This is one of the first questions patients ask at our Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City clinics when considering clear aligner treatment. I’m Dr. Emily Nguyen, and after treating patients from 65 nationalities over the past decade, I can walk you through exactly how this technology moves your teeth without traditional braces.
The Digital Planning Process
Everything starts with a detailed 3D scan of your teeth. At Picasso Dental Clinic, I use an intraoral scanner that captures thousands of images, creating a precise digital model of your current tooth positions. This takes about 10 minutes and is far more comfortable than old-style impression putty.
Using specialized software, I map out exactly how each tooth needs to move to achieve your ideal smile. I can show you a virtual animation of your treatment from start to finish, so you see the expected results before we even begin. This digital plan becomes the blueprint for manufacturing your custom aligners.
The software calculates which teeth move first, how much force to apply, and the optimal sequence of movements. Some teeth need to shift early to create space for others. Some need rotating before they can slide into position. The treatment plan accounts for all these factors.
I can make adjustments to the plan if needed. Maybe you want a specific gap closed or prefer a certain final tooth position. We refine the plan together until you’re completely satisfied with the projected outcome.
How the Aligners Move Your Teeth
Each aligner is slightly different from the previous one, designed to move specific teeth in specific directions. When you snap an aligner onto your teeth, it doesn’t fit perfectly at first. The aligner represents where your teeth should be in two weeks, not where they are today.
This imperfect fit creates gentle, constant pressure on your teeth. Your teeth want to move into the position that matches the aligner shape. Over about two weeks, they gradually shift, and the aligner starts fitting better. By day 14, your teeth match that aligner’s shape, and you’re ready for the next one.
The aligners are made from SmartTrack material, a proprietary plastic that applies consistent force throughout the wear period. This material is smooth enough for comfort but rigid enough to move teeth predictably. At our Da Nang clinic, patients often comment that Invisalign is far more comfortable than they expected.
Your bone and ligaments surrounding tooth roots actually remodel as teeth move. Pressure on one side of a tooth causes bone to dissolve slightly, while the other side generates new bone to fill the space. This biological process is why teeth can move at all, and why treatment takes months rather than days.
Attachments and Buttons Improve Control
For many cases, I place small tooth-colored attachments on certain teeth. These are tiny bumps of composite material bonded to your enamel that give the aligners better grip and control. They look like small raised dots and are barely noticeable.
Attachments help with specific movements like rotating teeth, moving roots, or creating space. Without them, aligners would just slide over smooth teeth without enough traction. With attachments, I can move teeth in ways that would be difficult or impossible with aligners alone.
Some complex cases require elastics, similar to traditional braces. Small buttons get bonded to your teeth, and you wear rubber bands between upper and lower teeth to correct bite issues. This combination of aligners and elastics handles cases that aligners alone cannot fix.
In my experience at Picasso Dental Clinic treating over 70,000 patients, about 70% of Invisalign cases need attachments. They’re removed easily at the end of treatment, leaving no marks on your teeth.
The Treatment Timeline and What to Expect
Most patients receive their complete set of aligners upfront, typically 20 to 40 aligners depending on treatment complexity. You’ll visit our clinic every 6 to 10 weeks so I can monitor progress and ensure teeth are tracking according to plan.
At each checkup, I verify that your teeth are moving as expected. Sometimes teeth don’t respond exactly as planned, which is normal. If tracking is off, I can order refinement aligners to get things back on course. About 30% of my patients need one round of refinements.
You change to a new aligner every one to two weeks at home, following my instructions. The first few days with each new aligner feel tight, but this discomfort is mild and means the treatment is working. By the second week, the aligner feels loose because your teeth have moved into position.
Compliance determines success. You must wear aligners 22 hours daily for predictable results. Patients who wear them less than 20 hours daily see slower progress or poor outcomes. At our Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat locations, I emphasize that Invisalign requires discipline.
Most treatments finish in 12 to 18 months for moderate cases. Simple cases might complete in 6 months, while complex corrections can take 24 months. After active treatment, you’ll wear retainers indefinitely to maintain results, just like with traditional braces.
Why Invisalign Works Better for Adults
The technology suits adult lifestyles perfectly. You can remove aligners for important meetings, photos, or special meals. No one needs to know you’re straightening your teeth unless you tell them.
Adults also have the discipline required for 22 hour daily wear. Teenagers sometimes struggle with compliance because they forget to wear aligners or lose them. Adults generally treat Invisalign like any other daily routine.
The clear appearance matters more to most adults than teens. Many of my patients at Picasso Dental Clinic are professionals who feel self-conscious about visible braces. Invisalign lets them improve their smile without affecting their professional image.
If you have questions about whether Invisalign could work for your specific situation or want to see a digital preview of your potential results, I’m available at any of our Picasso Dental Clinic locations in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Lat.
