By Dr. J. Ladd Williams, DDS, AACD Accredited Member | Last reviewed: March 2026
If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth but don’t want the look and hassle of traditional metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners may be the perfect solution. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, nearly invisible trays to gradually shift your teeth into alignment — without brackets, wires, or frequent orthodontic adjustments.
At J. Ladd Williams Cosmetic Dentistry in Mesa, Arizona, Dr. Williams offers Invisalign as part of our comprehensive cosmetic dentistry services. With over 30 years of experience and an accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he brings an exceptional level of precision to every case.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment — also known as clear aligner therapy — that uses a series of custom, removable trays to straighten teeth. Each set of aligners is custom-made using advanced computer modeling that maps out every step of your teeth’s alignment journey.
You’ll wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks before switching to the next set in the series. Over time, your teeth gradually move into their ideal positions — all without the visibility and discomfort of traditional braces.
What Can Invisalign Fix?
Clear aligner treatment can effectively address a wide range of alignment and bite issues, including:
- Crowded teeth: When there isn’t enough room in your jaw for all your teeth to fit normally, causing them to overlap or twist.
- Gaps between teeth: Spaces between teeth that can affect your smile’s appearance and trap food particles.
- Overbite: When the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than they should.
- Underbite: When the lower teeth extend past the upper front teeth.
- Crossbite: When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside.
- General misalignment: Teeth that are crooked or turned but don’t require complex orthodontic intervention.
During your consultation at our Mesa office, Dr. Williams will evaluate your alignment concerns and determine whether Invisalign is the right approach for your specific situation.
The Invisalign Process at J. Ladd Williams Cosmetic Dentistry
Getting Invisalign at our Mesa practice is a straightforward process that begins with a detailed consultation.
Step 1: Consultation and Digital Scanning
Your Invisalign journey starts with a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Williams will assess your oral health, discuss your smile goals, and determine if Invisalign is right for you. Using precise digital scans — as recommended by Invisalign — rather than messy traditional impressions, we create a detailed 3D model of your teeth. This model is used to map out your entire treatment plan, showing you a preview of how your teeth will move at each stage.
Step 2: Custom Aligner Fabrication
Based on your digital scans and treatment plan, a series of custom aligners is created specifically for your teeth. Each set is designed to make small, precise adjustments to your tooth positions.
Step 3: Wearing Your Aligners
You’ll wear your clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. Every two weeks, you’ll switch to the next set of aligners in the series. Each new set continues the gradual movement toward your final result.
Step 4: Progress Check-Ins
You’ll visit our Mesa office periodically so Dr. Williams can monitor your progress and ensure everything is tracking according to plan. These check-ins are typically quick and don’t require the tightening or adjustments associated with traditional braces.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Understanding the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces can help you make the right choice. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Invisalign | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Nearly invisible | Visible metal or ceramic |
| Removable | Yes — for eating and cleaning | No |
| Treatment Time | 6–18 months (typical) | 18–36 months (typical) |
| Office Visits | Every 6–8 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Cost Range | – | – |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, less irritation | Brackets may irritate cheeks/lips |
| Cleaning | Normal brushing (remove aligners) | Special tools needed around brackets |
Both Invisalign and traditional braces can straighten teeth effectively, but they differ in several important ways:
- Appearance: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, while metal braces are noticeable. This makes Invisalign a popular choice for adults and professionals.
- Comfort: Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic with no brackets or wires to irritate your cheeks and gums.
- Removability: You can take Invisalign out to eat, brush, and floss — meaning no food restrictions and easier oral hygiene.
- Treatment time: Invisalign treatment often takes 12 to 18 months for most cases, which is comparable to or faster than traditional braces for mild to moderate alignment issues.
- Fewer office visits: Invisalign typically requires fewer check-in appointments than traditional braces.
For more complex orthodontic cases, traditional braces may still be the better option. Dr. Williams will help you understand which approach makes the most sense for your needs.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost in Mesa, AZ?
The cost of Invisalign varies depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. In the Mesa and East Valley area, Invisalign cost varies depending on the complexity of your case and length of treatment. Contact our office for a personalized estimate during your consultation.
