COSMETIC
RESTORATIVE
ADVANCED
GENERAL
MODERN SMILE DESIGN
Invisalign
Straighten discreetly, live fully
Clear, custom-fit aligners that gradually move your teeth into their ideal position without brackets or wires. Designed to treat a wide range of alignment and bite concerns while remaining nearly invisible throughout the course of care.
Blue Diamond
Provider STATUS
Top 1%
Invisalign Provider Worldwide
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
01 — WHAT INVISALIGN TREATS
Conditions We Correct with Invisalign
Invisalign is not limited to mild cosmetic cases. With advanced planning software and Dr. Dontsova's experience across thousands of cases, clear aligners can treat many of the same conditions traditionally managed with brackets and wires.
Crowding
Teeth that overlap or are rotated due to insufficient space in the arch. Left untreated, crowding makes thorough brushing and flossing difficult and increases the risk of decay and gum disease over time.
Spacing
Gaps between teeth caused by missing teeth, undersized teeth, or natural variation in jaw size. Spacing can affect both aesthetics and the way teeth distribute biting forces across the arch.
Overbite
Upper front teeth that overlap the lower front teeth more than they should. A deep overbite can cause wear on the lower teeth, jaw discomfort, and contribute to long-term enamel damage if left uncorrected
Underbite
Lower teeth that sit in front of the upper teeth when the jaw is closed. Depending on the severity and whether the cause is skeletal or dental, Invisalign can reposition the teeth to restore a functional bite.
Crossbite
One or more upper teeth that bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside. This uneven contact can cause asymmetric jaw growth, enamel wear, and gum recession on the affected teeth if not addressed.
Open Bite
Upper and lower teeth that do not make contact when the mouth is closed, most commonly in the front of the mouth. An open bite can make it difficult to bite into food cleanly and may affect speech.
02 — INVISALIGN VS BRACES
Why Dr. Dontsova Recommends Invisalign
As a Blue Diamond Invisalign provider, Dr. Dontsova routinely treats complex cases with clear aligners that many providers would default to braces for. Crowding, bite correction, spacing, and even cases involving extractions can be planned and executed with Invisalign when managed by a provider with this level of experience. Modern Smile Design does offer traditional braces, but Dr. Dontsova rarely recommends them. In the vast majority of cases, Invisalign delivers equal or better results with far less impact on the patient's daily life.
Invisalign | Traditional Braces | |
|---|---|---|
Appearance | Nearly invisible | Metal brackets & wires |
Comfort | Smooth, custom-fit plastic | Brackets and wires may irritate cheeks and gums |
Eating | No restrictions | Hard, sticky, and crunchy foods must be avoided |
Oral Hygiene | Remove aligners and brush normally | Requires special tools to clean around brackets |
Removable | Yes | No |
Office Visits | Periodic check-ins | More frequent adjustments required |
Emergency Visits | Rare | Bracket and wire breaks are common |
03 — YOUR CONSULTATION
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Evaluation and Digital Scan
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Dontsova examines your teeth, gums, and bite, and takes a full digital scan of your mouth using an intraoral scanner. This scan replaces the traditional putty impressions most patients remember and produces a precise 3D model of your teeth and jaw in minutes.
She also takes diagnostic photographs and, when needed, reviews any existing X-rays or imaging to evaluate root position and bone support before recommending a treatment plan.
iTero 3D Smile Preview
One of the most valuable parts of the Invisalign process is the iTero 3D smile simulation. Using the data from your digital scan, Dr. Dontsova maps out the entire movement of your teeth from their current position to their final alignment. You see a projected outcome on screen before any treatment begins.
This preview allows you to visualize your result, ask questions about specific tooth movements, and understand the estimated number of aligner stages and overall treatment timeline before making any commitment.
Invisalign treatment at Modern Smile Design is comprehensive. Refinements and retainers are included in the cost of treatment, so if adjustments are needed after your initial aligner sequence to perfect the result, they are covered.
Before your First Aligner
Once you decide to proceed, Dr. Dontsova may recommend addressing any active dental needs before treatment begins. A professional cleaning, treatment of cavities, or resolution of gum inflammation ensures that your teeth and supporting structures are healthy before aligners are placed. In most cases, small tooth-colored attachments are bonded to specific teeth to give the aligners additional grip where more complex movements are planned. If the treatment plan requires additional space, Dr. Dontsova may perform interproximal reduction, a precise reshaping between certain teeth, on a case-by-case basis.
04 — DURING TREATMENT
Living with Your Aligners
Most Invisalign cases take between six and eighteen months, depending on the complexity of the correction. What makes the difference between finishing on schedule and extending treatment is how consistently the daily routine is followed.
Your First Days
Aligners should be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water, and teeth should be brushed and flossed before aligners are reinserted. Each aligner should be rinsed every time it is removed and cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush and a clear, unscented soap.
Daily Routine
Aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours daily, removed only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss. Teeth should be cleaned before reinserting the aligners every time. Each aligner should be rinsed when removed and cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap.
Hot water, colored soaps, and mouthwash should not be used on aligners, as they can warp the plastic or leave residue that affects fit and clarity.
Changing Aligners
Aligners are typically changed to the next set in the sequence every four to five days, as directed by Dr. Dontsova. This accelerated cadence is faster than many offices recommend, and it is possible because of the precision of the digital treatment plan and the level of monitoring at each check-in visit. Each set should be worn for its full recommended hours before moving on, since wear time is what determines whether treatment stays on schedule. Patients are encouraged to keep their previous aligner until the new one seats comfortably, in case a step back is needed.
