Invisalign Dentist Near You

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners used for orthodontic treatment. These aligners are made from a flexible plastic called SmartTrack. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, Invisalign makes orthodontic treatment less noticeable.

Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, fitting snugly over your teeth and offering a more discreet alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign uses clear aligners created from computer images and impressions taken by your dentist to shift your teeth. Unlike traditional braces that use fixed wires to pull teeth into place, Invisalign uses a series of molds that gradually move your teeth into their new positions over several months.

Difference Between Invisalign and Braces

Invisalign and traditional braces both aim to straighten teeth and enhance oral health. Traditional braces have existed for many years, while Invisalign is a more recent orthodontic option. Each treatment has advantages and disadvantages, which patients should consider before receiving treatment. Although there are some similarities between Invisalign and braces, the differences are more significant.

Here are a few:

Convenience

Invisalign can be taken out whenever needed, but dental experts recommend wearing it for 20 to 22 hours daily. On the other hand, traditional braces are fixed to the teeth with wires and cannot be removed.

Visible Vs. Clear

Invisalign aligners are made from clear, BPA-free plastic, making them nearly invisible to others. In contrast, traditional braces use metal wires and elastic bands, which are more noticeable and may cause some patients to feel self-conscious about their smiles.

Costs

Invisalign braces generally start at a higher price than traditional metal braces, but the overall costs are not significantly different. Ceramic braces tend to be the most expensive. For specific pricing on Invisalign, you can consult your dentist.

Length of Treatment

The Invisalign treatment is usually quicker than the typical duration for traditional braces. Patients typically wear the trays for 6 to 18 months, while traditional braces take about 2 years.

Suitable Candidates For Invisalign

Invisalign is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their smile or straighten their teeth.

Children

Orthodontics can help patients of any age, but it works well when started early, as a child’s face and jaw are still growing. Early treatment allows a dentist to identify and fix common problems like:

• Overcrowding
• Gaps in the smile
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite

Parents sometimes ask when their child should first visit an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial consultation around the age of 7.

Immediate treatment may not be needed, and dentists always prioritize your child’s well-being. If your child might need Invisalign later but does not need treatment now, they will monitor their growth and make better decisions about future care when the time comes.

Children enjoy Invisalign for the same reasons as adults: it is discreet, comfortable, and convenient. For adults, the clear look of Invisalign is a significant plus, while for children, the biggest benefit is its gentleness. Dentists slowly use the aligners to create space for adult teeth. With Invisalign, your children will have:

• Very few emergency visits.
• No issues with white spots or cavities from poor oral hygiene.
• No painful wires that poke or irritate lips, gums, or cheeks.

Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit snugly on each patient’s teeth. Patients switch their aligners roughly every week, with each new aligner gradually shifting teeth into better positions. Thanks to advanced 3D dental technology, patients experience complete comfort as they move through their aligners.

Teenagers

When Invisalign gained popularity in the early 2000s, it was mainly for adults wanting minor cosmetic changes. However, in the last twenty years, improvements in clear aligner technology have allowed orthodontists to use Invisalign for patients of all ages, including teenagers.

During Invisalign treatment, your teenager will use a series of custom aligners, each designed to shift misaligned teeth gently. Over several months, these aligners will gradually straighten your child’s teeth for a perfect smile.

Teenage patients appreciate Invisalign because it is a comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional braces. The aligners are clear and nearly invisible, allowing teenagers to:

• Enjoy their favorite foods anytime
• Brush and floss quickly without any problems
• Participate in sports and play instruments without worrying about discomfort or broken brackets.

Adults

Many adults opt for dental corrections to take charge of their health. Invisalign is perfect for adults who prefer a flexible approach to teeth alignment and want to improve their smile without the visibility of traditional metal braces.

However, individuals needing correction on their back teeth may not be the ideal candidates for Invisalign. Contact your dental clinic for a professional assessment to determine if you or a family member can use Invisalign.

What Dental Issues Can Invisalign Address?

