One in four orthodontic patients today is an adult — and modern clear aligner technology has made it easier than ever to straighten teeth without metal brackets or wires disrupting your professional life. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, BPA-free plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions, and unlike traditional braces, they are nearly invisible and fully removable. Research published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics confirms that Invisalign can effectively correct mild to moderate malocclusions without extractions — a clinically proven alternative to conventional orthodontic therapy.
At Alber Dental Studio in Boulder, Dr. Marc Alber is a Gold Level Invisalign provider and a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners. Dr. Alber and Dr. Lauren Llorente have combined over 26 years of experience helping Boulder adults achieve straighter teeth while maintaining their confidence throughout treatment. Our orthodontic services are delivered within a fee-for-service practice, meaning every treatment plan is built entirely around your clinical needs — not insurance limitations.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually shift teeth into their correct positions. Each aligner is worn for approximately two weeks before progressing to the next in the series, with each new tray moving teeth a fraction of a millimeter closer to the final result. The aligners are fabricated from smooth, BPA-free thermoplastic — there are no metal brackets, wires, or bands involved at any stage of treatment.
Treatment is planned entirely before your first aligner is made. Dr. Alber uses iTero digital scanning technology to build a precise 3D model of your teeth, which allows the entire movement sequence to be mapped digitally. You can see a virtual preview of your projected result before treatment begins. Invisalign corrects:
Dr. Marc Alber, DDS — Gold Level Invisalign Provider
Dr. Alber is a Gold Level Invisalign provider and member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners — a designation earned through a high volume of successfully completed Invisalign cases and advanced training in clear aligner therapy. He uses iTero digital scanning at every Invisalign consultation to create precise 3D models of your teeth, allowing the full treatment sequence to be mapped digitally before your first aligner is made. Every Invisalign case at Alber Dental Studio is personally managed by Dr. Alber from consultation through final retention.
As a fee-for-service practice, Alber Dental Studio is not contracted with insurance companies — which means your Invisalign treatment plan is built entirely around your clinical needs and aesthetic goals, not around what an insurer will approve. Many patients submit Invisalign claims independently for partial reimbursement, and we offer 0% financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Altheon to help make treatment accessible.
Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign works best for adults and teens with mild to moderate alignment and bite concerns who want a discreet, removable alternative to braces. Good candidates typically:
- Have healthy teeth and gums with no active decay or gum disease
- Have mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues
- Are committed to wearing aligners 20–22 hours per day
- Want a discreet treatment that fits a professional or active lifestyle
- Prefer a treatment plan that does not involve brackets or wires
- Are looking for a long-term cosmetic investment
Dr. Alber will confirm candidacy during your consultation and clearly explain any alternative if Invisalign is not the right fit for your specific case.
The Invisalign Process at Alber Dental Studio
Consultation & Smile Design
Dr. Alber reviews your alignment goals, examines your teeth and bite, and takes iTero digital scans. The full treatment plan — including projected tooth movements and final outcome — is mapped digitally before any aligner is made. You see exactly what to expect before committing.
Custom Aligner Fabrication
Your digital scan data is sent to the Invisalign lab, where your full series of custom aligners is fabricated from BPA-free thermoplastic. Each aligner in the series is slightly different from the last, progressively moving your teeth toward their final positions. Your complete set arrives at our Boulder office typically within one to two weeks.
Wearing Your Aligners
Wear each aligner for approximately two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean your teeth. Consistent wear of 20–22 hours per day keeps treatment on schedule. Progress checkups every 6–8 weeks let Dr. Alber confirm your teeth are tracking correctly and provide your next sets of aligners.
Final Results & Retention
Once you complete your final aligner, Dr. Alber takes a new set of digital scans to confirm your teeth have reached their target positions. Custom retainers are provided to maintain your result — consistent retainer wear is what keeps your teeth in place long-term. Dr. Alber provides clear instructions and schedules a follow-up to verify retention progress.
Ready to See What Invisalign Can Do for Your Smile?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Marc Alber at our Boulder, CO office. We will review your alignment goals, scan your teeth with iTero, and walk you through a realistic treatment plan before you commit to anything.
