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Invisalign
A Straighter Smile and a Brighter Life

If you're looking to straighten your smile without the bulk and hassle of traditional braces, Invisalign may be right for you!

Woman putting on Invisalign clear aligners in Wilmington DE
Align Your Smile Without Brackets and Wires
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Invisalign in Wilmington, DE

Invisalign is a great and innovative way to straighten your teeth. If you’re an adult who’s dreamed of a straighter smile but felt hesitant because of pesky wires and brackets, invisible braces might be the answer. 

At Dr. Bruce Matthews, D.D.S., we offer Invisalign in Wilmington, DE. We know that so many patients want straighter teeth without the hassle of traditional braces, and we are excited to supply a treatment option that makes orthodontia easier for everyone! We offer Invisalign technology as an effective and non-invasive alternative to traditional metal braces.Invisalign clear aligner tray at 19810 dentist office

Invisalign is a highly popular treatment at our dental office. Our Wilmington, DE dentists help our patients achieve a straighter and healthier smile with Invisalign clear braces, and they can do the same for you! If you would like to meet with one of our knowledgeable dentists to learn more about Invisalign clear braces or to discuss a specific treatment plan for your teeth, please reach out to our dental practice. You can give us a call today at (302) 475-9220. 

How does Invisalign work in Wilmington, DE?

The goal of Invisalign is the same as with any orthodontic treatment: to straighten teeth so that the patient has a healthier and more beautiful smile. Crooked teeth are not just less attractive than straight teeth—they also pose more oral health challenges. Straight smiles are easier to floss, brush, and clean, and food and bacteria are less likely to get trapped between teeth when the teeth are correctly aligned. The purpose of Invisalign is to quickly and effectively align teeth and to do so more comfortably than traditional braces. 

We rely on Invisalign in Wilmington, DE to straighten our patients’ teeth more conveniently. Invisalign employs a set of custom-designed clear plastic aligners that are easily removable and don’t affect the natural color of your teeth. The aligners fit comfortably over your teeth and create gentle, precise teeth movements. Typically, you will wear each Invisalign aligner for several weeks until it is comfortable before progressing to the next aligner. 

One of the biggest perks of Invisalign is that you need to make fewer trips to the dentist during your treatment than you do with metal braces. When you wear metal braces, you need to visit your dentist every time your braces need tightening. With Invisalign, you can usually go through several aligners on your own at home before our dentist in 19810 will need to see you. We still need to monitor your treatment and make sure that your teeth are reacting to your aligners appropriately, but you won’t need to make as many trips to our dental office because you’ll do a lot of the legwork on your own while you’re at home. 

Does Invisalign hurt?

Many of our potential Invisalign wearers want to know about any pain that comes with Invisalign before they commit to treatment. The most straightforward answer to the question, “Does Invisalign hurt?” is, “Mildly, but it usually hurts less than traditional braces.”

The pain associated with any orthodontic treatment usually involves a dull aching sensation as your teeth move into alignment. It’s normal—and very necessary—for your teeth to feel pressure as Invisalign pushes them into a straighter position. Invisalign wearers typically experience a mild soreness during the first few days of wearing a new aligner, much as traditional braces wearers experience pain after getting their braces tightened. 

Orthodontic treatments rely on pressure and force to move teeth, so you can expect some pain and tenderness as your teeth reposition themselves. Usually, you can easily manage this pain by taking over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and by following a soft diet for the first few days after starting a new tray. 

While there is some standard discomfort associated with Invisalign, the pain is typically less than with metal braces. This is because Invisalign trays are free from the pokey wires and brackets that so often irritate tongues and soft gum tissue. You should never experience extreme pain beyond routine, temporary soreness with your Invisalign trays—if you do, you should make a dental appointment with our Wilmington, DE dentists right away so we can investigate the problem. 

How long will I have to wear my Invisalign aligners? 