Invisalign can fix dental problems like crowding, spacing, and mild to moderate bite issues. According to the Invisalign website, it can help with:

• Gaps between teeth.
• Open bites.
• Crowded teeth.
• Certain overbites, underbites, and crossbites.

The Invisalign Installation Process

While the process may vary slightly based on individual needs, here is a general overview of most people’s steps during their treatment.

Initial Consultation

During your initial visit, a dentist will explain the Invisalign process, assess your teeth’ health, and discuss what treatment options suit you. In this appointment, they will explain how Invisalign works, discuss the treatment process, and estimate the costs involved. This stage ensures you have all the necessary information to make a well-informed choice.

X-rays and Photographs

If you proceed with treatment, your dentist will likely take X-rays during your initial consultation. They will capture several X-rays and photographs of your mouth, teeth, and face from different angles to create a detailed map of your dental structure.

Sometimes, they may also take a lateral cephalometric X-ray, which gives clear images of the jaw and cheekbone relationship. This information is crucial for planning how to align your teeth effectively.

With these images, your dentist will have a solid understanding of your dental situation. The final step is to take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create your Invisalign aligners.

Preparatory Work

Some patients may need small composite patches on each tooth to help the clear aligners of Invisalign grip and move them. Not everyone needs these patches, as each patient is unique. The patches are made from the same material as dental fillings and can be easily removed without discomfort at the end of the Invisalign treatment.

Another preparatory step that varies by patient is the interproximal reduction needed. This process, which may sound complex, is simple. It creates more space between crowded teeth. Dentists use discs to gently remove some enamel, allowing for better movement of the teeth in the future.

First Fitting

You will get your first experience with the Invisalign braces during the same visit as your preparatory work. The clear aligners are made from your impressions and should feel snug when wearing them.

At this stage, your dentist will check the fit and may try different molds until they are satisfied. They will ask how the trays feel, if you notice any movement, or if they are uncomfortable.

It is normal for your new Invisalign braces to feel unusual at first. They should be snug but not painful, as they need to be effective for the realignment process. Let your dentist know if you experience pain or discomfort during the first fitting. While they may not be very comfortable initially, you will quickly adjust to how they feel.

Changes in a Patient’s Mouth

When you start using your clear aligners, you might notice unusual changes in your mouth. These changes are normal and part of adjusting to Invisalign, similar to what happens with traditional braces.

The first change you may experience is discomfort or aching as your teeth shift into new positions. This feeling should fade away a few days after changing to a new tray.

In addition, some people using Invisalign notice increased sensitivity in their teeth. This sensitivity usually fades quickly, but toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help ease the discomfort. You can ask your dentist for suggestions.

You might also notice a slight change in your speech during the first few weeks of wearing your aligners. It happens because the clear aligners occupy your mouth, limiting your tongue’s movement. This issue typically resolves within a couple of weeks.

A helpful tip for using Invisalign is to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. The aligners will help your tongue adjust to the new space more quickly.

Changing Your Invisalign Aligners

Based on your dentist’s advice, your clear Invisalign aligners will be replaced every one to two weeks. If your teeth have not moved as expected, this period may be extended. Each new aligner moves your teeth closer to the desired position. It is the process behind how Invisalign functions.

You will not need to visit a dentist every time you switch your Invisalign aligners, but you will have regular check-ups during your treatment. Contact your dentist if you experience pain or significant discomfort between appointments.

How to Clean Your Invisalign Aligners

Make sure to clean your trays thoroughly in the morning and at night, before or after brushing your teeth. Cleaning helps to remove bacteria that can build up overnight or during the day. If not cleaned properly, the trays may start to smell.

Use a toothbrush without toothpaste to clean the trays. Rinse them every time you take them out during the day to keep them fresh and prevent odors from bacteria buildup. Additionally, wash them after every meal to avoid discoloration.

Soak your Invisalign in a dental cleaner when not in use for optimal results. Dental cleaning tablets are easy to find. Your dentist will remind you of this cleaning routine during dental checkups.

