Last reviewed: April 2026 · Based on current clinical protocols at DenCos, Hoofddorp
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth without traditional metal braces. Since Align Technology introduced the system in 1997, over 17 million patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. At DenCos in Hoofddorp, Invisalign treatments are performed by Dr. Jing Guo — a registered specialist orthodontist and Invisalign Diamond Apex Status ranked in the top 1% of providers in Europe.
This article explains how Invisalign works, who it is suitable for, how it compares to traditional braces, and what to expect during treatment at DenCos.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment method that uses a series of clear, custom-made plastic aligners to gradually move teeth into the correct position. Each aligner is worn for 1–2 weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, progressively shifting teeth according to a digitally planned treatment path.
Unlike traditional braces that use fixed metal brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible when worn and can be removed for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene. The system was developed by Align Technology and received FDA clearance in 1998. It has since become the most widely used clear aligner system globally.
The treatment relies on ClinCheck, Align Technology's proprietary 3D treatment planning software, which allows both the orthodontist and the patient to preview the expected tooth movements and final result before treatment begins.
How does Invisalign treatment work?
Invisalign treatment at DenCos follows a structured 6-phase protocol, from initial consultation to long-term retention. The entire journey is supervised by specialist orthodontist Dr. Jing Guo.
- Consultation and goals — Dr. Guo discusses your concerns, reviews your dental and medical history, and identifies the functional and aesthetic goals that matter most to you or your child.
- Diagnostic records — Dr. Guo assesses your teeth, jaw relationship, and facial profile using digital photographs, X-rays, and an intraoral 3D scan. This appointment takes approximately 45 minutes.
- Digital treatment plan (ClinCheck) — The 3D scan data is used to create a precise digital simulation of your treatment. You can see the projected tooth movements and final outcome before committing to treatment.
- Custom aligner fabrication — Your personalised aligner series is manufactured by Align Technology based on the approved treatment plan. Each aligner is precision-engineered to apply controlled force to specific teeth.
- Active treatment with regular monitoring — You wear each set of aligners for 20–22 hours per day, switching to a new set every 1–2 weeks. Check-up appointments at DenCos occur every 6–8 weeks to monitor progress and ensure treatment stays on track.
- Retention phase — After active treatment, you wear a retainer (fixed wire or removable plate) to prevent teeth from shifting back. According to the European Journal of Orthodontics, long-term retention is essential for stable orthodontic outcomes.
Who is Invisalign suitable for?
Invisalign can treat a broad range of orthodontic conditions across all age groups. At DenCos, Dr. Guo uses Invisalign for approximately 85% of orthodontic cases, reserving traditional braces for situations where fixed appliances offer a clear clinical advantage.
- Children (from age 6) — Invisalign First is designed for children with mixed dentition. It guides jaw development and creates space for erupting permanent teeth during the growth phase.
- Teenagers — Invisalign Teen includes compliance indicators and is designed to accommodate still-erupting teeth. It offers a discreet alternative that fits school, sports, and social activities.
- Adults — Invisalign corrects crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite in adult patients. Treatment times for adults typically range from 12 to 24 months.
When are traditional braces a better option?
Traditional braces may be preferred for severe skeletal discrepancies, significant rotations, or cases requiring precise vertical tooth movements. Dr. Guo evaluates each case individually and recommends the method with the best expected clinical outcome.
How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?
| Feature | Invisalign | Traditional braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Nearly invisible clear plastic | Visible metal or ceramic brackets |
| Removability | Removable for eating and brushing | Fixed to teeth for entire treatment |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, no wire irritation | Brackets and wires may cause sores |
| Treatment duration | 6 – 24 months (average 12–18) | 12 – 36 months (average 18–24) |
| Office visits | Every 6–8 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Oral hygiene | Normal brushing and flossing | Requires special tools for cleaning |
| Best for | Mild to complex alignment issues | Severe malocclusions, surgical cases |
| Cost range (NL) | €2,000–€4,500+ | €1,600–€4,000 |
Both methods achieve excellent results when prescribed appropriately. At DenCos, Dr. Jing Guo has treated over 3,000 orthodontic cases and selects the treatment approach — Invisalign, fixed braces, or a combination — based on thorough clinical assessment.
What does Invisalign cost in the Netherlands?
Invisalign treatment costs in the Netherlands typically range from €2,000 to €4,500, depending on case complexity and treatment duration. For patients under 18, orthodontic treatment is partially covered by Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering). Adult patients should consult their supplementary insurance policy.
During your first consultation at DenCos, you receive a personalised cost estimate with a transparent breakdown. DenCos also offers payment plans for patients who prefer to spread the cost over the treatment period.
Why choose DenCos in Hoofddorp for Invisalign?
DenCos offers specialist orthodontic care with credentials that directly impact treatment quality and predictability.
- Invisalign Diamond Apex Status — Dr. Jing Guo holds the highest Invisalign provider status in Europe (top 1% by case volume), reflecting extensive experience across simple and complex cases.
- Certified Invisalign Mentor — Dr. Guo is one of only five Invisalign-certified mentors in the Netherlands, training other orthodontists in advanced techniques.
- Registered specialist orthodontist — Dr. Guo is registered in the Dutch specialist register (BIG 19918762902), ensuring she meets the highest professional standards.
- Interdisciplinary care under one roof — For complex cases requiring periodontal treatment or implant planning, DenCos also houses periodontist-implantologist Dr. Gang Wu (BIG 29918905102). This eliminates delays from external referrals and ensures coordinated treatment.
DenCos is a specialist referral practice in Hoofddorp, Haarlemmermeer, serving patients from Haarlem, Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Aalsmeer, Heemstede, Bloemendaal, Leiden, Noordwijk, Velsen, Lisse, Uithoorn, Zaanstad, and the wider region.
Book a consultation
Want to find out if Invisalign is right for you or your child? Register as a new patient at DenCos or call 023-792 0463 to schedule your first appointment. No referral is required. Appointments are available until 18:30 on Tuesday to Thursday — convenient outside school and work hours.