Clear-Aligner Orthodontics (Invisalign)
歯科ハミール高田88 Director
Masashi Motegi
Hello, I’m Masashi Motegi, the director.
For people who are concerned about their teeth but reluctant to wear visible metal wires, clear-aligner orthodontics is a popular choice. Because the aligners are discreet and removable, it’s a method you can keep up with alongside work or school without strain.
At the same time, there are cases clear-aligner orthodontics can treat and cases it can’t. At 歯科ハミール高田88, based on careful examination and diagnosis, we make a point of being honest with you about the advantages, the points to watch for, and the cost.
Here in easy-to-reach Takadanobaba, we propose orthodontic treatment that fits your lifestyle. Start with just a consultation.
Invisalign: Teeth Straightening with Clear Aligners
Many people hesitate to start orthodontic treatment because of the image of “visible metal wires” and “a lot of pain.” The Invisalign system we use is an advanced treatment used worldwide that uses transparent aligners to guide teeth toward their planned position.
Treatment data from around the world support the development of precise treatment plans.
Three Patented Technologies Behind Invisalign
Invisalign uses the three technologies below to plan and control tooth movement.
SmartStage™ Technology
It digitally programs, in fine detail, which tooth to move, when, and in what order, for efficient, predictable tooth movement.
SmartForce™ Technology
When necessary, small resin bumps called “attachments” are added to the surface of a tooth. This makes it possible to apply precise force in the right direction even for complex movements, such as rotating or tilting a tooth, which an aligner alone would find difficult.
[A Bit of a Deep Dive 🎶]
Why Do Aligners Move Teeth?
Some people may wonder whether an aligner can move teeth. In fact, both Invisalign and traditional wire braces move teeth by making use of a biological mechanism called “bone remodeling.”
The root of a tooth is supported by a bone called the alveolar bone, with a thin, cushion-like membrane called the periodontal ligament in between.
When an aligner applies sustained force to a tooth, the periodontal ligament on the side the force is pushing toward compresses, while the ligament on the opposite side is pulled and stretches.
On the compressed side (the direction of movement): cells that dissolve bone (osteoclasts) become active, creating space for the tooth to move into.
On the stretched side (the original position): cells that build bone (osteoblasts) become active, forming new bone to support the tooth.
[Differences From Wire Braces, and Safety]
Wire braces tend to pull teeth with strong force all at once, but each Invisalign aligner moves a tooth only a tiny distance, about 0.25 mm, at a time. This approach of applying “sustained, light force” reduces pain and also lowers the risk of root resorption, in which the tooth root shortens. That makes it a very sensible system for protecting the health of your teeth over their lifetime.
Why Patients Choose 歯科ハミール高田88 for Invisalign
Our Chairman Is an Invisalign “Platinum Elite Provider”
Our Chairman, Kosei Akasaki, is certified as a “Platinum Elite Provider,” a status given only to dentists with an extensive Invisalign track record of more than 80 cases a year. Drawing on solid experience and advanced knowledge, we work closely with each patient to propose the treatment plan best suited to them.
Precise Scanning & 3D Simulation with iTero
There is no need for the uncomfortable traditional putty impression. We use the latest 3D intraoral scanner, iTero, to capture precise data in a short, comfortable scan. Using the scan data, we run simulation software called ClinCheck, which lets you see your teeth’s movement from before treatment to completion in 0.1 mm increments. Because we can share the goal with you, you can start treatment feeling at ease.
Supplementary Devices That Boost Your Treatment
When necessary, we combine supplementary devices as appropriate: “attachments” that make it easier to transmit force to a tooth, “chewies” that help achieve a firm fit between the aligner and teeth, and “elastics” that correct a misaligned bite. This lets us pursue a more precise treatment result.
A Clinic That Embodies Diversity and Hospitality
Under Director Motegi, whose care policy is “treat patients the way you would like to be treated,” we value hospitality. About half of our patients are from overseas. Our staff can assist in Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and English, with Chinese-speaking staff on site.
