How Clear Aligners & Invisalign Work

Discover the science behind clear aligner technology

Achieve Your Best Smile with Guidance from Dr. Marston

At Marston Orthodontics in San Diego, Dr. Marston enhances smiles using clear aligners—an almost invisible option for straightening teeth without the inconvenience of traditional braces. If you’ve been hoping for a radiant, self-assured smile but want to avoid metal brackets and wires, clear aligners could be the ideal choice for you.

The Clear Aligner & Invisalign Difference

Instead of relying on traditional brackets and wires, clear aligners & Invisalign straighten your teeth with a sequence of personalized, transparent trays that gently guide your smile into place. These smooth, removable aligners are barely noticeable, making it easy to improve your smile quietly, whether you’re at work, in class, or out enjoying life in San Diego.

Your Journey to a Straighter Smile

Step 1: Personalized Consultation

Your clear aligner & Invisalign journey starts with a thorough assessment at Marston Orthodontics, including a detailed 3D preview of your future smile. Dr. Marston will examine your teeth, talk through your goals, and decide whether aligners are the best option for you. With state-of-the-art 3D scanning, we create an accurate digital replica of your teeth and design your entire treatment step by step. You’ll even be able to view a virtual rendering of how your smile is expected to look once treatment is complete.

Step 2: Custom Aligners Designed for You

Following Dr. Marston’s personalized treatment plan, a sequence of tailor-made aligners is crafted just for your smile. Each tray introduces gentle, incremental shifts, guiding your teeth little by little each week until they reach their ideal alignment.

Step 3: Wear Your Aligners

You’ll keep each aligner in place for roughly one week, wearing them 20–22 hours daily and taking them out only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. This allows you to enjoy all your favorite foods and maintain easier oral care compared to traditional braces. Each week, you’ll move on to the next aligner, steadily progressing toward your new smile.

Step 4: Monitor Your Progress

During your treatment, you’ll visit Dr. Marston periodically at our easily accessible San Diego office. These short appointments let us monitor your progress, ensuring your teeth are shifting as intended, and give Dr. Marston the opportunity to make any adjustments needed along the way.

Step 5: Reveal Your New Smile

For adults, treatment typically lasts between 6 and 18 months, though simpler cases can sometimes be completed in just a few months. The total time depends on how complex the tooth movements are and how consistently the aligners are worn. After treatment, a retainer will help keep your beautiful new smile perfectly in place.

What our patients say

“Amazing staff and care, always taking the best care. Dr Marston is always so caring and encouraging, as well as super supportive to help rework and restrategize the way that he assists your needs.”

John K

“Dr. Marston is absolutely professional, and all the staff are very kind. My case was not easy I had to pause and redo it because of my TMJ but what I appreciate most about Dr. Marston is his patience and dedication throughout the process. My daughter also loves visiting the clinic because of the welcoming, kid-friendly environment.”

MCogan

“Just finished my Invisalign treatment. Awesome experience from beginning to end. I felt very comfortable with every step of the process from the first consultation to receiving my retainers. Every question no matter how dumb it sounded was answered professionally. They even worked with me when I moved overseas to continue my treatment. Thanks a ton Dr. Marston and team! I appreciate all of you.”

Mark S

“The entire staff is not only incredibly friendly but also consistently professional. They always go above and beyond to accommodate our scheduling needs, which we deeply appreciate. Dr. Marston is both knowledgeable and compassionate. He takes the time to explain everything clearly, ensuring that both the patient and their family fully understand the treatment plan and what to expect. We couldn’t ask for a better orthodontic experience—and we highly recommend Marston Orthodontics to anyone in need of care!”

“Dr. Marston is amazing. He does a great job of explaining and setting expectations. He is also very gentle with kids. I used him for all three of my daughters. Highly recommend.”

Tam B