Invisalign trays are completely removable, so it’s tempting to take them out for long periods. Typically, however, Invisalign clear braces work better the longer they are in your mouth. You should only begin the Invisalign treatment program if you’re fully committed to responsibly wearing your aligners each day. 

Woman putting in Invisalign clear aligners in Wilmington DEYou will need to wear your Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours every day. During the other two hours, you can remove your aligners to eat meals and snacks and to brush and floss your teeth. You should always wear your aligners as often as possible, so if you only need a total of one hour per day to eat and to clean your teeth, then you should put your Invisalign trays back in your mouth for the other 23 hours. 

Treatment times for Invisalign in Wilmington, DE are typically around 12 to 18 months. Invisalign works best for patients with simpler, more straightforward orthodontic needs, and these corrections usually take less time to complete. As a general rule, you can expect your Invisalign treatment to last between one and two years. Our dentist in 19810 can sometimes complete straightforward orthodontic cases in six or nine months. Conversely, complex cases can take more than two years. 

If you’re concerned about your smile or the amount of time you will need to wear your Invisalign aligners, we would be happy to meet with you and discuss your options. Invisalign is a flexible program that looks a little different for everyone, which means no two treatment plans are the same. 

Why should I choose Invisalign in Wilmington, DE?

If you’re an adult or older teenager with mild to moderate orthodontic needs, Invisalign is a subtle, minimalistic way to achieve a straighter smile. Invisalign has many benefits, the most notable being the clear, removable aligner trays. 

Traditional metal braces are bulky and tend to make eating and proper dental hygiene more difficult. Invisalign’s aligners, however, make eating regularly and taking care of your teeth more comfortable than ever! Invisalign allows you to receive high-quality orthodontia without the burden and the bulk of cumbersome brackets and wires.

The Invisalign teeth-straightening method is comfortable, fast, and easy. Our team will first determine if Invisalign in Wilmington, DE is the right treatment method for you. After careful evaluation, we will create a precise mold of your teeth and gums. We will then use this mold to develop the custom-fitting plastic aligners that will comfortably and gently straighten your teeth. Your set of aligners will be replaced with new aligners about once every two weeks. This process will continue until we’ve achieved the desired amount of teeth-straightening and correction.

Traditional metal braces can have a drastic impact on your appearance as well as the way you eat and brush your teeth. Hard braces also require routine adjustments, which mean more visits to the orthodontist or dentist. Soft, flexible Invisalign trays eliminate these hassles while providing natural, safe, and more precise teeth straightening.

You should choose Invisalign if you are interested in a straighter smile but don’t want to deal with the hassles and pains that accompany traditional braces. If you are a responsible adult and can commit to wearing and changing your Invisalign aligners as you should, then one of our Wilmington, DE dentists would love to speak with you. 

Start Invisalign in Wilmington, DE Today 

If you believe you’re a strong candidate for Invisalign or would like to know more, please contact our clinical team at Dr. Bruce Matthews, D.D.S. today by calling (302) 475-9220. We are a preferred Invisalign provider and promise to work with you until you have the smile of your dreams!    

Your Home for Advanced Dental Care and Modern Orthodontics

Whether you're looking for Invisalign®, sleep apnea treatment, or something in between, we are here for you. Below, we share what to expect after Invisalign treatment in Wilmington, DE.

Easier Oral Care

With straight teeth, brushing and flossing are more effective and productive!

More Confidence

You may feel more like laughing and smiling with others when you love your smile.

Better Oral Health

An aligned bite and easier brushing and flossing may improve your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

teeth whitening for dentist in wilmington deIt's natural for our teeth to lose their luster and shine over time. There are many factors that contribute to the discoloration or dulling of your smile such as:

  • Certain medications
  • Aging
  • Genetics
  • Foods such as berries, tomatoes or marinara sauce, soy sauce, and curries
  • Beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine and cola
  • Smoking or tobacco use

You can try to avoid certain foods, or rinse with water after consumption to try to reduce the affects of discoloration. Teeth whitening in Wilmington may also be a good option for combating stains and discoloration.

