How Invisalign Works
Clear, removable aligners that straighten your teeth gradually — no metal brackets, no monthly wire adjustments.
If you have been thinking about straightening your teeth but the idea of metal braces keeps stopping you, Invisalign is worth a closer look. It is a system of clear, custom-fitted aligners that move your teeth into place gradually — without brackets, without wires, and without anyone noticing unless you tell them.
Your treatment starts with a detailed scan of your teeth right here at our office on East Main Street in Bedford. Dr. Maharaj uses that scan to map out exactly how your teeth need to shift, week by week, from where they are now to where you want them. You will see a digital preview of your projected results before you commit to anything.
Dr. Maharaj holds an Associate Fellowship in GP Orthodontics from the Academy of GP Orthodontics — which means your aligners are planned and supervised by someone with advanced training in how teeth move, not just a general interest in it. That fellowship matters because orthodontic cases are not one-size-fits-all, and the difference between a good result and a great one often comes down to the treatment plan itself.
Once your aligners are ready, you will wear each set for about one to two weeks before switching to the next one in the series. Each set makes a small, precise adjustment. You remove them to eat, brush, and floss — then pop them back in. Most people wear their aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, and the total treatment time runs anywhere from six months to about 18 months depending on your situation.
You will check in at our Bedford office every six to eight weeks so Dr. Maharaj can confirm everything is tracking as planned. These visits are quick — usually 15 to 20 minutes — and they give you a chance to ask questions, raise concerns, or just hear that your teeth are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing.
Patients from Bedford, Forest, Montvale, and the surrounding Blue Ridge communities have access to the same Invisalign technology and orthodontic expertise you would find in a larger metro area — without the drive. Your care stays local, your provider knows your name, and your results speak for themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most cases take between 6 and 18 months, depending on how much movement your teeth need. Mild crowding or spacing may wrap up in under a year. More involved cases take a bit longer. You will know your estimated timeline before you start.
Does wearing Invisalign aligners hurt?
You will feel some pressure when you switch to a new set of aligners — that is the teeth starting to move. Most people describe it as mild tightness that fades within a day or two. It is nothing like the soreness that comes with tightening metal braces.
Can I eat normally with Invisalign?
Yes. You remove your aligners before every meal and snack, so there are no food restrictions at all. Eat what you like, brush your teeth, and put the aligners back in. That is one of the biggest advantages over traditional braces.
Why does Dr. Maharaj's orthodontic fellowship matter?
An Associate Fellowship in GP Orthodontics means Dr. Maharaj has completed advanced training specifically in how teeth move and how to plan orthodontic treatment. That extra education translates directly into better treatment planning, more predictable results, and fewer mid-course corrections.
Ready When You Are
Come in and see
if we're the right fit.
No pressure, no pushy sales — just a conversation, a thorough exam, and a clear picture of where your smile stands. We would love to meet you.