Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable trays to move teeth gradually into a straighter position. At Barrie Heights Family Dentistry, Invisalign is offered by Dr. Rebeca Riojas-Ozturk, our general and family dentist and an Invisalign provider.
Aligners are not right for every smile, so this page starts with who they tend to suit, then explains the consultation, what wearing them is like, why retainers matter, and what affects the cost.
Who provides Invisalign at our Barrie office?
Your aligner treatment is planned and supervised by Dr. Riojas-Ozturk, a general dentist who provides Invisalign as part of family dentistry. Because the same office looks after your checkups and cleanings, your teeth and gums are monitored alongside the aligner treatment.
Some tooth movements are better handled elsewhere. Where a case is complex, we will refer you when a specialist’s care is needed, and we will explain why.
What problems can clear aligners help with?
Invisalign is designed for mild to moderate tooth position problems. These include:
- Small amounts of crowding, where teeth overlap or twist
- Teeth that are rotated
- Small gaps between teeth
- Teeth that have drifted after earlier braces, often because retainers were not worn
That last group is common. Many adults had braces as teenagers, stopped wearing their retainers, and have noticed their front teeth creeping back out of line. Aligners can often bring them back.
When might aligners not be the right choice?
Aligners are most suited to cases where the main concern is the position of the teeth themselves. They may be less suitable when there is a large difference in how the upper and lower jaws meet, severe crowding, teeth that need to move a long way, or teeth that have not fully come in.
Healthy teeth and gums are also needed before treatment starts. If you have active decay or gum disease, that comes first. Your dentist will tell you honestly at the consultation whether aligners are a reasonable option for you, or whether another approach may give a better result.
Can teenagers have Invisalign?
Yes, many teens are suitable for aligners once their adult teeth have come in. Aligners can be a good fit for teens who play sports or instruments, since there are no wires or brackets to catch on the lips or cheeks.
The main question for a teen is commitment. Aligners only work when they are worn, and they are easy to leave out.
We encourage parents to come to the consultation, so everyone understands what daily wear involves before treatment begins.
What happens at an Invisalign consultation in Barrie?
The first visit is about deciding whether aligners suit you. A typical consultation includes:
- A conversation. What bothers you about your smile, and what you would like to change.
- An exam. Your dentist checks your teeth, gums, bite and any existing fillings or crowns.
- Records. X-rays if needed, photos, and a scan or impressions of your teeth.
- A discussion of options. If aligners are suitable, your dentist explains the likely length of treatment, how many check visits to expect, and the cost. If they are not, your dentist explains why and what else may help.
If you go ahead, your records are used to plan each small movement, and a custom set of aligners is made for your teeth.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
It depends on how much the teeth need to move. Mild cases can take a matter of months, and more involved cases can take a year or longer. You change to a new set of trays on a regular schedule set by your dentist, with check visits along the way.
Near the end, some patients need a few extra trays to fine-tune the position of one or two teeth. Your dentist will tell you at the start whether this is likely and how it affects cost. Times vary from person to person.
What does wearing aligners involve each day?
For aligners to work, they need to be worn most of the day and night, typically about 20 to 22 hours. In practice, that means they come out only to eat, to drink anything other than water, and to brush and floss.
A few habits make life with aligners easier:
- Brush your teeth before putting the trays back in, so food is not trapped against the teeth
- Keep the case with you, since trays wrapped in a napkin are easily thrown away
- Rinse trays and clean them gently each day, and avoid hot water, which can warp them
- Expect some pressure for a day or two after switching to a new set
Many people notice a slight change in speech for the first few days. This usually settles as the tongue adjusts.
Why are retainers part of the plan?
Teeth tend to move back toward where they started, especially in the first months after treatment. This is why so many people who had braces years ago see their teeth shift again.
A retainer holds the new position. Your dentist will recommend the type of retainer and how long to wear it, which for many people means wearing one at night over the long term. Planning for retainers from day one is one of the most useful things you can do to keep your result.
What affects the cost of Invisalign?
We do not list a single price, because the cost depends on your case. The main factors are:
- How much the teeth need to move, and how long treatment lasts
- Whether one arch or both arches are being treated
- Whether extra trays are needed near the end
- Any treatment needed first, such as fillings or a cleaning
- The retainers used afterwards
Some workplace dental plans include orthodontic coverage, which may apply to aligners. Check your plan’s lifetime maximum and any age limits. As of November 2026, according to the Government of Canada, orthodontic services are not currently available under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our CDCP page has more on that plan.
We will explain the cost before treatment begins.
How do aligners fit with other cosmetic care?
Straightening first can make later work simpler. Some patients whiten their teeth near the end of aligner treatment, and others find that once the teeth are aligned, they no longer need the veneers or bonding they first asked about. Our cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening pages explain those options.
How do I book an Invisalign consultation?
Call Barrie Heights Family Dentistry at (705) 730-0721, or send a request through our appointment request page. If you are booking for a teen, mention it so we can plan time for a parent to join. We are at 352 Yonge St, Barrie.
Frequently asked questions
Who provides Invisalign at Barrie Heights Family Dentistry?
Invisalign at our Barrie office is provided by Dr. Riojas-Ozturk, a general and family dentist and Invisalign provider. For complex cases, we will refer you when a specialist’s care is needed.
Can I have Invisalign if I had braces before?
Often, yes. Teeth that have shifted after earlier braces are one of the common reasons adults choose aligners. Your dentist will check whether your case suits them.
How many hours a day do I need to wear the aligners?
Typically about 20 to 22 hours a day. They come out to eat, to drink anything other than water, and to brush and floss.
Is my teen old enough for Invisalign?
Many teens are suitable once their adult teeth have come in. The consultation will show whether your teen’s teeth and bite suit aligners.
Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover Invisalign?
As of November 2026, according to the Government of Canada, orthodontic services are not currently available under the CDCP. Some private dental plans include orthodontic coverage.
What happens after my aligner treatment ends?
You wear a retainer to hold your teeth in their new position. Your dentist will explain which type and how often to wear it.
