A straight, confident smile is something everyone deserves at any age. If you’ve been dreaming of fixing crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth, but dread the look or discomfort of traditional metal braces, you’re not alone. Today, thanks to advances in dental technology, Invisalign offers a modern, nearly invisible alternative to braces for adults and teens who want a beautifully aligned smile without the hassle.

At Murray Dental Group, we’re proud to be Glenwood Springs’ trusted family dental home, offering advanced Invisalign treatment in Glenwood Springs as part of our commitment to personalized, expert care. This comprehensive guide answers your biggest questions about the Invisalign procedure, including how it works, what it costs, the pros and cons, how it compares to other options like ClearCorrect or braces, and more, so you can make an informed, confident decision for yourself or your loved one.

What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?

Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic treatment that uses a custom series of clear plastic aligners instead of metal wires or brackets to gradually move your teeth into their ideal positions. Here’s how it works:

Clear Aligners Defined:

Clear aligners are smooth, medical-grade plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each set is worn for about 1-2 weeks, applying gentle, targeted force to shift teeth step by step. Because they’re transparent, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.

Digital Treatment Planning:

Modern technology is at the heart of every Invisalign smile at Murray Dental Group. Using advanced 3D imaging and digital scanning, your cosmetic dentist designs a precise, custom plan for your unique case—mapping the movements of each tooth, from start to finish, before your first aligner is even made.

The Invisalign Procedure at Murray Dental Group:

  1. Consultation: We begin with a complimentary visit to discuss your goals and perform a digital scan or impression.
  2. Custom Treatment Plan: Your dentist creates a treatment simulation showing how your smile will transform.
  3. Fabrication of Aligners: Your aligners are custom-made and delivered in sets.
  4. Wearing Aligners: You’ll wear each set of aligners for 20–22 hours per day, switching to the next set as directed.
  5. Progress Check-Ins: Periodic appointments ensure your teeth are moving as planned.
  6. Completion and Retainers: At the end, we fit you with retainers to maintain your new smile.

Learn more about the Invisalign process in our dedicated article.

Invisalign Treatment Timeline: What to Expect

Every smile is unique, and so is every Invisalign journey. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from start to finish:

Step-by-Step Timeline

  • Initial Consultation: Meet with your cosmetic dentist to determine if Invisalign is right for you and take digital scans.
  • Treatment Plan & Aligner Fabrication: We work with Invisalign’s lab to create your set of aligners, using 3D treatment planning for accuracy and comfort.
  • Active Treatment:
    • Wear Aligners Consistently: For best results, you must follow the “22-hour rule” (wear your aligners 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss).
    • Change Aligners: You’ll switch to a new set every 1-2 weeks following your dentist’s directions.
  • Check-Ins: You’ll visit Murray Dental Group about every 6-8 weeks for quick progress checks and to get your next sets of aligners.
  • Completion: Treatment typically lasts from 6 to 18 months depending on your needs.
  • Results & Retainers: Celebrate your new smile! We’ll provide retainers to help keep your teeth beautifully aligned.

Milestones and Visible Changes

  • First 2-3 months: Subtle movement begins (some patients notice visible improvements after just a few weeks)
  • Halfway through: Significant changes—friends and family will see your teeth shifting into place
  • Final months: Your dream smile comes into focus

Consistent aligner wear is key. If you follow the plan and the 22-hour rule, you’ll achieve your goals on time.

Benefits of Invisalign for Adults and Teens

Choosing Invisalign means more than just clear aligners—it’s about comfort, freedom, and confidence at every stage of your life.

Discreet Appearance

  • The transparent aligners are virtually invisible, letting you smile confidently through work meetings, school photos, social events, or selfies.
  • No metal brackets, wires, or “brace face” effect.

Comfort and Convenience

  • Made of smooth, BPA-free plastic, aligners won’t irritate cheeks and gums like braces sometimes do.
  • No emergencies related to poking wires or broken brackets.

Removability for Eating and Cleaning

  • Eat all your favorite foods, just remove aligners at mealtime.
  • Brush and floss normally, so oral hygiene stays simple (and fresher breath is easier to maintain).

Fewer Office Visits

  • Fewer in-person checkups than with traditional braces since there are no hardware adjustments.
  • Check-ins focus on progress, questions, and encouragement.

Invisalign advantages include greater flexibility for families on the go, busy professionals, and anyone who values a low-profile orthodontic solution.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Wondering whether you should choose Invisalign or metal braces? Here’s how they compare: 

Features Invisalign Traditional Braces
Appearance Nearly invisible clear aligners Very noticeable metal brackets & wires
Comfort Smooth plastic—less irritation Wires/brackets can cause discomfort
Removability Removable (20–22 hrs/day)* Fixed – cannot be removed
Oral Hygiene Easy to brush & floss normally Brushing/flossing tricky around wires
Diet Restrictions No restrictions—remove to eat Avoid sticky, hard, crunchy foods
Office Visits Every 6–8 weeks for aligner changes Every 4–6 weeks for adjustments
Treatment Time ~6–18 months for mild cases ~12–24 + months depending on case
Cost Comparable or slightly more, depends on complexity Often insurance‑covered, typically $3K–7K

