Align Technology, the parent company of Invisalign, was founded in 1997 by Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth in San Jose, California.
The first step is meeting with your doctor during a one on one consultation. They will examine your smile, discuss your orthodontic goals, and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you. Your dentist in Mission Viejo will take impressions or digital scans of your mouth and give you a sneak peek of your new smile with a digital mockup.
When your first set of aligners arrives at our office, you’ll come in to pick them up and try them on. Your doctor will instruct you on how to wear your aligners to get the best results. Most patients are instructed to wear them for at least 20 hours a day. You’ll also switch out the aligners for the next set every two weeks.
We will be checking in every 2-4 weeks to make sure your progress is on track. During these periodic check-ins, you’ll also receive your next few sets of aligners. So long as you are diligent about wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time per day, your smile will keep shifting into the right position.
After completing treatment, you’ll get a set of retainers to maintain your beautiful new smile. These durable retainers will look similar to your original Invisalign aligners, but are better suited for long-term use as they can handle more pressure without breaking down. You’ll likely need to wear these every night to help keep your teeth straight for years to come.
When the upper teeth overlap in front of the lower front teeth, this is called an overbite. Overbites are actually extremely common, but they become an issue when the gap is too large. This can cause premature wear and tear, or you may suffer from jaw pain from misalignment. Invisalign can fix this deep bite and shift your teeth into a healthy position.
An underbite is when your lower front teeth are in front of your upper arch of teeth. Usually, this occurs due to the lower jaw being too far forward. Underbites can make it difficult to properly chew and speak, and may cause the teeth to wear down. In some cases, Invisalign can fix underbites, but severe underbites might require additional oral surgery to prepare for orthodontic treatment.
In an ideal bite position, the upper front teeth would sit slightly in front of the lower front teeth. Crossbites occur when some of the upper teeth sit behind your lower teeth. This can cause wear and tear, chips, and can even cause gum recession in some cases. This can lead to painful sensitivity or even bone loss. Invisalign can fix some crossbites, but we recommend coming in for a consultation to see which option is right for you.
While they are very common, gaps between your teeth can make it much harder to keep food from getting stuck in the crevices. These spaces are also more likely to harbor bacteria that cause tender, sore gums and even lead to gum disease if not treated quickly enough. Invisalign can close these gaps and ensure a straighter, more seamless, and healthier smile!
Normally the upper and lower front teeth touch when the mouth is closed. If this is not the case, it’s called an open bite. Open bites can make chewing or biting certain foods extremely difficult. Invisalign can reposition the bite gradually until all teeth are aligned and sitting straight.
If there isn't enough room in your mouth for your teeth to sit straight, they can bunch up and overlap in uncomfortable ways that make brushing or flossing difficult. This is called crowding. Crowded teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss properly. If you aren’t able to maintain a good oral health care routine at home, plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria begin to build up. Over time, this leads to tooth decay, cavities, and sometimes even gum disease. Usually, Invisalign can fix most cases of crowded teeth. Simply come in to speak with your dentist to see if it’s the right choice for your smile.
Invisalign has transformed over 8 million smiles!
Invisalign is designed from molds of your teeth and are built in layers with photo-sensitive liquid resin. When exposed to a laser, the resin cures into a hard yet flexible thermoplastic called SmartTrack®, which was created exclusively for Invisalign treatment, it's FDA approved too!
The simplest way to keep your aligners clean is to brush them with a toothbrush each time you brush your teeth. If you need to clean them when you’re out and about and don’t have access to your toothbrush, you can also simply rinse the aligners in lukewarm water. Never use hot water or abrasive cleaners; these may warp the plastic of the aligner! You can also purchase an Invisalign Cleaning System for a more thorough cleaning. As a family dentist, we are happy to provide Invisalign to every member of your family and talk about how to take care of the.
Most people will not be able to see your aligners when you are wearing them. This is because the clear plastic makes them practically invisible and there are no bulky metal brackets or wires that will draw attention to your teeth. Plus, Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit snuggly to your teeth and will be trimmed down so that they won’t show over your gum line. The result is a seamless smile without the hassle of unsightly brackets or wires!
Usually, Invisalign treatment is fairly similar to the cost of braces, but pricing will fluctuate depending on your unique needs. To get an accurate cost estimate, schedule a consultation with your doctor today! Keep in mind that your insurance may also cover some orthodontic treatment, so be sure to call your insurance provider to understand your benefits.
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment option that provides a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional metal braces. Many people wonder if they are a suitable candidate for Invisalign. The good news is that Invisalign can effectively treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, making it a viable option for many individuals.
Invisalign can be used to treat various orthodontic concerns, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. However, it's important to note that not everyone is an ideal candidate for Invisalign. The best way to determine if Invisalign is right for you is to schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist.
During your consultation, the orthodontist will evaluate your specific dental needs and determine if Invisalign is suitable for your case. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Severe cases may require alternative treatment options such as traditional braces or other orthodontic appliances.
The decision between Invisalign and traditional braces depends on various factors, including your personal preferences, lifestyle, and orthodontic needs. Both Invisalign and braces can effectively straighten teeth and correct alignment issues, but they differ in terms of appearance, comfort, and convenience.
One of the main advantages of Invisalign is its discreet appearance. The aligners are made of clear, virtually invisible plastic, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option compared to metal braces. This feature is particularly appealing to individuals who may feel self-conscious about wearing braces.
Invisalign aligners are also removable, allowing you to eat and drink without any restrictions. You can also brush and floss your teeth as you normally would, maintaining good oral hygiene throughout your treatment. On the other hand, braces are fixed appliances that require special care and attention to oral hygiene.
While Invisalign offers many advantages, it may not be suitable for everyone. In some cases, traditional braces may be a more effective option, especially for complex orthodontic issues. It's important to consult with an orthodontist to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs.
Invisalign attachments, also known as buttons or attachments, are small tooth-colored dots made of dental composite material. They are strategically placed on certain teeth to help the aligners exert more precise and controlled forces on the teeth during the treatment process.
Attachments are used to achieve specific tooth movements that may be more challenging with just the aligners alone. They act as anchors, allowing the aligners to grip onto the teeth and apply the necessary pressure to move them into the desired position.
The placement of attachments is carefully planned by the orthodontist using advanced digital technology. The attachments are custom-made and designed to fit each patient's unique treatment plan. They are bonded to the teeth using a dental adhesive and are typically removed at the end of the Invisalign treatment.
It's important to note that not all Invisalign cases require attachments. The need for attachments depends on the individual's specific orthodontic needs and treatment plan. During your consultation, the orthodontist will assess your case and determine if attachments are necessary for your Invisalign treatment.In conclusion, Invisalign is a versatile orthodontic treatment option suitable for many individuals. It offers numerous benefits, including a discreet appearance and the ability to remove the aligners for eating and oral hygiene. However, it's essential to consult with an experienced orthodontist to determine if Invisalign is the right choice for your specific orthodontic needs. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly team at Smile Dental Boutique. We are here to help you achieve a beautiful, straight smile!
Most Invisalign treatments are completed in just 1 year.