Invisalign
Cosmetic · Orthodontics
Invisalign clear aligners in Phoenix, AZ
Invisalign uses a planned series of removable clear aligners to move teeth gradually. Dr. Monzer Shakally evaluates your teeth, gums, bone support, bite, and goals at Southern Smiles in South Phoenix before deciding whether aligners—or another approach—fit your case.
Exam, imaging, and digital scan before treatment
A plan based on your bite—not a mail-order impression
Bilingual care for South and East Phoenix
Real Invisalign patients
See real Invisalign results from our practice
These before-and-after pairs are verified Invisalign cases completed at Southern Smiles. Individual starting points and results vary.
Invisalign
Kylee
Candidacy first
Clear aligners work when the diagnosis and daily wear both make sense
Invisalign can treat many spacing, crowding, and bite concerns, but the brand name alone does not determine whether a movement is safe or predictable.
You may be a good candidate if
- Your teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic movement
- Your crowding, spacing, or bite concern can be addressed predictably with aligners
- You can wear the trays consistently and attend progress visits
- You understand that attachments, refinements, and retainers may be part of treatment
We may treat or refer first when
- There is active decay, infection, gum disease, or inadequate bone support
- The required tooth movement is better controlled with braces or specialist care
- A missing, damaged, or heavily restored tooth changes the treatment sequence
- Consistent aligner wear is unlikely to fit your routine
The treatment sequence
Plan the movement, monitor the response, protect the result
Your exact schedule is individualized. The important part is checking health first and following the teeth as they respond to the plan.
Step 1
Examine and scan
We review your goals, teeth, gums, bite, and needed X-rays, then create a digital record of your starting position.
Step 2
Design the sequence
Dr. Shakally reviews the proposed movements, expected limitations, attachments, estimated stages, and fees with you.
Step 3
Wear and monitor
You wear each aligner as prescribed and return for progress checks so we can confirm that the teeth are tracking.
Step 4
Refine and retain
Some cases need additional refinement aligners. Once movement is complete, retainers help hold the corrected positions.
Living with aligners
The trays are removable; the routine still requires commitment
The most successful plans account for what you will actually need to do between visits.
Wear time
Your doctor sets your schedule; Invisalign says treatment typically requires 20 to 22 hours of daily wear. Remove aligners for meals and anything other than water.
Attachments
Small tooth-colored shapes may be bonded to selected teeth to help an aligner deliver particular movements. Not every patient needs the same attachments.
Cleaning
Brush and floss before replacing the trays when possible, and clean aligners as directed. Hot water can distort clear plastic.
Retainers
Teeth can shift after orthodontic treatment. Plan on wearing retainers according to the schedule prescribed for your case.
Cost and timing
What determines the Invisalign plan and fee?
A responsible estimate comes after diagnostic records. Treatment length and cost vary because the amount and complexity of movement vary.
- The type and complexity of the tooth and bite movements
- The number of planned aligner stages and monitoring visits
- Whether attachments or refinement aligners are needed
- Retainers and any health treatment that must come first
- Your individual orthodontic insurance benefit, if available
From Dr. Shakally
Dr. Monzer Shakally explains Invisalign
Hear how Dr. Shakally thinks about clear aligner treatment, candidacy, and the steps from records to retainers.
Common questions
Everything you need to know
Straight answers to the practical questions patients ask before starting clear aligner treatment.
Invisalign is a doctor-directed clear aligner system. A series of custom removable trays applies controlled forces to move teeth through a planned sequence, with progress checks during treatment.
A good candidate has teeth, gums, and bone support healthy enough for movement; a concern that aligners can address predictably; and the ability to wear the trays consistently. An exam and diagnostic records are necessary because some movements are better treated with braces or specialist care.
Follow the schedule prescribed for your case. Invisalign reports that aligners are typically worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.
Possibly. Tooth-colored attachments can help aligners control selected movements. Refinements are additional aligners used when the teeth need further movement after the initial series. The need for either depends on how your case is planned and how the teeth respond.
Treatment time varies with the starting bite, the amount and type of movement, daily wear, and whether refinements are needed. We provide a case-specific estimate after the exam, X-rays, and digital scan rather than promising a standard timeline.
New aligners can cause temporary pressure or soreness as the teeth begin the next planned movement. Let us know about severe, persistent, or unusual pain so we can check the fit and the tooth.
Remove the aligners for meals and drinks other than plain water, then clean your teeth before replacing them when possible. This helps reduce staining and keeps food and sugar from being trapped against the teeth.
Yes, retention is part of orthodontic treatment. Teeth can shift after active movement ends, so wear your retainers according to the schedule prescribed for your case.
The fee depends on case complexity, the planned stages, monitoring, refinements, and retainers. Orthodontic coverage varies by plan and may have age limits, waiting periods, or lifetime maximums. We can review your benefits and financing options after evaluating the case.
Compare the complete plan
Straightening may be one step in your smile plan
These pages explain what aligners can—and cannot—change about the final appearance of teeth.
Adult orthodontics
Compare clear aligners with braces and learn when health, bite complexity, or specialist care changes the treatment path.
Learn more →Dental bonding
Compare moving a tooth with conservatively reshaping a small chip, edge, or space.
Learn more →Porcelain veneers
Understand when tooth position should be corrected instead of visually covered—and when shape or color is the main concern.
Learn more →Smile makeover
See how alignment can fit into a coordinated plan involving health, function, color, and tooth proportions.
Learn more →Comparing more than one way to improve your smile? Explore all cosmetic dentistry options →
Wondering whether Invisalign fits your teeth and routine?
Start with an exam and a real diagnosis. We will explain what aligners could accomplish, what they cannot, and the expected commitment before you decide.