gradually move again. |
What can Invisalign help with?
Invisalign may be suitable for many mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. More complex bite problems can sometimes also be treated with aligners, but this requires careful assessment and realistic planning.
- Crowded teeth: when teeth overlap or are difficult to clean properly.
- Gaps between teeth: when spacing affects the smile or bite balance.
- Rotated teeth: when individual teeth need controlled movement.
- Mild bite issues: selected cases of overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite may be suitable.
- Smile preparation: alignment may be useful before teeth whitening, bonding or porcelain veneers.
If your main concern is general orthodontic treatment rather than Invisalign specifically, you can also read about our broader orthodontic treatments.
Invisalign vs traditional braces
Both Invisalign and traditional braces can move teeth, but they work differently in daily life. The best option depends on your bite, goals, oral hygiene, lifestyle and case complexity.
| Factor | Invisalign clear aligners | Traditional braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Transparent and discreet in most situations. | More visible because brackets and wires are fixed to the teeth. |
| Removability | Can be removed for meals, brushing and flossing. | Fixed in place until treatment is completed. |
| Eating | No major food restrictions because aligners are removed while eating. | Some hard or sticky foods may need to be avoided. |
| Oral hygiene | Brushing and flossing are usually easier because aligners are removable. | Cleaning around brackets and wires requires extra care. |
| Discipline | Requires consistent wear, usually 20–22 hours per day. | Works continuously because the appliance is fixed. |
| Complex cases | Suitable for many cases, but not all movements are ideal for aligners. | May be preferred for certain complex bite or tooth-movement cases. |
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
A good Invisalign candidate usually has healthy teeth and gums, realistic expectations and the ability to wear aligners consistently. Before treatment begins, your dentist needs to check that there is no untreated decay, active gum disease or other condition that could affect the result.
Invisalign may be suitable if you:
- want a discreet alternative to traditional braces;
- have crowding, spacing or selected bite concerns;
- can wear aligners for the recommended hours each day;
- can remove them for meals and clean them correctly;
- understand that retainers are needed after treatment.
When Invisalign may not be the best option
Invisalign is not automatically the right treatment for every patient. Very complex bite problems, poor aligner compliance, active gum disease, untreated cavities or certain tooth movements may require another approach. In some cases, fixed braces, restorative planning or staged treatment may be more predictable.
Attachments, refinements and retainers explained
What are Invisalign attachments?
Attachments are small tooth-coloured shapes placed on selected teeth during treatment. They help the aligners grip the teeth and guide more controlled movements. They are usually removed when treatment is completed.
What are refinements?
Refinements are additional aligners used when final tooth positions need improvement after the first aligner series. They are common in aligner treatment and help fine-tune the final result.
Why are retainers needed after Invisalign?
After orthodontic treatment, teeth naturally have a tendency to shift. Retainers help maintain the final result. Your dentist will explain how often you should wear them and how to care for them.
Daily life with Invisalign
One reason many patients choose Invisalign is that the aligners can be removed during meals and daily oral hygiene. However, success depends strongly on good routines.
- Wear your aligners as instructed, usually 20–22 hours per day.
- Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything except water.
- Brush your teeth before putting aligners back in whenever possible.
- Clean aligners with lukewarm water and gentle cleaning routines.
- Keep aligners in their case when they are not in your mouth.
- Contact the clinic if an aligner cracks, feels wrong or no longer fits properly.
If you need support with cleaning routines during aligner treatment, our dental hygienist treatments can help maintain healthy gums and fresh breath throughout the process.
Watch: Invisalign aligners in practice
This short Gloss & Floss video gives a simple visual introduction to Invisalign aligners and how they are handled in daily use.
Considering Invisalign in Stockholm?
This page explains what Invisalign is. If you are ready to explore treatment options, pricing, scan-based planning and clinical suitability, visit our dedicated Invisalign in Stockholm page.
You can also begin with a dental consultation if you are unsure whether you need Invisalign, another orthodontic option or a different smile-improvement plan.
Why choose Gloss & Floss for Invisalign guidance?
- Dentist-led planning: we check oral health, bite, gums and treatment goals before recommending aligners.
- English-speaking team: clear explanations for expats, visitors and international patients in Stockholm.
- Digital workflow: modern scanning and planning support a more comfortable treatment journey.
- Full smile perspective: we can coordinate Invisalign with whitening, veneers, dental hygiene and restorative care when needed.
- Calm Dental-SPA environment: a more relaxed setting for patients who prefer careful, unhurried dental care.
Next step: check if Invisalign is suitable for you
If you want to know whether Invisalign can help your teeth, start with an assessment. We will check your bite, teeth, gums and goals before recommending a plan.
Frequently asked questions about Invisalign
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear-aligner system that moves teeth using a series of removable transparent aligners. Each aligner is custom-made to guide the teeth gradually toward the planned position.
How does Invisalign move teeth?
Each aligner applies controlled pressure to selected teeth. As you change aligners according to your plan, the teeth move step by step. The movements are planned digitally before treatment starts.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
Invisalign is more discreet and removable, which makes eating and cleaning easier. Braces may be better for certain complex tooth movements or bite problems. The best option depends on your case.
How many hours per day should I wear Invisalign?
Most patients need to wear aligners for 20–22 hours per day. Not wearing them enough can delay treatment or affect the final result.
Can I eat with Invisalign?
No. You should remove Invisalign aligners before eating. You should also remove them before drinking anything except water to reduce staining, warping and hygiene problems.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign usually causes pressure rather than pain. Mild tenderness is common for a day or two after changing to a new aligner, especially when teeth begin moving.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment time depends on the complexity of the case and how consistently the aligners are worn. Some minor cases are shorter, while more complex movement can take longer.
Can Invisalign fix gaps between teeth?
Invisalign can often help close spaces between teeth, but the cause of the gap must be assessed. Some cases may also need bonding, veneers or retention planning after alignment.
Can Invisalign fix crowded teeth?
Invisalign can help many cases of mild to moderate crowding. More complex crowding may require additional planning, attachments, refinements or another orthodontic approach.
What are Invisalign attachments?
Attachments are small tooth-coloured shapes placed on selected teeth to help the aligners grip and move teeth more effectively. They are usually removed after treatment.
What happens if I do not wear my aligners enough?
If aligners are not worn as instructed, teeth may not move as planned. This can delay treatment, affect aligner fit and increase the need for refinements.
Do I need retainers after Invisalign?
Yes. Retainers are needed after Invisalign to help maintain the new tooth position. Without retainers, teeth can gradually shift again.
Is Invisalign suitable before veneers or whitening?
Sometimes. Aligning teeth before whitening, bonding or veneers can improve the final aesthetic result and may reduce the need for more invasive cosmetic work.
How do I know if Invisalign is right for me?
The only reliable way to know is to have a dental assessment. Your dentist checks your teeth, gums, bite and goals before recommending Invisalign or another option.
