What is Invisalign?
Invisalign consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that fit over your teeth. These custom-made aligners gently shift your teeth to the desired positions. They're removable for eating and brushing. You can wear them confidently from any angle — no one will know.
A personalized treatment plan maps exactly how the series will transform your smile.
How does Invisalign compare to braces?
Clear aligners offer advantages beyond cosmetics, oral hygiene and patient comfort. They're smart plastics customized with sophisticated software and AI. Compared to metal braces, clear aligners are more conservative, more scientific, more precise and more efficient at tooth movement.
You can preview end results before treatment starts, compare multiple plans before aligner manufacturing, and maintain total control of the process and results. Clear aligners don't require frequent office visits or emergency visits — everything is managed by the patient. Remote or virtual visits are possible.
How long does Invisalign take?
The average treatment span is 12–18 months, though this varies based on how much change is needed.
Do you offer other clear aligners?
Invisalign is a pioneer and has nearly perfected orthodontic technology. Recently, Centre Dental also offers SureSmile (Dentsply Sirona) clear aligners. While results are similar, SureSmile may cost less. Offering multiple systems means more patients can benefit from clear orthodontics — with more choices.
How do crooked teeth affect my health?
- Oral hygiene challenges — more prone to cavities and gum disease
- Abnormal forces — gum recession, bone loss, cracked teeth, TMJ issues
- Smile disharmonies — affecting self-confidence, social-economic achievement and relationships
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Invisalign
Clear aligners that straighten teeth without metal braces.
Learn MoreWhy choose Dr. Shi for Invisalign?
Dr. Shi was highly trained in orthodontics with many years of traditional braces experience. He started using Invisalign about 20 years ago — one of the few dentists who participated in the doctor panel to help evaluate and develop new Invisalign features.
When developing treatment plans, he looks beyond just tooth movement to include gum and bone conditions — so your future smile is built on sound foundations.
Dr. Shi was one of the first dentists in a pilot to automate treatment planning. Computer programmers interviewed him for many hours over a year to develop automation planning software for his cases — greatly speeding up his Invisalign setup.
For complex cases, Dr. Shi may combine Invisalign with traditional orthodontics including TADs, Distalizers and Expanders. Whenever possible, Dr. Shi prefers non-extraction orthodontics to preserve tongue space and avoid creating sleep apnea risks later in life.