Invisalign in Boise, ID
Straighten your teeth discreetly with Invisalign clear aligners, custom treatment plans, comfortable trays, and results you can see in months. Gentle as a Lamb.
Why patients choose Invisalign
Nearly invisible
Invisalign aligners are made from SmartTrack clear plastic that is virtually invisible when worn. Most people will not notice you are wearing them, during meetings, in photos, or across the dinner table. No metal brackets, no wires, no self-conscious moments.
Removable for eating and brushing
Unlike fixed braces, Invisalign trays pop out for meals and oral hygiene. Eat whatever you want, no food restrictions. Brush and floss normally without threading floss around wires. This removability also means better oral health during treatment.
Comfortable fit
Each set of aligners is custom-trimmed to your gum line and made from smooth, flexible plastic. There are no sharp brackets or poking wires to irritate your cheeks and lips. Most patients adjust to wearing their aligners within a day or two of starting treatment.
Faster than braces for many cases
Average Invisalign treatment takes 12 to 18 months, compared to 18 to 36 months for traditional braces in similar cases. Mild crowding and spacing cases can sometimes be resolved in as few as 6 months. Fewer office visits mean less time away from your day.
How Invisalign works
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions. Each set of aligners is worn for one to two weeks before being replaced by the next set in the series. Each new tray makes small, precise adjustments, typically moving teeth about 0.25 millimeters per stage, until your smile reaches its final alignment.
The system works through controlled force application. Each aligner is engineered using 3D computer modeling to apply pressure to specific teeth at specific angles. Invisalign SmartTrack material delivers a gentle, constant force that moves teeth more predictably than the intermittent forces of tightened wires. Small tooth-colored attachments, tiny bumps of composite bonded to certain teeth, act as handles that help the aligners grip and rotate teeth that need more complex movement.
The entire treatment is mapped out digitally before you begin. Using iTero 3D scanning and Invisalign ClinCheck software, your dentist designs every stage of movement from start to finish. You can watch a time-lapse animation of your teeth moving into alignment before you commit to treatment, so you know exactly what the result will look like and how long it will take to get there.
Invisalign in Boise has become our most popular orthodontic option for adults and teens who want straight teeth without the appearance and inconvenience of metal braces. The technology has advanced significantly in recent years, and Invisalign can now treat a much wider range of cases than it could even five years ago, including moderate crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites that previously required traditional braces.
Invisalign vs. traditional braces
Both Invisalign and traditional braces move teeth effectively, but they do it differently and the patient experience is quite different. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide which option fits your life.
Appearance: Invisalign aligners are clear and nearly invisible. Traditional braces use metal or ceramic brackets bonded to the teeth with connecting wires. Even ceramic braces are noticeable up close. If discretion matters, for your career, social life, or personal confidence, Invisalign has a clear advantage.
Comfort: Invisalign trays are smooth plastic with no sharp edges. Braces have brackets and wires that can irritate the inside of your cheeks and lips, especially after adjustments. Both systems cause some pressure and mild discomfort when teeth are actively moving, but most patients find Invisalign more comfortable overall.
Eating and oral hygiene: Invisalign aligners come out for meals, eat anything you want. With braces, you need to avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods that can damage brackets and wires. Brushing and flossing with Invisalign is normal; with braces, it requires special tools like floss threaders and interdental brushes, and takes significantly longer.
Treatment time: For mild to moderate cases, Invisalign often finishes faster, 12 to 18 months compared to 18 to 24 months for braces. For complex cases involving significant jaw discrepancies, severe rotation, or vertical tooth movement, traditional braces may be more efficient because they offer more mechanical control.
Effectiveness: Modern Invisalign treats the vast majority of orthodontic cases that walk through our door. However, some complex situations, like severe skeletal discrepancies, heavily rotated premolars, or cases requiring significant vertical tooth movement, still respond better to traditional braces. At your consultation, we will tell you honestly which system will produce the best result for your specific case.
