Invisalign®

One of the most common questions we hear from patients in our Vancouver clinic is how Invisalign compares to traditional metal braces. Both are effective orthodontic treatments, but they differ in several important ways.

Invisalign aligners are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic and are virtually invisible when worn. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires that are cemented to the teeth. While braces are highly effective for severe or complex cases, Invisalign offers significant advantages for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic needs.

With Invisalign, there are no dietary restrictions because you remove the aligners before eating. You can also brush and floss normally, which helps maintain better oral hygiene during treatment. Most Invisalign patients require fewer in-office visits — typically every six to eight weeks rather than every three to four weeks with braces.

Treatment time is often comparable. Invisalign cases typically take six to eighteen months, while traditional braces average twelve to twenty-four months depending on the complexity of the case. For many adults and teens in the Oakridge and Cambie neighbourhoods, Invisalign provides the ideal balance of effectiveness, comfort, and convenience.

At Oakridge Park Dental, we use advanced digital scanning technology to create a precise 3D model of your teeth. This replaces the uncomfortable putty impressions that many patients dread. The digital scan takes just a few minutes and allows us to map out your entire treatment plan before you even begin.

Using this 3D model, we can show you a simulation of how your teeth will move at each stage of treatment — so you can see your projected results before committing. This technology also ensures that each set of aligners is fabricated with precision, leading to more predictable outcomes and a more comfortable fit.

Completing your Invisalign treatment is an exciting milestone, but it’s important to protect your results. After your final set of aligners, our dentists will recommend a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually shift back toward their original alignment — a natural process called orthodontic relapse.

Most patients wear their retainer full-time for the first few months after treatment, then transition to nighttime-only wear. We offer both clear retainers and fixed retainers depending on your preference and clinical needs. Our team at Oakridge Park Dental will guide you through the aftercare process and schedule follow-up appointments to make sure everything stays on track.

For patients interested in maintaining their smile even further, we also offer complementary cosmetic treatments such as professional teeth whitening and composite bonding to complete your smile makeover. Oakridge Park Dental is proud to be a trusted Invisalign provider in Vancouver, serving patients from the Oakridge, Cambie, Marpole, Riley Park, and South Vancouver communities. Our team combines Invisalign clear aligner technology with complementary cosmetic treatments such as professional teeth whitening and composite bonding to deliver comprehensive smile transformations. For patients who experience dental anxiety, we offer oral sedation to ensure comfort during any necessary procedures such as attachment placement or interproximal reduction. We also provide custom nightguards for patients who grind their teeth, as bruxism can affect aligner fit and treatment outcomes. Our iTero digital scanner eliminates the need for messy traditional impressions, creating precise three-dimensional models that guide every stage of your Invisalign treatment. From your first consultation through to your final retainer fitting, our experienced Vancouver dental team is committed to delivering a straighter, healthier smile that you will be proud to show.