Professional Teeth Whitening In Wilmington, DE

We offer professional whitening that is designed to eliminate stubborn discoloration and quickly deliver results. The whitening system we utilize is fast and effective and it uses a higher strength whitening gel than you can get with over-the-counter products. Our whitening gel also has specific ingredients designed to reduce and even eliminate the sensitivity that some patients experience with teeth whitening.

Call Our Dental Office To Learn More

If you've tried whitening your teeth with little to no success, our doctors are happy to discuss other options for improving your smile. Cosmetic dentistry offers a number of very effective options for enhancing the appearance of your teeth. Give our office a call today to learn more about the possibilities for your teeth.

 

Woman putting in clear aligner l Invisalign Wilmington DELike any major dental treatment, Invisalign costs can vary based on a number of factors. Invisalign treatment costs are usually comparable to braces. The cost may be higher or lower based on severity of your condition, length of treatment, type of treatment, and other factors such as additional procedures that may be needed in conjunction with Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Matthews and his staff can give you an estimated treatment cost based on your specific situation after an evaluation.

Affordable Dentistry At Bruce E. Matthews, DDS, PA

Insurance coverage is different from policy to policy. If your dental insurance policy covers orthodontics, it may cover Invisalign at a comparable rate. You may be responsible for any additional costs for Invisalign over and above the estimated cost for traditional braces for the same condition. Our office will be happy to review your coverage with you and provide you with an estimated coverage from your insurance.

Contact Our Wilmington, DE Dental Office

If your insurance does not cover Invisalign or you need to cover your portion of the cost of treatment, we have several payment options including cash, check, and Visa or MasterCard. Our Wilmington, DE dental office also accepts CareCredit, which is a special credit card that can be used to cover a wide range of medical and dental treatments. If you are interested in applying for CareCredit, we will be happy to help you with the application process. For more info, call our office today!
 

image of Invisalign clear aligners in wilmington deThe Invisalign system is similar to traditional braces in that it can correct many orthodontic problems such as gaps, overcrowded teeth, crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites. However, Invisalign does not require unsightly metal brackets and wires that can be uncomfortable and make it difficult or impossible to eat some foods.

Invisalign uses clear plastic aligner trays that are custom fitted to your teeth. The trays are nearly invisible when they're on your teeth and are more comfortable than metal braces. Every few weeks, you switch to a new tray, gradually and gently shifting your teeth to achieve the desired results. The treatment process can take from six to twenty-four months, depending on the amount of correction needed.

The aligners can be easily removed while eating and brushing your teeth, meaning you can still eat normally and don't have to employ special home care routines to keep your teeth clean and healthy. It also requires fewer follow-up visits for adjustments, as you simply move to the next set of aligners approximately every two weeks.

Invisalign's innovative and customized system allows for more precise results than traditional braces, without the extra bulk and hassle. Schedule an appointment at our Wilmington, DE dental office to determine if Invisalign is the answer for you.
 

Invisalign clear aligners in wilmington deThe advances in technology that make Invisalign possible have given us a way to treat a wide variety of teeth straightening issues, ranging from mild to severe. The Invisalign system has several advantages over traditional metal braces:

  • Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to correct your bite without anyone even knowing you're wearing them.
  • While optimal results are gained from wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, Invisalign is easily removable. This means you can eat and drink whatever you like, participate in contact sports without increased risk of mouth injury, and brush and floss normally without additional hardware to have to clean around.
  • Invisalign are easy to clean, using either the Invisalign cleaning crystals or simply by brushing the aligners and rinsing them with lukewarm water.
  • Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces. The smooth plastic trays are custom manufactured to fit snugly and comfortably over your teeth without sharp edges or protruding wires that can cause irritation.
  • The Invisalign system requires fewer follow-up visits, and the visits will take less time than with traditional braces. This is because the Invisalign aligner trays do not require complex adjustments of wires and brackets during each visit.