Cost: Invisalign and braces are now comparably priced for most cases. Insurance plans that cover orthodontics typically cover Invisalign the same way they cover braces. The financial difference between the two is rarely a deciding factor anymore.
The Invisalign process at Lamb Family Dental
From your first scan to your final retainer, here is what Invisalign treatment looks like at our Boise office.
iTero digital scan and consultation
Your Invisalign journey starts with a comprehensive evaluation and digital scan. We use the iTero Element scanner to create a precise 3D model of your teeth, no goopy impression trays, no gagging. The scan takes about two minutes and captures every detail of your bite. Using this model and Invisalign ClinCheck software, your dentist designs your complete treatment plan: where each tooth needs to move, how many aligner stages it will take, and what your smile will look like at the end. You will see the animated result before you decide to start. The consultation is free.
Custom aligner fabrication
Once you approve the treatment plan, your digital files are sent to the Invisalign lab where your complete set of aligners is manufactured using 3D printing and thermoforming technology. Each aligner is trimmed to your gum line for comfort and precision. Your aligners typically arrive at our office within two to three weeks. At your fitting appointment, we bond any necessary attachments, ensure the first set of aligners fits correctly, and walk you through wearing instructions.
Wearing your aligners and progress checks
You wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks, 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing. Every six to eight weeks, you visit our office for a progress check. These appointments are quick, typically 15 to 20 minutes. Your dentist verifies that your teeth are tracking correctly with the treatment plan and gives you your next several sets of aligners. If any adjustments are needed, we address them immediately to keep treatment on schedule.
Refinements and retainers
After your initial series of aligners, most patients need one or two rounds of refinement trays to fine-tune the final positions of specific teeth. Refinements are included in your treatment fee, they are a normal part of Invisalign, not an extra charge. Once your teeth are in their final positions, we fit you with retainers to maintain the result. Most patients wear retainers nightly for the first year, then a few nights per week going forward. Retainer wear is essential, teeth naturally want to drift back toward their original positions, and retainers prevent that.
Invisalign cost in Boise
What to expect
Invisalign treatment at Lamb Family Dental typically ranges from $3,500 to $6,500, depending on the complexity and duration of your case. Simple cases involving minor crowding or spacing fall on the lower end. Comprehensive cases with significant alignment issues, bite correction, or longer treatment timelines are on the higher end.
Your total fee includes the iTero scan, all aligner trays (initial series plus any refinement trays), all progress check appointments, attachment placement and removal, and basic retainers at the end of treatment. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Insurance and financing
Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign the same way they cover traditional braces, typically contributing $1,000 to $2,500 toward treatment, depending on your plan. If your plan includes orthodontic benefits, Invisalign is almost always covered. We verify your insurance benefits before you commit and apply your coverage directly to your treatment cost.
For the remaining out-of-pocket balance, we offer interest-free CareCredit financing with monthly payment plans, in-house payment plans spread across your treatment timeline, and a courtesy discount for payment in full before treatment starts. Most patients pay between $100 and $250 per month with financing. We will walk you through every option at your consultation so you can choose the plan that works best for your budget.
Who is Invisalign for?
Adults
Invisalign was originally designed for adults, and it remains the most popular clear aligner choice for adult patients. Many adults who either never had braces or had braces as a teenager and experienced relapse find that Invisalign fits their lifestyle perfectly. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment, we have successfully treated patients in their 20s through their 70s. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you are a candidate.
For professionals, Invisalign is especially appealing because it does not affect your appearance during treatment. You can present in meetings, meet with clients, and take photos without visible orthodontic hardware. Many of our adult patients tell us that no one noticed they were in treatment until they mentioned it.
Teens
Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for adolescent patients. It includes features like compliance indicators (small blue dots on the aligners that fade with wear, so parents can verify their teen is actually wearing them), eruption tabs to accommodate teeth that are still growing in, and up to six free replacement aligners in case any are lost, because teens lose things.