Know Your Options
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Patients considering orthodontic treatment often ask how Invisalign compares to traditional metal braces. Both can produce excellent results — but they differ significantly in experience, convenience, and aesthetics:
| Invisalign | Traditional Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Nearly invisible clear plastic | Visible metal brackets and wires |
| Removability | Fully removable for eating and cleaning | Fixed — worn continuously |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, no wires or brackets | Can cause irritation from wires and brackets |
| Oral hygiene | Brush and floss normally | Requires special tools to clean around brackets |
| Office visits | Every 6–8 weeks, shorter appointments | Every 4–6 weeks for wire adjustments |
Keeping Your Results
Caring for Your Invisalign Results
Completing treatment is only the first step — consistent retainer wear is what keeps your teeth in their new positions permanently. Follow these habits to protect your investment:
Most patients wear retainers nightly long-term after treatment concludes. Skipping retainer wear — even briefly — can allow teeth to begin shifting back toward their original positions.
Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water and clean them with a soft toothbrush and gentle soap — never hot water, which can warp the plastic. Keeping aligners clean prevents discoloration and reduces bacteria buildup.
Regular professional cleanings support the gum health that underpins your alignment results. Dr. Alber monitors your retention progress at routine visits and can replace retainers as needed.
Do not delay replacing a lost or damaged retainer — teeth can begin shifting within days. Call us and we will arrange a replacement as quickly as possible.
Making Invisalign Affordable
We offer 0% financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Altheon, with options for up to 24 months, making it straightforward to fit Invisalign into your budget without compromising on care. Many patients also receive partial reimbursement from their dental plan by submitting claims independently. We will provide a full cost breakdown at your consultation before any treatment begins.
Also at Alber Dental Studio
Explore Our Other Cosmetic Services
Invisalign is one part of a comprehensive cosmetic dentistry offering at Alber Dental Studio.
Custom-crafted porcelain shells that correct color, shape, and mild misalignment in two appointments — often the ideal complement to Invisalign treatment.
Professional-strength whitening to brighten your smile once your alignment results are in place — a popular finishing treatment after Invisalign.
A customized combination of cosmetic treatments — Invisalign, veneers, whitening, and more — planned around your unique goals and built into a single cohesive treatment plan.
A same-appointment option to repair minor chips, gaps, or damage in a single visit without enamel removal — often used to address small imperfections alongside Invisalign.
Read What Our Customers Are Saying
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Dr. Alber is a Gold Level Invisalign provider?
Timeline ranges from 12 to 18 months for most adults, depending on the complexity of your alignment concerns. Simpler cases may complete in fewer than 12 months. Dr. Alber provides a personalized timeline estimate at your consultation after reviewing your iTero digital scan — you will have a clear picture of what to expect before treatment begins.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most patients experience mild pressure when switching to a new aligner — typically fading within one to two days. There are no brackets or wires to cause irritation to the inside of your mouth. Sedation options including nitrous oxide are available at our office for patients who experience dental anxiety during appointments.
How many hours per day do I need to wear Invisalign aligners?
For the best results, aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. Remove them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss. The more consistent you are, the more predictably your treatment tracks to the planned timeline.
Can Invisalign treat the same conditions as braces?
Aligners must be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water. This prevents food from becoming trapped against your teeth and protects the aligners from staining or warping from hot liquids. After eating, rinse or brush before reinserting.
Do I need a retainer after Invisalign?
Progress checkups are typically scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks. These appointments are shorter than traditional braces adjustments — Dr. Alber confirms your teeth are tracking correctly, reviews your progress against the digital treatment plan, and provides your next set of aligners. Visits outside of this schedule are generally not required.
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
Custom retainers are provided at the conclusion of treatment. Consistent retainer wear — typically nightly long-term — is what keeps your teeth in their new positions permanently. Dr. Alber schedules a follow-up to verify retention progress and can replace retainers as needed if they are lost or damaged.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation in Boulder
Dr. Marc Alber is a Gold Level Invisalign provider with over 26 years of combined experience treating patients throughout Boulder, Superior, Louisville, Broomfield, Longmont, Erie, and the surrounding Front Range. Our fee-for-service practice means your treatment is designed around your goals — not insurance limitations. Request a consultation online or call us directly at 303-449-3132 to get started.