*Invisalign aligners must be worn about 20–22 hours per day for best results.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign

Pros:

  • Discreet, comfortable, no food limitations, simple oral hygiene, fewer emergencies

Cons:

  • Requires commitment (must wear aligners 22 hours per day), not for all types of complex bite correction, can be misplaced or lost if not careful

Pros and Cons of Braces

Pros:

  • Suitable for very complex cases or major bite corrections
  • Patient doesn’t need to worry about removing/losing aligners

Cons:

  • Highly visible, more hygiene challenges, more food restrictions, potential for discomfort

Still unsure? Our cosmetic dental services team can walk you through both options during your visit, helping you decide which fits your lifestyle, needs, and budget.

Invisalign vs. ClearCorrect: What’s the Difference?

Both Invisalign and ClearCorrect are types of clear aligners that move teeth gradually, but there are notable distinctions.

Key Differences

  • Experience & Innovation: Invisalign pioneered clear aligner therapy and remains the most well-known brand, using proprietary SmartTrack™ material and advanced digital planning tools.
  • Precision: Invisalign’s 3D imaging software allows for highly customized movement and predictable results.
  • Case Acceptance: Invisalign frequently treats more complex dental and bite cases compared to many competitors.
  • Provider Support: Invisalign’s clinical support and educational resources are unmatched.

At Murray Dental Group, we choose Invisalign for its proven track record and reliable results—giving our patients the best in clear aligner innovation.

For more insights, visit our article on Invisalign vs ClearCorrect.

Common Invisalign Questions Answered

Can Invisalign fix an underbite or overbite?

Yes! Invisalign can address many types of bite issues, including overbites and underbites. However, some complex cases may still require traditional orthodontics. During your complimentary consultation, our dentists will assess if aligners can achieve your treatment goals.

What is the hardest part of Invisalign?

The biggest challenge for most patients is remembering to wear the aligners 22 hours each day. Creating routines like always putting them back after eating can be made much easier.

Why do my teeth feel weird after Invisalign?

Minor discomfort or slight tooth movement feeling is normal as your teeth shift and settle. If you have additional questions after completing your Invisalign procedure, we’re always here to help.

Do you have to wear retainers forever after Invisalign?

Retainers are crucial for maintaining your straight smile. While they’re worn full-time at first, most patients shift to nighttime-only wear, much like with braces.

Read more FAQs about clear aligners vs Invisalign in our educational resources.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

We know cost of Invisalign is a top concern for many families and individuals considering orthodontic treatment. Let’s look at the basics:

General Pricing Range

  • The cost of Invisalign typically ranges from $3,500 to $7,000 depending on case complexity, length of treatment, and number of aligners.
  • Your dental insurance may cover some or all of the treatment—our team provides complimentary insurance benefit checks before you begin.
  • Wondering how much is Invisalign without insurance? We offer clear, up-front pricing and multiple payment options for your peace of mind.

Flexible Payment Plans & Financing

To make this investment even more accessible, Murray Dental Group offers flexible financing and payment plans, including options through CareCredit. We’re committed to helping you achieve your smile goals without financial stress.

Long-Term Smile Investment

Invisalign is more than just cosmetic dental services—it's an investment in your health, comfort, and confidence for years to come. Research shows that straight teeth improve oral hygiene, reduce the risk of decay and gum disease, and enhance your overall wellbeing. Find out more about the advantages of Invisalign.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Invisalign works for most adults and responsible teens who are committed to wearing aligners consistently. It is ideal if you:

  • Want straighter teeth without visible braces
  • Prefer a removable orthodontic solution
  • Are prepared to follow the treatment plan every day
  • Smile goals include fixing crooked, crowded, or mildly misaligned teeth
  • Need correction for some bite issues (after evaluation by your cosmetic dentist)

Certain cases (severe misalignment, major jaw issues) may require other treatments, but most people are surprised by how many smiles Invisalign can transform.

The best way to know? Schedule a complimentary consultation with our experienced team at Murray Dental Group in Glenwood Springs, CO. We’ll listen to your story, answer every question, review your smile with the latest 3D imaging, and design a customized plan just for you—there’s never any pressure or obligation. As always, you’ll be treated like part of the family.

Start Your Invisalign Journey at Murray Dental Group

At Murray Dental Group, we understand that every smile holds a story—and every patient deserves care as unique as they are. We invite you to discover how Invisalign can change not just your smile, but your confidence and quality of life.

To learn more, get started with a complimentary Invisalign consultation, explore cosmetic dental services, or read more on our orthodontic treatment options.

If you’ve been searching for “Invisalign in Glenwood Springs CO” or have questions about the cost of Invisalign, pros and cons, or your candidacy, reach out today and let us help you feel right at home on your smile journey.

Ready to take your first step toward a straighter smile?

Contact Murray Dental Group or call us today to schedule your personal consultation. Your family. Your smile. Our passion.