Self-pay (non-insured)
Invisalign clear aligner treatment
Misaligned teeth suitable for correction with clear aligners.
Treatment, cost and duration
- Patient profile
- Male, 30s
- Diagnosis
- Misaligned teeth suitable for correction with clear aligners.
- Treatment
- Invisalign clear aligner orthodontic treatment using a series of 26 custom removable aligners to gradually move the teeth into alignment.
- Material
- Invisalign clear aligners (26 aligners)
- Period
- 7 months
- Visits
- 4 visits
- Cost
- Self-pay total ¥660,000 (incl. tax) for Invisalign clear aligner treatment (26 aligners).
Main risks & side effects
- Results depend on wearing the aligners for the recommended hours each day (typically 20–22 hours).
- Small tooth-coloured attachments may be bonded to the teeth to aid movement.
- Temporary discomfort or a brief speech adjustment can occur when starting a new aligner.
- Additional refinement aligners may be needed to finish the result.
- A retainer is required after treatment to maintain the result; teeth can relapse without it.
- This is an elective, privately billed (self-pay) treatment, not covered by Japanese national health insurance.
Self-pay (non-insured) treatment. Individual results vary. Published with the patient's written consent.
Invisalign clear aligners — digital planning, fewer visits
A digital treatment plan
Treatment starts with an intraoral scan — no putty impressions. From the scan, a digital plan maps each stage of tooth movement from the starting position to the planned result, and you can usually see a preview of the projected outcome before you commit.
A series of custom, near-invisible aligners is then produced. Each one moves the teeth a small, planned amount; you progress through the series, changing aligners roughly every week or two, until the teeth reach the planned position.
Fewer in-person visits & remote monitoring
Because the whole sequence is planned up front and progress can be reviewed remotely — for example with photos through a monitoring app — the number of in-person visits is often reduced compared with traditional braces, which need regular chairside adjustments.
That is especially convenient for international and expatriate patients. You can begin treatment in Tokyo and coordinate much of the follow-up around your travel, or with a local dentist, rather than returning frequently for in-person checks.
- The full movement sequence is planned before you start
- Progress can be reviewed remotely between in-person checks
- Useful for visitors and expats coordinating care around travel
Living with aligners
Aligners are worn about 20–22 hours a day and removed only for meals and brushing — so there are no food restrictions and cleaning your teeth stays simple. The discipline of wearing them enough hours each day is the single biggest factor in staying on plan.
Small tooth-coloured attachments may be bonded to certain teeth to help the aligners grip and produce specific movements. They are discreet and removed at the end of treatment. Most people adapt to speaking with aligners within a few days.
Retention — keeping the result
Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their old positions, so a retainer is needed after active treatment to hold the result. Wearing the retainer as advised is what makes the new alignment last.
We explain the retention plan up front, so the result you work for is protected once the aligners are done.
Aligners vs traditional braces
Clear aligners are removable and discreet, which suits adults and many everyday situations; traditional fixed braces remain a strong choice for certain complex movements. Neither is universally 'better' — the right approach depends on the case.
Suitability for clear aligners is assessed at consultation, and we will say honestly if fixed braces would serve a particular movement better.
General information; individual results vary and depend on compliance with wear time. Suitability is assessed at consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do Invisalign mostly from abroad?
Often partly — the plan is made up front and progress can be reviewed remotely, with periodic in-person checks. Many international patients coordinate milestone visits with a local dentist.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on the case — from a few months for minor alignment to longer for complex movement. Wearing the aligners the recommended 20–22 hours each day is the biggest factor.
Are the aligners noticeable?
They are near-invisible clear trays, which is a major reason adults choose them. Small tooth-coloured attachments may be added to some teeth but are designed to be discreet.
Can I eat normally?
Yes — you remove the aligners to eat and drink (anything except water), so there are no food restrictions. You brush and then put them back in; keeping to the daily wear time is what matters.
Do I need a retainer afterward?
Yes. Teeth can relapse without retention, so a retainer is used after treatment to hold the result. We explain the retention plan up front.
Aligners or braces — which is better?
Neither universally. Aligners are removable and discreet and suit many adult cases; fixed braces can be better for certain complex movements. We assess suitability at consultation and advise honestly.
Next step
Have a similar concern?
Book a free online consultation and our English-speaking team will outline a treatment plan and a clear written estimate for your case.
