Invisible orthodontics (Invisalign) in Bilbao
Align your smile with clear, almost invisible, removable aligners. Free first visit with a 3D scan: we show you the result before starting.
What is invisible orthodontics?
It is an orthodontic treatment that replaces metal braces with a sequence of custom-made clear aligners. Each set of aligners moves the teeth a small amount; you change them every 1 or 2 weeks and, aligner by aligner, your teeth reach the planned position.
Invisalign is the pioneering, best-known brand, but the concept is the same: aesthetic, comfortable and removable orthodontics. You wear nothing bonded to the teeth or wires that dig in, and since you take them out to eat and brush, keeping hygiene is much easier throughout the treatment.
Benefits of invisible orthodontics in Bilbao
Almost invisible
The aligners are clear: day to day, no one notices you are wearing orthodontics.
Removable
Take them out to eat, drink and brush. No forbidden foods.
More comfortable
No brackets or wires that rub or dig in. Fewer sores and fewer emergencies.
Easy hygiene
You brush and floss normally, without dodging wires.
Predictable result
With the 3D scan you see a simulation of your final smile before starting.
Fewer visits
Check-ups are more spaced out, with no typical "broken bracket emergency".
How the treatment works
Study and 3D scan
Check-up, photos, X-ray and intraoral scan (no impression paste). We digitally plan the movement of each tooth and get a simulation of the final result that we show you before deciding anything.
Your custom aligners
The full series of clear aligners is made, personalised for your mouth and for each phase of your teeth's movement.
The treatment
You wear the aligners about 22 hours a day and take them out only to eat and for hygiene. You change sets every 1-2 weeks as prescribed; check-ups are usually every 6-8 weeks.
Refinement and retention
At the end, refinement aligners are sometimes made to polish details. Then we fit a retainer (fixed or removable) so the result lasts over time.
Invisible orthodontics vs. braces
| Invisible orthodontics | Fixed braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Almost invisible | Visible (metal or ceramic) |
| Comfort | No rubbing, removable | Can rub and break |
| Hygiene | Normal (you remove them) | Harder (dodging wires) |
| Food | No restrictions | Avoid hard and sticky |
| Visits | More spaced out | More frequent (adjustments and emergencies) |
| Discipline | Requires wearing 22 h/day | Does not depend on you |
Types of invisible orthodontics
Depending on the complexity of the case and the age there are different types of invisible orthodontics, and in your digital study we tell you which fits you and why:
- Full treatment: to correct most cases, with the number of aligners your situation requires.
- Short versions ("lite" or "express" type): for aesthetic touch-ups or mild relapses, with fewer aligners and a shorter duration.
- For teenagers: with features designed for them, such as indicators that help track wear.
- Early phase in children: when it is best to guide growth before all the permanent teeth have come through.
Before starting: a healthy mouth
Orthodontics moves the teeth, so before starting the mouth must be healthy. We first treat any decay and make sure the gums are well (with a cleaning or periodontics treatment if needed). On a healthy base, the aligners work better and the result is more stable over time.
Which cases it solves
Invisible orthodontics corrects most orthodontic problems:
- Crowding: overlapping or crooked teeth from lack of space.
- Diastemas: spaces or gaps between teeth.
- Mild-to-moderate overbite, open bite or crossbite.
- Relapses after previous orthodontics that has shifted.
In severe skeletal cases fixed or combined orthodontics may be needed. At the free first visit we tell you honestly which option suits you.
How to care for your aligners
- Wear them 22 hours a day: that is what keeps the treatment on track.
- Take them out to eat and drink anything but water, so as not to stain or warp them.
- Clean them with lukewarm water (never hot) and a soft brush.
- Brush before putting them back in, so as not to trap food residue.
- Use the retainer at the end: that is what keeps your smile straight forever.
Invisible orthodontics for adults and teenagers
More and more adults decide to align their smile, and invisible orthodontics is the reason: being able to correct your teeth without it showing at work or in photos has removed the fear of "getting braces as an adult". There is no age for a healthy mouth and a smile you like; the only thing that matters is that your teeth and gums are healthy, which we check at the free first visit.
In teenagers it is a great option when there is a commitment to wear the aligners as long as needed. There are versions designed for them, with indicators that help track wear. And for younger children we assess case by case whether it is time to start or better to wait until the permanent teeth finish coming through.