Many dental insurance plans now include orthodontic benefits that can be applied toward Invisalign treatment. Our team will help you understand your coverage options. We also offer financing options to help make treatment more manageable.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Clear aligner treatment works well for most teens and adults with mild to moderate alignment issues. Ideal candidates typically:
- Have healthy teeth and gums with no active decay or gum disease
- Are committed to wearing the aligners 20-22 hours per day
- Have mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues
- Want a discreet orthodontic option that fits their lifestyle
Patients with severe orthodontic issues, certain bite problems, or who may not consistently wear their aligners might be better suited for traditional braces. Dr. Williams will discuss all options during your consultation.
Invisalign for Teens
Invisalign is not just for adults. Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for younger patients whose teeth and jaws are still developing. The aligners include compliance indicators that fade with wear, helping parents and Dr. Williams verify that the aligners are being worn consistently.
Many parents in our Mesa office choose Invisalign for their teens because it offers a more discreet alternative to metal braces during a time when self-confidence matters most. Teens can also remove the aligners for sports, band, and special occasions — a flexibility that traditional braces simply cannot match.
During a consultation, Dr. Williams will evaluate whether your teen is a good candidate based on their dental development and the complexity of their alignment needs.
Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners
Proper care of your aligners helps ensure the best results and keeps them looking clear throughout treatment:
- Rinse your aligners every time you remove them
- Clean them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap
- Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing them
- Store aligners in their case when not in use to prevent loss or damage
- Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your aligners
- Never use hot water to clean aligners, as it can warp the plastic
After Invisalign: Retainers and Maintaining Results
Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, Dr. Williams will provide you with a custom retainer to maintain your new smile. Retainers are essential — without them, teeth can gradually shift back toward their original positions over time.
Most patients wear their retainer full-time for the first few months after treatment, then transition to nighttime-only wear. In our practice, we typically recommend wearing your retainer at night indefinitely to protect the investment you have made in your smile.
Why Choose J. Ladd Williams Cosmetic Dentistry for Invisalign?
Dr. Williams uses advanced digital scanning technology to plan your Invisalign treatment with precision, eliminating the need for messy traditional impressions. You can view examples of our cosmetic dentistry work on our smile gallery page.
The success of Invisalign depends not just on the technology, but on the skill of the dentist guiding your treatment. Dr. J. Ladd Williams brings over 30 years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, backed by his accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry — a distinction that requires rigorous examination and case review, held by fewer than 500 dentists worldwide.
Our Mesa office uses advanced digital scanning technology to ensure precise treatment planning, and Dr. Williams personally oversees every stage of your Invisalign journey.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation in Mesa, AZ
Interested in other cosmetic options? Learn about our porcelain veneers or teeth whitening services as well.
Ready to straighten your teeth without traditional braces? Contact J. Ladd Williams Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule your Invisalign consultation. Call us at (480) 964-9020 or visit our contact page to request an appointment online.
Our office is located at 1244 N. Greenfield Rd., Ste. 103, Mesa, AZ 85205, and we welcome patients from Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and throughout the East Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Does Invisalign hurt?
Most patients experience mild pressure or discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners, which is a sign that the treatment is working. This typically subsides within a day or two and is generally much less uncomfortable than traditional braces adjustments.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment time varies by case, but most patients complete their Invisalign treatment in 12 to 18 months. Mild cases may take as little as six months, while more complex alignment issues may require longer. Dr. Williams will provide a personalized timeline during your consultation.
Can I eat normally with Invisalign?
Yes. Since clear aligners are removable, you can eat and drink whatever you like — just remove your clear aligners first and brush your teeth before putting them back in. There are no food restrictions like with traditional braces.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
Some patients notice a slight lisp during the first few days of wearing new clear aligners, but this typically resolves quickly as your mouth adjusts. Most people won’t notice any speech changes at all after the initial adjustment period.
Is Invisalign covered by dental insurance?
Many dental insurance plans that cover orthodontic treatment will also cover Invisalign, typically at the same level as traditional braces. Our team can help you verify your benefits and maximize your coverage. We also offer financing options to help manage the cost of treatment.
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
For optimal results, clear aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. You only remove them to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. Consistent wear is the most important factor in staying on track with your treatment timeline.