Teens often prefer Invisalign over traditional braces because it is less visible, more comfortable, and allows them to continue playing sports and musical instruments without interference. For parents, the removability means their teen can maintain normal brushing and flossing habits and does not need to avoid any foods.
What Invisalign treats
Invisalign effectively corrects a wide range of orthodontic issues:
- Crowding: Teeth that overlap or are rotated due to insufficient space in the jaw
- Spacing: Gaps between teeth caused by missing teeth, small teeth, or jaw size discrepancies
- Overbite: Upper front teeth that extend too far over the lower front teeth
- Underbite: Lower front teeth that sit in front of the upper teeth
- Crossbite: Upper teeth that sit inside the lower teeth when the jaw is closed
- Open bite: Front teeth that do not touch when the back teeth are closed together
- General misalignment: Teeth that are simply not where they should be for a healthy, attractive bite
Living with Invisalign: what to expect day to day
The transition to wearing clear aligners is easier than most patients expect. Here is what daily life with Invisalign actually looks like.
The first few days: Your first set of aligners will feel tight, that is the pressure moving your teeth. Most patients describe it as a dull ache or pressure, not sharp pain. The sensation peaks in the first 24 to 48 hours of each new tray and then fades. Over-the-counter ibuprofen handles it easily. You may also notice a slight lisp for a day or two as your tongue adjusts to the plastic. This resolves quickly.
Eating and drinking: Remove your aligners before every meal and snack. You can eat and drink anything you want, there are no food restrictions. Drink water with your aligners in, but remove them for coffee, tea, soda, or anything with color or sugar. Colored beverages can stain the trays, and sugary drinks trapped between the aligner and your teeth can accelerate decay.
Oral hygiene routine: Brush your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners back in. If you cannot brush immediately, rinse your mouth and your aligners with water. Clean your aligners daily by brushing them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear liquid soap, avoid toothpaste on the trays, as it can scratch and cloud the plastic. Continue your normal flossing routine.
Wearing schedule: Wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. That leaves two to four hours daily for meals and oral hygiene. Set reminders on your phone if needed. Compliance is the single biggest factor in treatment success, patients who wear their aligners as directed finish on time. Those who leave them out for extended periods risk extending their treatment or compromising results.
Storage: Always store your aligners in their protective case when they are out of your mouth. The most common way patients damage or lose aligners is by wrapping them in a napkin at a restaurant, they get thrown away. Keep the case with you at all times.
Frequently asked questions about Invisalign
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment length depends on the complexity of your case. Simple cases with minor crowding or spacing may take as few as 6 months. Average treatment runs 12 to 18 months. Complex cases involving significant bite correction can take up to 24 months. At your consultation, we will give you a specific estimate based on your 3D scan and treatment plan. The ClinCheck animation shows you exactly how many aligner stages your case requires, so you will know the timeline before you commit.
Can I eat normally with Invisalign?
Yes, and this is one of Invisalign biggest advantages over braces. Since you remove the aligners for all meals and snacks, there are zero food restrictions. Eat steak, popcorn, apples, corn on the cob, gum, anything you want. Just remove your aligners first, brush your teeth after eating, and put them back in. The only restriction is drinking: stick to water while your aligners are in. Coffee, tea, and colored beverages can stain the trays, and sugary drinks create a cavity-promoting environment between the aligner and your teeth.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Rinse your aligners every time you remove them. Clean them at least once daily by gently brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, unscented liquid soap. Avoid toothpaste, most toothpastes contain mild abrasives that can scratch the clear plastic and make it look cloudy. You can also soak your aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaning solution for a deeper clean. Never use hot water, it can warp the thermoplastic material and change the fit.
Is Invisalign uncomfortable?
You will feel pressure and mild tightness each time you switch to a new set of aligners, this is the force that moves your teeth. Most patients describe it as noticeable but not painful. The pressure is strongest for the first day or two of each new tray and then diminishes as your teeth begin to settle into the new position. Compared to traditional braces, where wire tightening can cause significant soreness for several days, most patients find Invisalign more comfortable. If you experience discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers and switching to new trays at bedtime both help.
