Orthodontics & Invisalign in Haifa
Straightening your teeth is not only cosmetic — straight teeth are easier to clean, maintain healthy gums, and prevent uneven wear. At Shuster Dent in Haifa, we offer both Invisalign (clear aligners) and traditional braces for teens and adults — with close monitoring throughout the entire treatment.
Invisalign and braces — the difference in practice
Both methods move teeth on the same principle: gentle, sustained force that causes the bone around the tooth to remodel. The difference is the mechanism. Braces are bonded to the teeth and connected by a wire, so the force is continuous and does not depend on the patient. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners, each moving the teeth a small amount.
Aligners have clear day-to-day advantages: they are nearly invisible, they come out for eating and brushing, and there are no food restrictions. The trade-off is discipline — they need to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day. Someone who takes them out too often simply will not progress on schedule.
Braces remain the most effective option in complex cases: significant rotations, substantial bite discrepancies, or movements that need precise control of the tooth root. For children and teenagers they also remove the compliance question altogether, because they are fixed in place.
Who each treatment suits
Most cases of crowding, spacing, mild rotation and an imprecise bite can be treated either way, and the choice is largely the patient's. The more complex the case, the greater the advantage of braces — or of combining both methods at different stages of treatment.
For children, the widely accepted recommendation is a first orthodontic assessment around age seven. By then it is possible to spot bite problems, lack of space, or habits affecting jaw development — not necessarily to begin treatment, but to know whether and when it will be needed. Early treatment is required only in some cases, and it can substantially shorten later treatment.
Adults are not limited by age. The real requirement is healthy gums and stable supporting bone: teeth move through bone, and active gum disease must be treated and stabilised before starting.
How long it takes, and what happens afterwards
Treatment length is determined by how far the teeth need to move, not by which method is used. Minor corrections may finish within a few months; complex cases run one to two years or more. Either way, periodic review appointments are needed to adjust the forces and check progress.
The stage most people overlook is what comes after. Teeth tend to drift back towards their original position — known as relapse — so at the end of treatment a fixed retainer is bonded behind the teeth and/or a removable retainer is provided. Retention is not a temporary phase but part of the result: without it, some of the movement achieved will be lost over the years.
Beyond appearance, properly aligned teeth are easier to clean between, accumulate less plaque in crowded areas, and distribute chewing forces more evenly — which helps prevent uneven enamel wear and strain on the jaw joint.
The treatment stages
Consultation and assessment
Clinical examination, imaging and a scan or impression of the teeth, alongside a discussion of what bothers you and what you want to achieve.
Treatment plan and simulation
Mapping the tooth movements, showing the expected outcome, comparing aligners with braces, and setting out a timeline and a quote.
Preparation if needed
Treating decay or gum disease before alignment begins, and in some cases creating space.
Starting treatment and reviews
Braces are bonded or the first set of aligners is issued, followed by periodic reviews to adjust and track progress.
Completion and retention
Braces are removed or the aligner series ends, a fixed retainer and/or removable retainer is fitted, and long-term instructions are given.
Treatment Benefits
- Invisalign aligners — nearly invisible
- Removable for eating and brushing
- More comfortable than traditional braces
- Suitable for teens and adults
- Digital tracking for optimal results
The information on this page is general and is not medical advice or a substitute for examination. A suitable treatment plan is determined only after a clinical examination and imaging.
Orthodontics
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Invisalign cost in Haifa?
Invisalign treatment ranges from ₪8,000 to ₪20,000 depending on complexity. We offer convenient payment plans. Initial consultation is free.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Simple cases 6–12 months, complex cases 12–24 months. Depends on the extent of treatment and commitment to wearing aligners 20–22 hours per day.
What age is suitable for orthodontic treatment?
Invisalign is suitable from age 12+ after adult teeth have come in. Early orthodontic treatment for children can begin from age 7 if bite issues are present.
Invisalign or braces — which is better?
There is no single answer. Aligners are comfortable, discreet and removable, but require consistent wear of 20–22 hours a day. Braces work continuously without depending on the patient and give better control in complex cases. The choice depends on the complexity of the case, lifestyle and age — and the two are sometimes combined.
Do teeth need to be extracted before orthodontic treatment?
Not always. Extraction is considered when there is not enough room in the arch to align the teeth without pushing them forward. In many cases space can be created another way — by expanding the arch or slightly reducing the width of some teeth. The decision is based on imaging and measurements, never as a default.
Will my teeth move back after treatment?
Without retention, yes — at least partly. It is a natural tendency, which is why a fixed retainer is bonded behind the teeth and/or a removable retainer is provided at the end of treatment. Using them as instructed is what preserves the result over the years.
Ready to Get Started?
Book your appointment today for a no-obligation initial consultation.