More and more people are looking for Invisalign in Fort Collins, and the reasons are clear. From busy professionals who want a discreet option to teens who’d rather skip the metal mouth look, clear aligners have become the go-to choice for orthodontic treatment. At Goings Orthodontics, Dr. Bradley Goings has seen this shift firsthand as a Diamond Provider for Invisalign®.
So what’s driving this trend? Patients love that clear aligners fit their lives rather than the other way around. The nearly invisible trays, the freedom to eat whatever you want, and fewer appointments at the orthodontist’s office all play a role. Plenty of folks have spent years hiding their smile in photos or covering their mouth when they laugh, and the idea of fixing that without a wall of metal feels like a real win. In this article, we’ll break down what Invisalign is, how it works, and why it might be the right fit for your smile.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth without metal brackets or wires. You wear a series of custom-made, nearly invisible plastic trays that gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions. Each set of aligners is designed specifically for your mouth using 3D digital scans.
The aligners themselves are made from SmartTrack thermoplastic, a smooth, BPA-free material that Invisalign developed specifically for orthodontic treatment. This material is more comfortable against your cheeks and gums than metal brackets, and it’s flexible enough to apply gentle, consistent pressure to move your teeth.
Here’s how the basics work.
- Custom fit. Each aligner is fabricated from digital scans of your teeth, not goopy molds.
- Wear time. You’ll wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day for best results.
- Progression. Every 1 to 2 weeks, you switch to a new set of aligners.
- Track record. Invisalign is FDA-cleared and has treated millions of patients worldwide.
The technology behind clear aligners has come a long way. Today’s trays can treat many of the same issues that metal braces handle, from simple spacing concerns to more complex bite problems. If you want to read more about how the system works, our overview of what adults need to know about Invisalign goes deeper into the everyday details. Dr. Goings also stays current with the latest techniques through continuing education courses, completing many hours each year to keep his training sharp.
How Does Invisalign Treatment Work in Fort Collins?
Treatment with clear aligners follows a clear path from your first visit to your final retainer. You’ll always know what’s next, what to bring, and what the appointment will involve, which makes the whole experience easier to plan around real life.
Step 1: Free Consult and Digital Scan
Your treatment starts with a free consult at Goings Orthodontics. Dr. Goings will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and take digital scans using iTero technology. These scans create a precise 3D model of your mouth. No messy molds needed.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan with 3D Preview
Using your digital scans, Dr. Goings creates a treatment plan made for you. You’ll actually see a ClinCheck 3D preview of how your teeth will move from start to finish. This is one of the coolest parts. You get to see your future smile before treatment even begins.
Step 3: Receive Your Aligners
Once your custom aligners are ready, you’ll pick them up and learn how to wear and care for them. You’ll switch to a new set every 1 to 2 weeks as your teeth gradually shift.
Step 4: Progress Checks
Throughout treatment, you’ll have periodic check-ins with Dr. Goings to make sure everything is moving as planned. Many of these appointments can be done virtually, which is great for busy schedules.
Step 5: Retainers for Lasting Results
After your final aligner, you’ll wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions. Regular use of a retainer is key to maintaining your most beautiful, forever smile.
Treatment time varies based on your specific needs. Most patients finish in 6 to 18 months, though simpler cases may wrap up faster.
Top Reasons Patients Choose Invisalign
Why are so many people making the switch to clear aligners? After years of helping patients start their smile transformations, Dr. Goings has heard the same reasons come up again and again. If you’re still weighing your options, our guide on whether clear aligners are right for you can help you decide.
How Discreet Are Invisalign Aligners?
Clear aligners are nearly see-through, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them unless you point it out. Let’s be honest. Most adults and teens don’t want a mouth full of metal. This makes a huge difference for professionals, college students, and anyone who feels self-conscious about orthodontic treatment.
Can You Remove Invisalign for Meals?
Yes, you can take Invisalign aligners out to eat any food you want. Want to enjoy a steak dinner? Take them out. Big presentation at work? Pop them out for an hour. Wedding photos? Your smile is all you. This flexibility is one of the biggest reasons people choose clear aligners over fixed braces.
Are Clear Aligners More Comfortable?
Yes, most patients find clear aligners more comfortable than metal braces. No wires poking your cheeks. No brackets scraping your lips. The smooth plastic is simply more comfortable to wear. You may feel some pressure when you switch to a new set, but that’s just your teeth moving into better alignment.
Do You Need Fewer Appointments?
Yes, clear aligners typically require fewer in-office appointments than metal braces. Busy schedules are the norm for most of our patients. Virtual check-ins are often available, so you spend less time in the chair and more time living your life.
Is Oral Hygiene Easier with Invisalign?
Yes, oral hygiene is easier with Invisalign because you remove the aligners to eat and brush. No special flossers or threaders needed. Just brush and floss like normal. This leads to healthier gums throughout treatment.
Are Results Predictable?
Yes, digital treatment planning shows you exactly where your teeth will end up before you start. There’s no guessing. You and Dr. Goings can track progress against the plan and make adjustments if needed.