Is there an age limit for Invisalign?
There is no upper age limit. Adults of any age can benefit from Invisalign as long as their teeth and gums are healthy. For younger patients, Invisalign Teen is available for adolescents whose permanent teeth have fully or mostly erupted, typically around age 12 to 14, though this varies. Children younger than that usually have too many baby teeth and developing bone for clear aligners to work effectively.
Do I need retainers after Invisalign?
Yes, retainers are essential after any orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. Your teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions, especially in the first year after treatment. We recommend wearing your retainers every night for the first 12 months, then at least three to four nights per week after that. Retainers are a small commitment to protect the investment you made in your smile. Skipping retainer wear is the most common reason patients lose their orthodontic results.
Why choose Lamb Family Dental for Invisalign in Boise
Not every dental office offers Invisalign, and experience matters with clear aligner treatment. Lamb Family Dental is a preferred Invisalign provider in Boise, meaning our dentists have completed advanced training and have treated a high volume of Invisalign cases. This experience translates directly to better treatment planning, more accurate predictions, and fewer surprises during your treatment.
We use the latest iTero Element scanner for digital impressions, no messy putty trays. Our ClinCheck treatment planning process is thorough: your dentist personally designs every stage of tooth movement rather than relying on automated software defaults. This hands-on approach means more precise results and fewer refinement trays at the end of treatment.
Our office makes the logistics easy too. Progress check appointments are short, typically 15 to 20 minutes, and we schedule them at intervals that minimize your time away from work. We stock multiple sets of aligners at each visit so you do not have to come back every two weeks. And if you lose or damage a tray between visits, we can often get a replacement sent quickly without disrupting your treatment timeline.
Above all, our approach is honest. At your consultation, if we think traditional braces would give you a better result for your specific case, we will tell you. If your case is too mild to justify full Invisalign and a simpler solution like retainers or minor bonding would work, we will recommend that instead. The goal is the best result for your teeth, not a sales pitch for any particular product.
Invisalign for Boise, Eagle, Meridian, and the Treasure Valley
Lamb Family Dental provides Invisalign treatment to patients throughout the Treasure Valley. Our Boise office is conveniently located for patients from Eagle, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Garden City, Star, and surrounding communities. With progress check appointments only every six to eight weeks, even patients with a longer commute find the schedule manageable.
We welcome new patients and offer free Invisalign consultations. Your visit includes a comprehensive evaluation, digital iTero scan, and an animated preview of your projected results, all at no cost and with no obligation to start treatment. Call us or book online to schedule your consultation.
Patient Resources for Invisalign & Clear Aligners
Invisalign clear aligner therapy is a system manufactured by Align Technology and delivered by trained dental and orthodontic providers. The organizations below publish patient-facing standards and guidance Lamb Family Dental aligns with for clear aligner cases.
- Invisalign, Align Technology, the manufacturer of the clear-aligner system Dr. Mack and Dr. Pelletier provide as a certified Invisalign provider
- American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the professional body for orthodontic specialists, with patient guides on aligner candidacy and treatment outcomes
- American Dental Association, Orthodontics, ADA’s evidence-based patient guide to orthodontic treatment options
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), continuing-education credentialing for general dentists providing clear aligner therapy
Ready to straighten your smile with Invisalign?
Schedule your free Invisalign consultation at Lamb Family Dental. See your projected results before you commit, with a 3D animation of your smile transformation.
Insurance and Payment for Invisalign
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that apply to Invisalign treatment, typically contributing $1,000 to $2,500 toward the total cost. We verify your orthodontic benefits before you commit to treatment.
We accept Delta Dental, Blue Cross of Idaho, Cigna, Aetna, and 10+ other carriers. No insurance? Our in-house savings plan saves you 20–40% on every procedure. Learn about all financing and payment options.