Invisalign in Markham: Cost, Timeline & What to Expect

Invisalign treatment begins with digital impressions of your teeth — no messy traditional putty required. Using the iTero scanner at our clinic, we capture a precise 3D model of your current bite. That model is sent to Invisalign where specialist software creates a digital treatment plan showing the projected movement of your teeth at each stage. You can view the before-and-after simulation of your predicted smile before committing to treatment.

A series of custom aligners — typically 20 to 40 sets for a comprehensive case — are then fabricated. Each aligner is worn for one to two weeks before being swapped for the next in the series. The aligners apply gentle, continuous pressure on specific teeth, gradually moving them toward their target positions. Small tooth-coloured attachments bonded to certain teeth help the aligners grip and apply forces in more precise directions — these are barely visible but worth knowing about in advance.

• Wear aligners 20–22 hours per day — remove only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush.
• Change to the next aligner set every 1–2 weeks as directed by Dr. Kadivar.
• Attend check-up appointments every 6–10 weeks to monitor progress and receive the next batch of aligners.
• Attachments (small tooth-coloured bumps on certain teeth) improve aligner grip for complex movements.
• Retainers are worn after treatment to hold your teeth in their new positions permanently.

Treatment time varies significantly by case complexity. Minor crowding or spacing corrections — the kinds of adjustments that move just a few teeth slightly — may complete in as little as six months with Invisalign Lite (typically 14 aligners or fewer). Comprehensive full-arch treatments addressing significant crowding, spacing, or bite correction typically take 12 to 24 months. The average comprehensive Invisalign case in our Markham clinic is completed in 14 to 18 months.

Compliance is the biggest variable in how long treatment takes. Because aligners are removable, the patient controls whether they are in the mouth for the required 20–22 hours per day. Wearing aligners less than this slows tooth movement and can extend the total treatment time by months. Patients who are highly compliant often complete treatment at or ahead of their initial estimate; inconsistent wearers frequently require additional aligner sets, adding both time and cost.

Invisalign treatment in Markham typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,500 depending on the product tier selected and the complexity of the case. Invisalign Lite (for mild corrections with fewer than 14 aligners) sits at the lower end; Invisalign Comprehensive (full treatment addressing complex issues) is at the higher end. These ranges reflect the Ontario Dental Association fee guide benchmarks and the particular demands of each case.

The all-inclusive fee should cover your initial impressions, all aligner sets, attachments, any needed refinements (additional aligner stages if the teeth have not reached their planned positions at the end of the original series), and your first set of retainers. Ask specifically about refinements before signing any treatment agreement — some offices charge extra for these, which is worth knowing upfront. Our Markham clinic includes one refinement cycle within the original fee for comprehensive cases.

Many Ontario dental plans include an orthodontic benefit — commonly between $1,500 and $3,500 as a lifetime maximum — that applies equally to Invisalign and traditional braces. There is typically no penalty for choosing Invisalign over braces from an insurance standpoint; both are recognised orthodontic treatments. If your plan has an orthodontic waiting period, confirm it has been met before beginning treatment.

Patients enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan who meet eligibility requirements may have some orthodontic services covered for children and youth. Adults on the CDCP may have limited orthodontic coverage; check with your benefits coordinator or our administrative team before booking. Financing over 12–36 months is also available at our clinic for the out-of-pocket balance, making monthly payments manageable for most budgets.

New patients often ask whether Invisalign is painful. The accurate answer is: not painful, but pressure is felt — particularly within the first day or two of switching to a new aligner set. This pressure sensation is the aligners applying force to move teeth and is a sign the treatment is working. It typically fades within 48–72 hours of inserting a new set. Over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen manages the discomfort easily in the first day or two of each new aligner.

Speech is mildly affected initially — a slight lisp is common in the first week while the tongue adjusts to the aligners. Most patients adapt fully within one to two weeks and speak completely normally. The aligners feel smooth against cheeks and lips, unlike metal braces which commonly cause irritation. Eating and drinking are unaffected because the aligners come out for meals.

Neither is universally superior — the better option depends on your clinical needs and lifestyle preferences. Invisalign is significantly more discreet, more comfortable against soft tissue, allows unrestricted eating and simplifies oral hygiene (brush and floss normally after removing aligners). Braces work around the clock whether you think about them or not — compliance is controlled — which gives some patients better outcomes if they know their discipline with removable appliances is inconsistent. The detailed comparison is in our article on Invisalign vs. traditional braces.

Complex bite corrections — significant overbite, underbite, crossbite, or extreme crowding requiring extractions — have historically been managed better with braces, though Invisalign technology has closed this gap considerably over the past decade. At your consultation, Dr. Kadivar will give an honest assessment of whether your specific case can be treated as effectively with Invisalign as with braces, so you can make the choice with full information.

Orthodontic treatment does not end when you reach your final aligner — it transitions into the retention phase. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions if not held in place, a process called orthodontic relapse. Retainers prevent this. Most patients are given clear retainers similar to Invisalign aligners, worn full-time for the first three to six months after treatment and then only at night indefinitely.

Permanent bonded retainers — a thin wire glued to the backs of the front teeth — are another option, particularly for patients who worry about remembering to wear a removable retainer at night. These are invisible, maintenance-free and highly effective at preventing relapse of the front teeth. A full guide to maintaining results after Invisalign is in our retainers after Invisalign article.

Your Invisalign journey at Smile Dental Arts Centre begins with a complimentary consultation that includes a digital scan with the iTero element scanner, a review of your case complexity and treatment options, a demonstration of your ClinCheck smile simulation, and a written cost and timeline estimate. There is no obligation to proceed, and you will leave with a clear picture of what Invisalign can achieve for your specific smile.

Dr. Neda Kadivar is a certified Invisalign provider and a member of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. Our clinic at 3980 14th Ave, Markham, is open Monday through Friday with extended hours and every other Saturday. Book your Invisalign consultation today.