Invisalign vs. Metal Braces
Trying to decide between clear aligners and traditional metal braces? Both options work well for straightening teeth, but they offer different experiences. Here’s how they compare.
| Feature | Invisalign | Metal Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Nearly invisible clear trays | Visible metal brackets and wires |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, no sharp edges | Brackets and wires can irritate cheeks |
| Removability | Take out for eating and brushing | Fixed in place 24/7 |
| Diet | Eat whatever you want | Avoid sticky, hard and crunchy foods |
| Oral Hygiene | Brush and floss normally | Requires special tools and techniques |
| Appointments | Fewer check-ups, virtual options | Regular adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks |
| Treatment Time | 6 to 18 months for most cases | Comparable for similar cases |
To sum it up, clear aligners offer greater flexibility and aesthetics, while metal braces may suit more complex cases that need extra control over each tooth. Both can achieve excellent results. The best choice depends on your specific needs, lifestyle and preferences. Some complex situations may still benefit from metal braces, while many mild to moderate alignment issues respond beautifully to clear trays.
Dr. Goings can help you understand which option makes the most sense for your situation during a free consult in Fort Collins.
What Affects the Cost of Invisalign in Fort Collins?
The cost of Invisalign varies based on case complexity, treatment length and your insurance coverage. Most patients find that clear aligner pricing falls within a similar range as metal braces, and easy financing makes treatment workable for most budgets.
Here’s what influences your total investment.
Case Complexity
Simple spacing issues typically require fewer aligners and less time than complex bite corrections. The more aligners you need, the higher the overall cost. Our breakdown of bite issues clear aligners can fix gives you a sense of where your case might fall.
Treatment Duration
Longer treatment plans naturally cost more. A 6-month case will typically be less than an 18-month treatment.
Insurance Coverage
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that apply to clear aligners just like they would for metal braces. Our team can help you understand exactly what your plan covers.
Easy Financing
At Goings Orthodontics, we think everyone deserves a great smile. That’s why we offer easy financing and affordable custom payment plans designed with your family’s budget in mind. We’ll work with you to create a plan that makes sense. As a family-owned orthodontic practice, we’re able to keep things flexible in a way the big corporate offices simply can’t.
Getting Your Personalized Estimate
The only way to know exactly what clear aligners will cost for your specific case is to come in for a free consult. Dr. Goings will evaluate your teeth, discuss your goals and give you a clear breakdown of costs and easy financing options.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Good candidates for clear aligners include adults and teens with mild to complex alignment issues who can commit to wearing their trays 20 to 22 hours daily. The system works for crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites and crossbites. During a free consult, Dr. Goings can determine if Invisalign is right for your specific situation.
Treatable Conditions
Clear aligners work for many common orthodontic concerns.
- Crowded teeth that overlap or twist
- Gaps and spacing between teeth
- Overbites where upper teeth extend too far over lower teeth
- Underbites where lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
- Crossbites where some upper teeth sit inside lower teeth
- Open bites where teeth don’t meet when you close your mouth
Commitment Matters
Invisalign only works if you wear it. That 20 to 22 hours of daily wear time isn’t optional. It’s what makes the treatment effective. Patients who struggle with compliance may see slower results or need extra treatment time.
Oral Health Foundation
Before you start your smile with clear aligners, you’ll need healthy teeth and gums. Any cavities or gum disease should be treated first. This gives you the best foundation for successful orthodontic treatment.
When Invisalign May Not Be the Best Fit
Very few people aren’t candidates for clear aligners in Dr. Goings’ experience. That said, severe skeletal issues that require jaw surgery or extremely complex cases may do better with other treatment approaches. The only way to know for sure is to get evaluated.
Why Choose Goings Orthodontics as Your Orthodontist in Fort Collins, CO
Goings Orthodontics is a family-owned practice in Fort Collins led by Dr. Bradley Goings, a Diamond Provider for Invisalign. That ranking is reserved for orthodontists who treat a very high number of Invisalign cases each year, which means more experience with the trays, the technology and the full range of cases that walk through the door.
We treat patients of all ages. If you’re searching on behalf of a younger family member, our page on orthodontic treatment for teens in Fort Collins covers what to expect with Invisalign Teen and other options. As a local orthodontist Fort Collins CO families have trusted for years, we focus on the kind of personal care that doesn’t get rushed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign in Fort Collins
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most patients finish clear aligner treatment in 6 to 18 months. Simple cases involving minor spacing or crowding may wrap up in as little as six months, while more complex situations take longer. Your wear-time consistency plays a big role in keeping treatment on schedule.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Clear aligners are not painful, though you may feel mild pressure or tenderness for a day or two when you switch to a new set. That feeling is your teeth gently moving into their new positions. Most patients describe it as noticeable but easy to manage, especially compared to the cheek and lip irritation that can come with metal braces.
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover clear aligners the same way they cover metal braces, often as part of an orthodontic benefit. Coverage amounts vary by plan. Our team is happy to review your benefits with you, file claims and explain how easy financing can fill in any gaps so the numbers feel doable.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Rinse your aligners every time you take them out, and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap. Avoid toothpaste, which can scratch the plastic and trap bacteria. You can also use the official Invisalign cleaning crystals for a deeper clean. Always brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
Can teens wear Invisalign?
Yes. Teens are great candidates for clear aligners, and there’s even a version designed with their lifestyle in mind. It includes compliance indicators that fade with wear so parents and Dr. Goings can confirm the aligners are being worn enough. For teens who play sports, sing or play wind instruments, clear aligners are often easier to live with than metal braces.
Will I need to wear a retainer after Invisalign?
Yes. After your final aligner, you’ll wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions. Teeth naturally want to shift back over time, so regular use of a retainer is the best way to protect your results and keep your most beautiful, forever smile looking exactly the way you want it.
Where can I get Invisalign in Fort Collins?
You can get Invisalign in Fort Collins at Goings Orthodontics, where Dr. Bradley Goings is a Diamond Provider for Invisalign. We offer free consultations, digital scanning with iTero and easy financing options for adults and teens.
