General Dentistry in Thunder Bay, ON

Invisalign in Thunder Bay, ON

Crooked or crowded teeth don’t have to mean metal brackets and wires. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth. Redwood Dental Centre walks you through the whole process, from your first scan to your final aligner.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a system of clear, removable aligners that gradually move your teeth into a straighter position. Instead of metal brackets and wires, you wear a series of custom made plastic trays, switching to a new one every couple of weeks as your teeth shift. Each aligner is built from a digital scan or mold of your teeth, so it fits your mouth at each stage of treatment. You take the aligners out to eat, brush, and floss, then put them back in for the rest of the day.

Why Patients Choose Invisalign

Clear aligners work differently than metal braces. Here’s what patients tend to like about them.

Removable for Meals

You take the aligners out to eat, so there are no food restrictions like there can be with fixed braces.

Fewer Office Visits

Aligners are typically switched at home on a set schedule, with checkups spaced out to see how treatment is going.

Less Noticeable Than Metal Brackets

Clear plastic aligners sit over your teeth and are less noticeable than metal brackets and wires.

What Happens During Treatment

Here’s what to expect if Dr. Ameen recommends Invisalign for you.

Exam and Digital Scan

Dr. Ameen checks your teeth and bite, then takes a digital scan or impression to map out your treatment.

Reviewing Your Plan

You’ll see a projected plan showing how your teeth are expected to move, stage by stage, before treatment starts.

Wearing Your Aligners

You wear each aligner for about 20 to 22 hours a day, switching to the next one in the series on a schedule Dr. Ameen sets for you.

Check In Visits

You’ll come in periodically so Dr. Ameen can check your progress and make sure treatment is moving the way it should.

Wearing and Caring for Your Aligners

Wear your aligners for about 20 to 22 hours a day, only removing them to eat, brush, and floss
Clean your aligners daily with a soft brush and lukewarm water, not hot water
Store aligners in their case when they're not in your mouth to avoid losing or damaging them
Keep up with your check in appointments so Dr. Ameen can track how treatment is progressing

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Invisalign works for a range of situations, but a few factors help Dr. Ameen decide if it fits your case.

Crowded or Gapped Teeth

Invisalign is commonly used for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and some bite issues.

Committed to Wearing Aligners

Since aligners are removable, treatment works best when they’re worn consistently for the recommended hours each day.

General Dentist Providing Care

All care is provided by Dr. Ahmed Ameen Al-Obaidi (Dr. Ameen), a General Dentist, with over 20 years of experience in general dentistry.

Understanding Cost and Insurance

Billing for Invisalign depends on how many aligners your treatment plan needs and how complex your case is, so Dr. Ameen will give you an exact quote after your exam. Whatever fee is quoted covers the full treatment plan, including any lab costs for your aligners, and it applies the same way to every patient regardless of insurance coverage. Our front desk reviews your specific insurance benefits before treatment starts so you know what to expect.

A Quote Before You Start

You’ll receive the exact cost of your treatment plan before any aligners are ordered, with no fees added later.

Insurance Coordination

Orthodontic coverage varies by plan. We check your specific benefits ahead of time so you know what’s covered.

Payment Options Discussed Upfront

If you do not have insurance, our front desk can walk you through the cost of treatment before you commit.

Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable trays instead of fixed metal brackets and wires. Each tray gradually shifts your teeth, and you switch to a new one every couple of weeks.

How is Invisalign different from metal braces?

Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable trays instead of fixed metal brackets and wires. Each tray gradually shifts your teeth, and you switch to a new one every couple of weeks.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

It depends on your case, but many treatment plans run several months to about a year or more. Dr. Ameen will give you a time estimate specific to your teeth after your exam.

Do I have to wear the aligners all day?

Yes, about 20 to 22 hours a day. You take them out mainly to eat, brush, and floss, then put them back in for the rest of the day.

Does Invisalign hurt?

Switching to a new aligner can bring some pressure or mild soreness for a day or two as your teeth adjust. This usually eases as you get used to each new tray in the series.

Does insurance cover Invisalign?

Many plans include some orthodontic coverage. We check your specific benefits before treatment starts so you know what to expect. If you do not have insurance, we can walk you through pricing directly.

Ready for a healthier smile?

New patients welcome. Direct billing to most insurance plans.

Redwood Dental has been serving families across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario for over two decades.