Invisalign straightens teeth with a series of clear, removable aligners instead of brackets and wires. At Beyond Braces in South Surrey, registered orthodontic specialist Dr. Walinder S. Dhol has planned more than five thousand Invisalign cases, and the practice is a Blue Diamond Invisalign provider, a status reached through case volume. That experience matters, because clear aligners are only as good as the plan behind them.
How Invisalign works
Treatment begins with a digital iTero scan of your teeth, which takes a few minutes and replaces messy impressions. From the scan, Dr. Dhol maps out each stage of tooth movement and shows you a simulation of the projected result before you commit to anything. A series of custom aligners is then made from Invisalign’s SmartTrack material.
You wear each set for about one to two weeks before moving to the next. Small tooth-coloured attachments are often bonded to certain teeth to give the aligners something to push against, which makes movements more predictable. Aligners need to be worn twenty to twenty-two hours a day and come out only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush.
Invisalign or braces: which suits you?
Many cases can be treated well either way. The decision usually comes down to lifestyle and the specifics of the bite. Here is how the two compare at our office:
| Invisalign | Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear and nearly invisible | Metal or tooth-coloured ceramic brackets |
| Removable | Yes, for meals, brushing and sports | No, fixed for the length of treatment |
| Daily wear | 20 to 22 hours a day | Works full time automatically |
| Check-ups | Typically every 6 to 9 weeks | Typically every 4 to 6 weeks |
| Food rules | Eat anything; aligners come out | Avoid hard and sticky foods |
Dr. Dhol will tell you if your case would be better served by braces, and why.
What Invisalign can treat
Clear aligners handle a wide range of problems, from crowding and gaps to many overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites. Some very complex rotations or large bite corrections still respond better to braces, and that is exactly where a high-volume provider’s judgement counts. During the consultation we will explain what aligners can achieve in your specific case and where their limits are.
Invisalign at every age
Invisalign is not just for adults. Invisalign for kids uses Invisalign First, designed for children with a mix of baby and adult teeth. Invisalign for teens includes wear indicators that show whether aligners are being worn enough. And Invisalign for adults keeps treatment discreet around work.
Fewer visits, more flexibility
Because aligners are made in advance, appointments are typically spaced every six to nine weeks. DentalMonitoring lets patients send progress scans from home between visits, so some check-ins happen without a trip to the office. That makes Invisalign popular with families who travel from further out.
Invisalign patients from across the Lower Mainland
Because aligner appointments are spaced further apart, Invisalign suits patients who travel. We look after families from Langley and Abbotsford along Highway 1, and from Tsawwassen across Boundary Bay. A typical treatment involves a consultation, a start appointment where attachments are placed and your first aligners fitted, periodic check-ins, and a final visit for retainers. Between those, progress scans from home keep Dr. Dhol in the loop.
If you are not sure whether you are a candidate, you can also start with photos through a virtual consultation and get an honest answer before you travel.
Looking after your aligners
- Brush your teeth before putting aligners back in, so food is not trapped against the teeth.
- Rinse aligners with lukewarm water and clean them gently; hot water can warp them.
- Keep them in their case when they are out. Napkins and lunch trays are where most aligners get lost.
- Stick to water while wearing them. Coffee, tea and sweet drinks can stain aligners and trap sugar on teeth.
Cost and payment
Every patient receives the full fee in writing at the consultation, with no-down-payment options, interest-free monthly plans and direct billing to most extended health insurers.
What happens when treatment ends
When the last aligner is finished, Dr. Dhol checks the bite and the position of each tooth. Sometimes a short set of refinement aligners fine-tunes the result. Attachments are then removed and polished away, and you move to retainers. Many patients find the switch easy because they are already used to wearing a clear appliance. Retainers are worn full-time at first and then at night to keep teeth from drifting back toward their old positions.
Invisalign questions
Does Invisalign hurt?
Most people feel pressure for a day or two with each new set of aligners. It usually fades quickly. Switching to a new set at bedtime means much of that pressure passes while you sleep.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on the case. Minor corrections can take around six months; most comprehensive cases take longer. Dr. Dhol will give you a timeline at the consultation.
Is Invisalign as effective as braces?
For many cases, yes, when it is planned carefully and worn as directed. For some complex movements braces remain the better tool, and we will tell you if that applies to you.
How is this different from at-home aligners?
Invisalign at our office is planned and supervised by a specialist with a full examination.
Book your Invisalign consultation
See your simulated result before you decide. Book your complimentary consultation, call or text (604) 502-5155, or stop by our Morgan Crossing office.
Beyond Braces
15735 Croydon Drive, Unit 101, Surrey, BC V3Z 2L5
Call or text (604) 502-5155