A Convenient Location and a Relaxing Space
A 1-minute walk from the Waseda Exit of Takadanobaba Station, in front of BIGBOX. We see patients until 19:00 on weekdays and 18:00 on weekends, and also offer 24-hour online booking. The clinic is a beautiful, café-like space in white tones with indirect lighting, without the intimidating feel typical of a dental clinic. Please come visit us feeling as relaxed as you would visiting a hair salon or a café.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Invisalign
Advantages
- Transparent and discreet: even if you have a face-to-face job or an event coming up, such as a wedding or job hunting, you can receive treatment without worry.
- Removable and hygienic: because you take the aligners out to eat and brush your teeth, you can eat as usual and keep the risk of cavities and periodontal disease down.
- Less pain and discomfort: there is no risk of a wire poking into the inside of your mouth, and because light force is applied over time, there’s less pain.
- Fewer visits: because visits are about once every 1 to 2 months, this is a treatment that’s easy to keep up with even for busy people.
Disadvantages & Things to Keep in Mind
- You need to wear the aligners more than 22 hours a day: following the wear schedule is essential. If you don’t wear them long enough, the teeth won’t move as planned, which can extend the treatment period. We make a point of emphasizing this before treatment begins.
- You must take them out to eat or drink: for anything other than water, you need to remove the aligners to prevent staining or cavities. If you’re worried about forgetting to put them back in, it’s better for tooth movement to just leave them in, but if food gets trapped inside, you do need to take them out and clean them.
- Some cases cannot be treated: if a skeletal problem is too severe, for example, Invisalign alone can be difficult to use (in that case, we will also propose other treatment options). This depends on what you want to achieve with orthodontic treatment, so you and your dentist need to agree on your goal.
So, who is clear-aligner orthodontics right for?
Those Who Want to Straighten Their Teeth Without Worrying About Appearance
This is ideal for people who are often in front of others, such as in sales or customer-facing roles. You can proceed with treatment without people around you noticing.
Those With a Wedding or Job Hunting Coming Up
This is also recommended for anyone with an important event coming up who still wants to straighten their teeth. It stays discreet in photos too, and can be removed whenever needed.
Those Sensitive to Pain
Because it causes less pain than wire braces, even people who are sensitive to pain can receive treatment feeling at ease. There is also no risk of a metal appliance injuring the inside of your mouth.
People With a Metal Allergy
Because it’s made of medical-grade plastic, people with a metal allergy can use it without worry. No metal is used at all.
Those Who Want to Enjoy Meals as Usual
Because the aligners are removable, you can take them out at meals and eat as usual. There’s no need to worry about food getting caught in an appliance, so you can enjoy your meals.
New! Plans Matched to Your Timeline & Budget
To match needs like “I just want a small fix” or “I want my whole bite properly corrected,” we’ve added new plans with a target timeline.
*All prices include tax and are for self-pay treatment.
Basic Fees
- Consultation & counseling: Free
- ClinCheck (3D simulation): ¥33,000
- Adjustment fee (per visit): ¥3,300
- Retainer: ¥55,000 (*essential to prevent relapse once orthodontic treatment ends)
Invisalign Package Fees
We propose the plan below that best matches how much your teeth are out of alignment.
- Invisalign Lite: ¥495,000
Ideal for mild misalignment, or for partial orthodontics if there has been a small relapse after previous treatment. - Invisalign Standard: ¥880,000
Treats moderate misalignment, balancing your whole bite and creating a beautiful smile line. - Invisalign Premium: ¥1,012,000
A plan built to handle cases requiring extraction, or severe, complex cases where teeth need to move a great deal.
⭐️New Plans⭐️
Not every case qualifies, but when it does: faster, and for less!
- 2-Month Plan: 8 aligners, ¥275,000
- 6-Month Plan: 24 aligners, ¥495,000
- 9-Month Plan: 36 aligners, ¥660,000
These plans come with a set number of aligners. It depends on your ClinCheck (treatment plan), but when the required tooth movement allows it, we can now offer a less expensive plan that finishes in a shorter time.
Pediatric Orthodontics (Invisalign First: For Ages Around 6–12)
A plan for children that straightens teeth by making use of jaw growth during the period when baby teeth and adult teeth are both present.
Because children’s orthodontics involves “growth” (new teeth coming in, bones getting bigger), it has a strong preventive element, aimed at keeping things from getting worse later on.
