At Smile With Style, we offer Invisalign, a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth, as an alternative to braces. The treatment consists of a series of custom-made, removable trays called aligners worn over your teeth to move them into the desired position gradually. These aligners are nearly invisible, so most people won’t notice you’re wearing them.
Unlike traditional braces, you can remove the aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. This makes it easier to maintain your oral hygiene routine during treatment. Because they’re made from smooth plastic instead of metal, Invisalign aligners won’t irritate your mouth like traditional braces can. And unlike braces, there are no food restrictions with Invisalign. You can eat whatever you want without worrying about damaging your appliances.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment system that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth gradually. The treatment process is simple and consists of several phases.
First, our dentist in Fullerton, CA, will take impressions of your teeth to create a 3D image of your smile. This image is then used to design your treatment plan. Our dentist will map out the exact movements of your teeth with each set of aligners.
Each aligner will be worn for about two weeks and replaced with the next one in the series. Over time, you will notice subtle changes in the position of your teeth as they begin to straighten into the desired position.
During your initial consultation, our dentist will explain how long you must wear each set of aligners to achieve your desired results. The number of aligners you will need will depend on your specific case. On average, patients need to wear their aligners for about one year.
After treatment, our dentist will provide you with retainers to help maintain your results. You will need to wear these retainers as instructed by our dentist to maintain your new smile.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Discreet Appearance
One of the main advantages of Invisalign aligners is their nearly invisible appearance. The clear aligners are virtually undetectable, allowing you to straighten your teeth without feeling self-conscious about your appliance.
Improved Comfort
Unlike traditional braces with metal wires and brackets, Invisalign aligners are made from a smooth plastic material that is custom-fitted to your teeth. This means they are much more comfortable to wear and won't cause irritation or soreness in your mouth.
Removable Aligners
Another great benefit of Invisalign is that the aligners can be easily removed for brushing and flossing. This makes maintaining oral hygiene much easier compared to traditional braces.
No Dietary Restrictions
With traditional braces, there are certain foods you need to avoid due to the risk of damaging the wires or brackets. However, with Invisalign, you can continue enjoying all your favorite foods since you can remove the aligners before eating.
Shorter Treatment Time
Depending on your individual case, treatment time with Invisalign tends to be shorter compared to traditional braces. On average, most patients complete their treatment within 12-18 months.
Easy Monitoring Process
Throughout your treatment journey with Invisalign, you will receive a series of customized aligner trays that gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions over time. Regular check-ups with our dentist ensure proper progress monitoring and adjustments as needed.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, Invisalign could be the solution for you. It can help correct various dental issues such as overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, and gaps between teeth.
Another important factor to consider is age. While teenagers and adults are often the ideal candidates for Invisalign treatment due to their fully developed jaws and teeth, children may also be suitable, depending on their individual circumstances.
Furthermore, it's crucial that patients are committed to wearing their aligners as instructed by the dentist. This means wearing them at least 20-22 hours per day and changing them every two weeks on average.
The best way to determine if you're a good candidate for Invisalign is by consulting with our experienced dentists. We will thoroughly evaluate your specific needs and provide personalized recommendations based on your unique situation.
Cost and Insurance Coverage for Invisalign
One of the concerns that many people have when considering Invisalign is the cost. It's important to understand that the price can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of your case. Generally, Invisalign tends to be more expensive than traditional braces.
When it comes to insurance coverage, some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. However, not all plans provide this coverage, so it's essential to check with your insurance provider beforehand. There are also third-party financing companies specifically designed to cover medical expenses like Invisalign treatment. These companies provide loans with manageable monthly payments and competitive interest rates.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Taking care of your Invisalign aligners is essential to ensure effective treatment and maintain good oral hygiene. Here are some tips to help you keep your aligners in the best possible condition:
- It's important to clean your aligners regularly. Gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water every time you remove them from your mouth. Avoid using toothpaste or harsh cleaning agents, as they can scratch the surface of the aligners.
- Make sure to properly store your aligners when not in use. Use the provided case to keep them safe and protected from damage or loss. Do not wrap them in tissue paper or leave them exposed on surfaces where they can easily be misplaced or damaged.
- Remember to remove your aligners while eating or drinking anything other than water. This helps prevent staining and potential damage caused by chewing on hard foods while wearing the aligners.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial throughout your Invisalign treatment. Brushing and flossing after each meal before reinserting the aligners will help keep both your teeth and the aligner trays clean.
- Follow all instructions given by our dentist regarding wear time for optimal results. Consistency is key when it comes to wearing Invisalign trays – aim for at least 22 hours per day for successful treatment progress.
By following these maintenance and care tips, you can streamline your Invisalign journey toward achieving a straighter smile.
Whether you're an adult looking to enhance your professional image or a teen seeking an alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign could be the answer you've been searching for. To learn more about Invisalign, visit Smile With Style at 3261 N Harbor Blvd., Suite A, Fullerton, CA 92835, or call (714) 870-9445.