Myths and facts about invisible orthodontics
"It only works for simple cases"
False. Today it solves the vast majority of cases, from mild crowding to complex bites; advances in recent years have greatly widened what it can correct. In severe skeletal cases it is combined with other techniques.
"It is only aesthetic"
False. Besides the smile, it corrects the bite: well-aligned teeth clean better and prevent decay, wear and gum problems. It is health, not just looks.
"Since I take them out, they do not work the same"
False, if you wear them the recommended 22 hours. The key is consistency; that is why at the start we insist so much on getting into the habit of putting them in after eating and brushing.
"It is very expensive"
It depends. The difference with braces has narrowed a lot and there is financing. At the free first visit we give you a closed quote so you decide with the numbers in front of you.
How much does invisible orthodontics cost in Bilbao?
Every smile is unique: the price depends on complexity and duration.
As a rough market reference, a full treatment in Bilbao usually starts at around €3,000, but we close yours at the free first visit based on your case.
Your invisible orthodontics, one to one
- 20+ years of experience in orthodontics in Bilbao.
- Free first consultation with 3D scan and result simulation.
- You see it before starting: you will know how your smile will look and how long it will take.
- Clear plan and closed quote, with financing.
- Retainers included in the plan so the result lasts.
- Combine it with whitening at the end to round off the smile.
See how your smile will look, free
Free first visit with a 3D scan: we show you the result and give you a closed quote, no commitment.
Everything about invisible orthodontics
How much does Invisalign / invisible orthodontics cost in Bilbao?
It depends on the complexity of the case and the length of treatment. As a rough market reference, a full treatment in Bilbao usually starts at around €3,000, with simple cases for less and full cases for more. It is not a fixed price: at your free first visit, after the 3D scan, we give you a closed, personalised quote, with financing and payment options.
How long does invisible orthodontics take?
In most cases, between 6 and 18 months. Very simple cases can take less and complex ones a little more. At the initial digital study we estimate the approximate length of your treatment.
Does invisible orthodontics hurt?
It does not usually hurt. When you start each aligner you may feel pressure or slight discomfort for a couple of days: that means the teeth are moving. It is much more comfortable than braces, as there are no wires or parts that cause sores.
How many hours a day must the aligners be worn?
About 22 hours a day. You only take them out to eat and to brush your teeth. Wearing them less than indicated delays the treatment and can compromise the result: consistency is the key to success.
Can people tell I am wearing invisible orthodontics?
Day to day it is barely noticeable: the aligners are clear and fit the teeth. Up very close and with attention it can be guessed, but in a normal conversation they go unnoticed. That is their big advantage over braces.
Can I eat anything with Invisalign?
Yes. Since you remove the aligners to eat, there are no forbidden foods (with braces you must avoid hard and sticky ones). Just remember to brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in.
From what age can it be done?
There are options for teenagers and even children, and for adults there is no age limit. What matters is not age but having healthy teeth and gums. We assess it at the free first visit.
Is Invisalign or braces better?
For most cases, invisible orthodontics is just as effective and much more comfortable and aesthetic. In some very complex cases braces may still have an advantage. The honest thing is to assess your specific case: we will tell you sincerely what suits you.
What happens if I lose or break an aligner?
Let us know as soon as possible. Depending on the phase, we will tell you to go back to the previous aligner or move to the next while the lost one is replaced. That is why it is worth keeping the previous aligner until the next change.
Will I have to wear a retainer at the end?
Yes, as with any orthodontics. At the end a retainer is fitted (fixed behind the teeth or removable) to stop the teeth moving again. The retainer is what makes the result last for years.
Can I drink coffee or smoke with the aligners in?
Better not. Coffee, tea, wine or tobacco stain and add odour to the aligners. Take them out for anything other than water and put them back after brushing.
Does invisible orthodontics work for complex cases?
It solves most cases, including many that used to seem exclusive to braces: crowding, gaps, overbite or mild-to-moderate crossbites. For severe skeletal problems a combined treatment may be needed; we tell you clearly at the study.
Are the results permanent?
Yes, as long as you use the retainer. Teeth have a natural tendency to move over the years; the retainer keeps your new smile aligned long-term.
Can I whiten my teeth after orthodontics?
Yes, and it is usually a good time. Many patients finish their treatment with a whitening to round off the smile. We assess it at the end, when the teeth are already in place.
