Quick Answer: Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of clear, removable, custom-made aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. You wear each set about 20–22 hours a day for one to two weeks before moving to the next, and most treatments take 12–18 months. At Morita Orthodontics in Honolulu and Aiea, your first consultation is complimentary — and it’s the fastest way to find out if you’re a candidate.
At Morita Orthodontics, our mission is to help patients throughout Honolulu and Aiea achieve beautiful, healthy smiles through convenient orthodontic treatment. Drs. Randal and Scott Morita and our highly-trained team create a personalized plan for every patient, and we work hard to make treatment fit any lifestyle. If you want the most discreet, low-impact way to straighten your teeth, Invisalign clear aligners may be the answer — and this page walks you through exactly how they work, what they cost, who they’re right for, and how they compare to braces.
Invisalign is a modern, convenient alternative to traditional metal braces. Instead of brackets and wires, it uses a series of custom, transparent, removable aligners to move your teeth. Each aligner is precisely calibrated to fit over your teeth at one stage of your plan and apply gentle, controlled force to shift them toward their final position. You progress through the series set by set, and your smile moves a little closer with each one.
Because the aligners are nearly invisible, they won’t show up in photos and most people won’t notice you’re wearing them. And because there are no wires or brackets, there’s nothing to poke, pinch, or irritate your mouth — one of the most common complaints with conventional braces.
The short version: clear, removable trays instead of metal — quietly straightening your teeth while you go about your life.
Not sure which is right for you? Here’s a quick comparison — and our Invisalign vs. braces page goes deeper:
| Invisalign Clear Aligners | Traditional Metal Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Nearly invisible | Visible brackets and wires |
| Removable | Yes — for eating & cleaning | No — fixed for the whole treatment |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, no wires to poke | Can irritate cheeks and lips |
| Food restrictions | None — remove to eat | Avoid hard & sticky foods |
| Cleaning | Brush and floss normally | Extra care around brackets |
| Best for | Mild to moderate cases; older teens & adults | All cases, including complex |
| Compliance | Must wear 20–22 hrs/day | Always working, no discipline needed |
Prefer a fixed option, or have a more complex case? We also offer clear (ceramic) braces and traditional metal braces — see all types of braces.
Invisalign treats many of the same issues braces do — crowding, gaps, and many bite problems. It’s an excellent fit for mild to moderate cases and is especially popular with adults and responsible older teens who will keep the aligners in the recommended 20–22 hours a day. Very complex bite or alignment issues may still be better served by braces. The best way to know is a professional evaluation: we’ll look at your specific type of misalignment and tell you honestly which option fits. You can also check your fit to get started.
Invisalign can be a great option for teenagers who are diligent about wearing their aligners. For younger patients, an early evaluation helps determine the right treatment and timing — see our braces for children page. Adults exploring treatment can visit braces for adults.
Most Invisalign treatments take about 12 to 18 months, though the exact timeline depends on how much your teeth need to move and how consistently you wear your aligners. Because the aligners only work while they’re in your mouth, wearing them the full 20–22 hours a day is the single biggest factor in finishing on time. Some simpler cases finish faster; more involved cases may take longer. Your orthodontist will give you a personalized estimate at your consultation.
When treatment is complete, you’ll wear a retainer to protect your new smile — retention is the lifelong step that keeps your results in place.
Invisalign cost depends on the complexity of your case and how long treatment takes, so the accurate figure comes from a consultation.
The good news: we never want finances to stand between you and a healthier smile. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of Invisalign, and we offer flexible payment options to fit your budget. Learn more on our financial and insurance page, and ask about our Responsibility Rewards Program for younger patients. We’ll go over your exact costs and options at your complimentary consultation — no surprises.
For mild to moderate cases, Invisalign can be just as effective as braces — and far more discreet. For complex bite corrections, braces are sometimes the better tool. Because aligners are removable, results also depend on wearing them 20–22 hours a day. A consultation is the only way to know for sure; see our Invisalign vs. braces comparison.
Back to TopAbout 20–22 hours a day — essentially all the time except when eating, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning your teeth. Consistent wear is the single biggest factor in staying on schedule and getting the result you want.
Back to TopMost patients find Invisalign more comfortable than braces since there are no wires or brackets to irritate the mouth. You may feel mild pressure for a day or two each time you switch to a new set of aligners — that’s a sign they’re working, and it fades quickly.
Back to TopYes — and it’s one of the biggest advantages. You remove the aligners to eat, so there are no food restrictions at all. Just brush before putting them back in, and never eat or drink (except water) while wearing them.
Back to TopCost depends on your specific case, and many dental plans that include orthodontic benefits cover a portion of Invisalign just as they would braces. We’ll verify your benefits and review flexible payment options before you begin — see our financial and insurance information.
Back to TopIt can be an excellent option for teens who are responsible about wearing their aligners consistently. Compliance is the key factor — for teens likely to keep them in, Invisalign offers the same discretion adults love. We’ll help you decide at the consultation.
Back to TopYou’ll transition to a retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions. Teeth naturally tend to drift over time, so wearing your retainer as directed — usually nightly, long-term — is what protects your investment for life.
Back to TopThe easiest first step is a complimentary consultation at our Honolulu or Aiea office. We’ll examine your teeth and bite, discuss your goals, and tell you honestly whether Invisalign, braces, or another option is the best fit. Check your fit or contact us to begin.
Back to TopInvisalign is one of the most discreet and convenient ways to straighten your teeth — and finding out if it’s right for you costs nothing. Contact Morita Orthodontics or call our Honolulu office at (808) 941-3355 or our Aiea office at (808) 486-5505 to schedule your complimentary consultation. You can also explore why patients choose Invisalign, read the Invisalign FAQs, or browse real results in our smile gallery. We can’t wait to help you achieve the smile of your dreams — the Morita ohana is ready to welcome you.
If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with us, you can fill out our online appointment request form or give us a call at our Honolulu office at (808) 941-3355 or our Aiea office at (808) 486-5505. We can’t wait to hear from you!
RE: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
To our valued patients,
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), President Trump, the American Dental Association and the Hawaii Dental Association are recommending all dentists postpone nonemergency dental procedures for 2 weeks. Our practice is committed to protecting the community and avoiding using valuable resources that our first responders and frontline healthcare providers will need.
Our office will be closed effective today, Wednesday, March 18, and we plan to resume regular hours on Wednesday, April 1. If you are experiencing a true dental emergency including swelling or severe tooth pain, please call your general dentist office, and listen closely as emergency contact info will be available. For all nonemergent questions, please email us at [email protected].
We are so sorry for the burden this places on your schedules, but your continued health and safety are our number one priority. Our office is working diligently to reschedule all patients with existing appointments within the next 2 weeks. We will continue to evaluate the situation as it evolves and determine on a weekly basis when it is appropriate for us to return to normal orthodontic patient care. We ask for your compassion and understanding at this time as we all work together to keep Hawaii healthy.
Sincerely,
Your Morita Orthodontics Ohana