- First One (Phase 1 treatment): ¥495,000
- First Two (Phase 2 treatment): ¥440,000
- First Set (One + Two): ¥880,000
💳 About Payment (Medical Expense Deduction & Dental Loans Available)
For anyone who cannot put together a large lump sum right away, we offer dental loans through providers such as JACCS. These support up to 120 installments, letting you start treatment while keeping your monthly payment much lower (for example, from around ¥8,000 a month). Orthodontic treatment may also qualify for a medical expense tax deduction. You can also ask about paying by credit card or bank transfer.
How Treatment Works
First Visit Counseling (Free)
We ask about your current concerns and your ideal smile. We take the time to explain an outline of treatment, roughly how long it will take, and the cost.
Detailed Examination & iTero Scan
We take X-rays, intraoral photos, and a 3D scan using iTero. If you have any cavities or periodontal disease, we treat them here before orthodontic treatment begins.
3D Simulation (ClinCheck) & Explanation of the Plan
Based on the data we’ve captured, we check a simulation video of how your teeth will move through to the end of treatment, together with you. We then present the final treatment time, plan and cost, and order the aligners only once you’re satisfied.
Treatment Begins (Receiving Your Aligners)
We hand over your completed aligners and go over how to put them in and take them out, how to care for them, and what to watch for. From here, you’ll start wearing them more than 20 hours a day. Attachments are added to your teeth if needed.
Regular Visits (Once Every 1–2 Months)
You’ll have regular visits so we can check whether your teeth are moving as simulated and whether there are any issues in your mouth. We hand over new aligners as treatment progresses.
Retention Period (Wearing a Retainer)
Once your teeth have reached their ideal position, the orthodontic phase is complete. However, teeth that have just moved still have a force pulling them back toward their original position. To keep your beautiful smile for life, you’ll need to follow your retainer schedule.
Common Questions
How long does treatment take?
This varies by case, but it generally takes about 1 to 3 years. For mild partial orthodontics, some cases finish in a few months to about half a year. We offer 2-month, 6-month and 9-month plans as a guide, and will give you an approximate treatment time at your first counseling session.
Does it hurt?
Because each Invisalign aligner moves teeth only a tiny distance (about 0.25 mm) at a time, pain is reduced compared with wire braces. For 2 to 3 days right after switching to a new aligner, you may feel a pushing sensation or mild pain, but most people get used to it within a few days.
How Many Hours a Day Should I Wear It?
You need to wear it more than 22 hours a day. You can take it out to eat and brush your teeth, but otherwise keep it in. If you don’t wear it long enough, your teeth won’t move as planned, which can extend the treatment period.
Can I Drink Anything While Wearing It?
Water is fine, but dark drinks like tea or coffee can stain the aligner, and sweet drinks like juice raise the risk of cavities, so please take it out every time you drink anything else.
Can I Start Orthodontics Even If I Have a Cavity?
If you have a cavity or periodontal disease, it needs to be properly treated before orthodontic treatment begins, because if treatment changes the shape of your tooth, the aligner will no longer fit. We also provide general dentistry, so we can support you with everything from cavity treatment to same-day wisdom tooth extraction (depending on the case) before orthodontics starts.
Will It Make It Hard to Talk?
Right after putting it in, you may have minor difficulty pronouncing some sounds, which tends to improve within a few days. It causes less discomfort than wire braces and has almost no effect on daily life.
Is This Covered by Insurance?
Orthodontic treatment is self-pay and not covered by insurance. However, we offer dental loans with up to 120 installments, so you can start treatment while keeping your monthly payment low. It may also qualify for a medical expense tax deduction.
Can I Have an Online Consultation?
We also offer online consultations with our Invisalign Platinum Elite Provider (by arrangement). If visiting in person is difficult for you, please contact us first.
Ready for a Beautiful Smile and Healthy Teeth
That Last a Lifetime?
Questions like “can aligners treat teeth like mine?” or “I want to know the actual cost and timeline” are all welcome, however small. Some patients ask while they’re in for a cavity treatment or cleaning.
At 歯科ハミール高田88, we do everything we can to help patients take care of their own teeth for a lifetime. Please start by coming in for a free counseling session. In a relaxing, café-like space, our whole staff will be waiting with a smile.
