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Invisalign for a Straighter Smile in Chula Vista
A quick overview of Invisalign
You’ve probably heard of Invisalign, but do you know what it is? In a nutshell, Invisalign is an alternative to braces. Whereas traditional braces use metal, rubber bands, and ceramic to straighten teeth, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that are practically invisible to others unless they already know they’re being worn.
The whole nearly-invisible thing is one of the biggest benefits of Invisalign, particularly for those who think they’re a bit old for traditional braces. There’s no way around it. Braces are associated with teenagers, which makes some adults hesitant to go after the straight smile they’ve always wanted. These same adults are often drawn to Invisalign for the fact that clear aligners are far less noticeable. But there is more than one reason to believe. Invisalign’s clear aligners aren’t permanent the way braces are. They’re easy to take in and out (think a retainer). While they should be worn most of the day, Invisalign is designed to be removed before eating and brushing.
Comfort is another point in Invisalign’s favor. Invisalign’s clear aligners – which are custom-fit to each patient – are made of a smooth plastic material. Most find this a lot more comfortable than the sharp edges one can expect from a mouth full of braces.
How Invisalign works
Like traditional braces, Invisalign works to straighten teeth by gradually shifting them into position. The difference is, instead of using metal and rubber bands that need constant adjusting, Invisalign gets the job done using a series of custom-fit aligners. Each aligner in the series is slightly different. Patients wear each for a period of time, usually a few weeks, before moving on to the next.
What to expect
Your journey with Invisalign begins with a scheduled visit to your friendly Chula Vista dentist for a consultation. Our orthodontist will examine your teeth and propose a treatment plan based on your needs and goals. Treatment then kicks off in earnest with our team taking impressions or digital scans of your teeth. There are no off-the-shelf Invisalign treatments. These scans are used to make your custom-fit aligners.
Once you get your aligners, you should expect to wear them for about 22 hours per day. However, the aligners are designed to be removed for eating, cleaning, and brushing. Each aligner is worn for a few weeks before it’s replaced with the next in the series.
The total treatment time of Invisalign takes between 9 and 15 months to complete (on average). The pace of treatment depends on the complexity of your case, your goals, and how well you stick to the treatment plan.
Invisalign versus traditional braces
The decision between traditional braces and Invisalign can be a tricky one. Needs, goals, and price should all be considered with your orthodontist. However, compared with traditional metal braces, Invisalign offers a number of advantages that are hard not to admire. The biggest benefits are that Invisalign clear aligners are:
Pretty much invisible
The first thing you’ll notice about Invisalign is that they’re easy to miss! There’s no hiding traditional braces; in fact, that’s why most orthodontists let you pick colors of your rubber bands. If you’re going to see them, you might as well have fun with it. Invisalign takes a more subtle approach. Made of a clear, comfortable plastic material, most people won’t notice you’re wearing your aligners unless you tell them.
Like camouflage for your smile, Invisalign is popular with would prefer to straighten their teeth without everyone knowing. While there is nothing wrong with having braces as an adult, many like something a bit more discreet. However, Invisalign can and does work for teens as well.
More comfortable
Easier to eat with
Eating with traditional braces can be a pain depending on what’s for dinner. This leads many to skip some of their favorite foods – particularly if those foods are too hard, sticky, or chewy. Invisalign, on the other hand, is meant to be removed before eating. You’re free to eat all your favorite foods, even the sticky, sugary ones. Just be sure to brush before replacing your aligners.
Way easier to keep clean
Frequently asked questions about Invisalign
As with anything dental, Invisalign varies depending on your situation. Price is mainly effected by the complexity of your case, your specific goals, the treatment plan outlined by your orthodontist, and how long treatment takes.
With this in mind, Invisalign patients in Chula Vista, CA should plan for treatment to cost somewhere between $3,000 and $8,000. This is because Invisalign is not typically covered by most dental insurance. However, there are some insurance plans that provide partial coverage. Give us a call and our team will be happy to check on your behalf. We also discuss financing options and payment plans, which can help make treatment more affordable.
If you’re considering Invisalign, we recommend setting up an initial consultation with our orthodontist. This is the best and most accurate way to get an estimate for treatment.
Invisalign treatment takes most patients somewhere between 9 and 15 months to complete. How long your specific Invisalign treatment takes depends on how a number of factors, including how complex your case is, and what your specific treatment goals are. Don’t worry – our orthodontist will walk you through all of this during your consultation.
Following your treatment plan closely is key to ensuring your treatment gets done on or ahead of schedule. This includes wearing your aligners for the allotted time each day, and caring for them properly.
Invisalign is a relatively straightforward treatment designed to straighten your teeth. However, it does require some work on your end. You should plan to wear your custom-made aligners at about 22 hours per day. The remaining two hours is reserved for activities in which the aligners are removed, including eating, brushing, and cleaning the aligners.
Give us a call (or click the button) to schedule an appointment to see our orthodontist. We’ll discuss your treatment goals during your first visit, which is followed by an exam of your mouth. If our orthodontist agrees that Invisalign is a match for your orthodontic goals, we’ll provide you with a treatment plan. This plan will outline what to expect, how to care for your teeth and aligners during treatment, how long to wear your aligners before progressing to the next, and how long your treatment should take.
As with any dental treatment, it is important to carefully follow all your orthodontist’s instructions and attend all scheduled appointments. Proper care and maintenance of your aligners will help ensure the best possible results.
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