Check-In Visits
Throughout treatment, Dr. Dontsova schedules periodic visits to monitor your progress, verify that teeth are tracking according to plan, and make adjustments if any teeth are falling behind. These visits are typically brief and are an important part of ensuring the final result matches the projected outcome from your ClinCheck preview.
WHEN TO CONTACT OUR OFFICE
Please call us if you experience a lost or broken aligner, persistent pain beyond mild pressure, an aligner that no longer fits properly after a scheduled change, or any irritation or sores that do not resolve within a few days.
05 — AFTER TREATMENT
Protecting Your Result
Transitioning to Retainers
When your final aligner stage is complete, your teeth are in their new position but the bone and soft tissue around them have not yet fully stabilized. Retainers hold your teeth in place while this remodeling process finishes. Without a retainer, teeth will begin to shift back toward their original positions, and this process can start within weeks of completing treatment.
Your retainers are included in the cost of your Invisalign treatment at Modern Smile Design. Retainer wear is lifelong. The frequency may decrease over time based on Dr. Dontsova's recommendations, but some form of retention is necessary to maintain the correction long-term.
Vivera Retainers
For patients who want additional peace of mind, Modern Smile Design offers Vivera retainers as an optional upgrade at an additional cost. Vivera retainers are made by Invisalign using the same digital precision as your treatment aligners and come as a set of four, giving you backup retainers on hand in case one is lost, damaged, or worn down over time.
Having a spare set eliminates the wait and cost of ordering a single replacement, which is especially valuable given that retainer wear is a lifelong commitment. Dr. Dontsova can discuss whether Vivera is a good fit during your treatment or as you approach your final aligner stage.
Ongoing Dental Care
Routine dental cleanings and examinations remain important after Invisalign treatment, both for your overall oral health and for monitoring the long-term stability of your result. During these visits, Dr. Dontsova checks that your teeth are holding their position, that your bite is functioning properly, and that your retainer continues to fit as it should. Patients who maintain regular visits and consistent retainer wear can expect their Invisalign result to remain stable for years to come.
06 — FINANCING
Flexible Payment Options
We believe that the cost of treatment should not prevent you from pursuing the smile and oral health you deserve. Modern Smile Design partners with two leading patient financing providers so you can begin treatment on a timeline that works for you.
CareCredit
A healthcare-specific credit card accepted at our office, offering promotional financing options including plans with 0% interest for qualifying patients. Apply before or at your consultation to know your options upfront.
07 — FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment length depends on the complexity of the case. Minor corrections may take as little as six months, while more involved cases can require twelve to eighteen months or longer. Your estimated timeline is determined during your consultation after Dr. Dontsova reviews your digital scan and develops your treatment plan.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Most patients experience mild pressure or tightness for the first day or two after switching to a new aligner. This is a normal sign that the aligners are working and typically subsides on its own. The sensation is generally described as pressure rather than pain, and it tends to decrease with each successive aligner as patients become accustomed to the process.
Can Invisalign fix my bite, or is it only cosmetic?
Invisalign treats both alignment and bite concerns. Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites can all be addressed with clear aligners when the case is planned and managed by an experienced provider. As a Blue Diamond provider, Dr. Dontsova routinely corrects complex bite issues with Invisalign that many offices would default to braces for.
Is there an age limit for Invisalign?
There is no upper age limit. Invisalign is suitable for teens and adults alike, as long as the teeth and supporting structures are healthy enough to undergo orthodontic movement. Dr. Dontsova treats teen patients with Invisalign and will evaluate whether a younger patient is a good candidate based on the stage of dental development and the nature of the correction needed.
What happens if I lose an aligner?
Contact our office as soon as possible. In most cases, you can wear your previous aligner to hold your current tooth position until a replacement is arranged or until you are cleared to move to the next set in the sequence. Leaving teeth without an aligner for even a short period can allow movement that makes the next aligner difficult to seat.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
A slight lisp is common during the first few days of wearing aligners. It resolves quickly as the tongue adjusts to the presence of the trays. Most patients report that any speech effect disappears within a week, and many find it unnoticeable by the second or third day.
Can I eat and drink normally during treatment?
Yes. Because the aligners are removed before every meal, there are no dietary restrictions during Invisalign treatment. You eat and drink whatever you like, brush and floss afterward, and reinsert your aligners. This is one of the primary lifestyle advantages over traditional braces, which require avoiding hard, sticky, and crunchy foods throughout treatment.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign varies depending on the complexity and length of treatment. During your consultation, Dr. Dontsova provides a detailed treatment plan with a clear cost estimate. Modern Smile Design offers flexible payment plans through CareCredit and Cherry, including options with 0% interest for qualifying patients.
Do I really have to wear a retainer forever?
Yes. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions after orthodontic treatment, regardless of whether the correction was done with aligners or braces. Retainer wear is what maintains your result long-term. The frequency and duration of daily wear may decrease over time, but some form of retention is necessary for the rest of your life to keep your teeth where treatment placed them.
Ready when you are
See What Invisalign Can Do for You
A consultation with Dr. Dontsova is the first step. She will evaluate your smile, walk you through your 3D smile preview, and put together a treatment plan built around your goals and your timeline.
Or call us directly at (941) 231-8121