In our practice we talk about current ways to straighten teeth and Invisalign has become one of the most popular and successful options for people who want to improve their smile without drawing attention to themselves. This is a big step forward in the world of orthodontics. It’s an almost invisible alternative to traditional metal braces that lets patients straighten their teeth without the cosmetic issues that come with traditional orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign uses a set of clear plastic aligners designed specifically for you that fit tightly over your teeth. They gradually move your teeth into place. You wear each aligner for about 2 weeks before getting the next one in the series. This is a step by step approach that moves your teeth into alignment over time. Adults and teens choose this treatment because the clear material makes the aligners almost impossible to see while worn.

Working with Irvine Orthodontics has helped us learn how to combine Invisalign treatment with full dental care to get the best results. This relationship ensures patients get treatment that is coordinated and meets both their orthodontic needs and their overall oral health needs. Patients usually have better long term results and better oral health during the treatment process when they have regular dental care along with orthodontic care.

The first step is a consultation where we examine the patient’s teeth, bite and overall oral health to see if Invisalign is the best treatment for them. We can make accurate 3D models of the teeth using advanced digital scanning technology. These models are the basis for the treatment plan. Patients can see what their results will look like before treatment even starts. This helps them know what to expect and stay motivated throughout the process.

Invisalign is more convenient than traditional braces which is one of the best things about it. Patients can keep up with their normal oral hygiene routine because the aligners can be taken out for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. This means people can eat their favorite foods while they are in treatment. But to be successful you have to follow the rules. You have to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to get the results you want in the time frame you want.

Invisalign is a great option for those in Irvine who need orthodontic treatment but have a busy work and social life. Patients can go to meetings, social events and special occasions without feeling self conscious about their orthodontic treatment because the aligners are almost invisible. Many patients say their friends and coworkers don’t even notice they are getting their teeth straightened.

Invisalign is usually more comfortable than regular braces since the smooth plastic doesn’t irritate the soft tissues of the mouth. When patients switch to a new set of aligners they may feel some pressure but this is usually minimal and short lived compared to the changes that need to be made with traditional braces. Invisalign moves teeth slowly which makes the process more comfortable overall.

The length of treatment depends on how complex the situation is and how much the teeth need to move. Simple cases with small crowding or spacing problems can be finished in 6 to 12 months. More complex cases can take 18 to 24 months. We can monitor progress and make sure treatment is on track by scheduling regular check-ups. These visits don’t have to be as frequent as appointments for traditional braces.

Invisalign can fix many orthodontic problems such as teeth that are too close together, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites and crossbites. But if you have really bad orthodontic problems you may still need traditional braces or other specialist treatments. We examine each patient’s needs during the first consultation to see if Invisalign is the best way to address them.

Patients who value the convenience, comfort and aesthetic benefits of Invisalign treatment generally feel the money they spend is well worth it. Many dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign. We work with patients to find payment arrangements that make treatment affordable. A properly aligned smile has long term benefits that go beyond how it looks. It can also improve your oral health, make cleaning easier and make everything work better.

After finishing their Invisalign treatment patients need to wear retainers to keep their new tooth positions, just like with any other orthodontic treatment. This retention phase is very important to keep the results of active treatment and keep teeth from moving back to their original positions.