For safe, comfortable straightening of your teeth, contact Wilmington, DE dentist Dr. Matthews today and schedule an Invisalign consultation!
 

woman putting on Invisalign clear aligners in wilmington deUpdated in October 2025

A lot of the pain experienced in traditional braces is from the hardware itself. The metal brackets that are cemented to your teeth have sharp edges, which can irritate the tender flesh of your mouth and make eating difficult and painful. Invisalign aligners are smooth and comfortable, with none of the sharp edges and wires associated with braces.

Mild Pressure, Not Pain

Most patients describe the feeling of Invisalign not as pain, but as mild pressure, especially when switching to a new set of aligners. This pressure is a good sign! It means your Invisalign trays are working, gently shifting your teeth into their ideal positions.

This minor discomfort usually lasts only a few days after each change, and most patients find it easy to manage. You can also wear your aligners for a few hours before bedtime when starting a new set to help your mouth adjust overnight.

Invisalign vs. Braces: Comfort and Confidence

Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners don’t come with metal hardware or rubber bands that can break or poke your mouth. They’re also removable, allowing you to eat, brush, and floss without restriction.

Beyond comfort, Invisalign helps you feel more confident during treatment. The clear aligners are nearly invisible, so most people won’t notice you’re wearing them. That means you can smile freely in photos, at work, or during social events without worrying about brackets or wires.

A Safe, Comfortable, and Effective Solution

The Invisalign system is a safe, comfortable and invisible alternative to traditional braces. Our office is an Invisalign preferred provider, so contact us to schedule an appointment today and get started improving your smile!

Meet Our Doctors:

Bruce Matthews DDS
Dentist

Bruce E. Matthews, DDS is a Wilmington native. He graduated from the University of Delaware and obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Georgetown University. He completed his General Practice residency at the Wilmington Medical Center.

Dr. Matthews maintains active memberships in the American Dental Association, the Delaware State Dental Society, and is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry. He is state chairperson of the Pierre Fauchard Academy and a member of several local study clubs. He is also a member of the DIDER Board (Delaware Institute for Dental Education and Research). Additionally, he is ...

Brian Matthews DMD
Dentist

Brian Matthews, DMD is a 2006 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, with a degree in Biology/Neuroscience. After of year of Neurologic research at Penn, Dr. Matthews entered Temple University's Kornberg School of Dentistry, where he achieved membership to various academic honor societies.

He graduated in 2011, and began a General Practice Residency at Christiana Care Health System, in Wilmington, Delaware. Dr. Matthews enters the family practice with great enthusiasm, skill and compassion.

Achievements:

  • Graduated, honors with distinction, from the University of Pennsylvania, 2006
  • Co-author of "Immediate Short-Duration Hypothermia Provides Long-Term Protection in an In Vivo Model of Traumatic ...

Daniel Matthews DMD
Dentist

Daniel E. Matthews, DMD is the second of five children. He graduated from Georgetown University and received his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from the University of Pennsylvania.

He completed his General Practice dental residency at Christiana Care in June 2006 and joined our dental team in July.

Dr. Dan is a member of the American Dental Association, Delaware State Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Dan and his wife reside in Wilmington.

Achievements:

  • Graduated from Georgetown University in 2001
  • Graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2005
  • Completed hospital-based residency in General/Family Dentistry at Christiana ...

Katie Matthews DMD
Dentist

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Katie Matthews, DMD is from Hamilton Square, NJ. She completed her education in Philadelphia, PA, worked in private practice, and was an attending at a pediatric dental residency program for a number of years. She recently joined her husband and father-in-law in the family practice of Bruce Matthews, DDS and continues to practice at the local children’s hospital in Wilmington, DE. Dr. Katie and her husband, Dr. Daniel Matthews, reside in Landenburg, PA with their three children.

Dr. Katie’s emphasis on patient comfort, as well as keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in pediatric dentistry, enable her ...

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