What Factors Can Influence the Effectiveness of Invisalign?

To achieve the most suitable results with Invisalign, you should only take them out when you are:

• Eating or drinking
• Brushing or flossing your teeth
• Cleaning your aligners

Be cautious when cleaning your aligners. Hot water can warp the plastic, changing the fit and impacting treatment progress. The severity of your orthodontic issues can also affect how well Invisalign works. If you have more complicated spacing or bite problems, it might take longer to see results.

Additionally, factors like your age and gender can affect tooth movement. A study with 30 participants indicated that tooth movement increases slightly for those aged 35 to 50, suggesting that Invisalign is more effective for this age range. The same study showed that women aged 50 to 70 did not experience a decline in tooth movement as men did.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Invisalign

To help you decide if Invisalign suits you, let us explore the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment.

Advantages of Invisalign

• Aesthetic appeal. Many choose Invisalign because the clear aligners are much less visible than traditional braces with wires and brackets.
• Removability. You can take out the aligners whenever necessary, making it convenient.
• Easier dental hygiene. With the aligners removed, you can brush and floss your teeth quickly without dealing with wires. A study from 2017 indicates this may help improve gum health by reducing bacteria around your teeth.
• Fewer complications. Unlike traditional braces, which can have broken brackets or wires, clear aligners do not have these problems.

Disadvantages of Invisalign

• Less effective for complicated cases. Some research suggests that Invisalign works well for simpler tooth movements. For more complex dental issues, your orthodontist might recommend a different treatment. Also, if you have dental bridges, Invisalign may not be suitable.
• Need for discipline. You must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily to achieve the most suitable results. It may not be your ideal option if you frequently take them out.
• When eating or drinking, you should remove your aligners. Keeping them in can trap food and drink, leading to bacteria growth on your teeth and gums, which may cause cavities. Also, liquids can seep into the aligners, resulting in stains on the aligners and your teeth.
• Food restrictions. You might feel soreness in your teeth after taking out the aligners, which can limit what you can eat. You should avoid hard foods.

Cost of Invisalign

Invisalign treatment costs are generally similar to those of traditional braces. According to the Consumer Guide for Dentistry, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000. The final price can vary based on the length of treatment, the complexity of your dental issues, and your location.

If you have dental insurance, check with your provider, as some plans may cover part or all of the Invisalign cost. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use it to pay some of the Invisalign expenses. Many dental offices offer payment plans if you lack insurance, so inquire about this before starting treatment.

Is Invisalign Suitable For You?

If you are thinking about Invisalign aligners, consider these questions to see if it is the right option:

• Do I have a simple crowding or bite problem with my teeth?
• Am I worried about wearing braces?
• Will I commit to wearing the aligners at the right time each day?
• Can I afford the cost?
• Will I take proper care of them?

If you have a teenager who prefers Invisalign over traditional braces, consider whether they will wear and maintain them properly. If your child often misplaces things, Invisalign, which can be taken out and lost, may not be the ideal fit.

I Am Using Braces Right Now. Can I Change To Invisalign?

Yes, you can switch from braces to Invisalign aligners. This change is called “mid-treatment correction.” You may decide to make this switch for different reasons, including:

• To improve your looks
• To fit your lifestyle
• Diet choices
• For better oral care

Can Invisalign Potentially Harm My Teeth?

Invisalign aligners are generally safe and can fix many alignment issues without harming teeth. However, there are rare cases where problems like bone loss, gum recession, or tooth resorption can occur. These issues usually happen when patients do not follow the guidelines for wearing the aligners or have existing health conditions.

Find a Calabasas Dental Expert Near Me

Invisalign suits different needs, such as fixing crowding, spacing problems, and mild to moderate bite issues. If your bite or crowding is not too complex and you want a less noticeable treatment than braces, it might be a good choice.

We at Calabasas Smiles Advanced Dentistry can help you understand what treatment you need and if Invisalign is right for you. We will help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages before deciding.