While it’s certainly not suited to address every problem, Invisalign can address a wide range of very common problems. 

Crooked Teeth: Teeth that have twisted or turned in place.

Gaps: Unwanted space between the teeth.

Overbite: This happens when your front teeth on top extend beyond the bottom front teeth. Most people have a little overbite, but Invisalign can help treat a more severe case.

Underbite: When your lower teeth extend farther than your upper teeth. Oftentimes this is a result of a misalignment of the jaw. 

Crossbite: When your upper teeth fit inside your lower teeth when biting down.

Open bite: When your upper and lower teeth do not all come together when biting down - typically some of the back teeth will touch but there remains a gap between the front upper and lower teeth.

Crowding: When it looks like there’s more teeth than there is space. Often results in the twisting or angling of specific teeth.

Asymmetry: differences or discrepancies between one side of your mouth and the other.

To be clear, Invisalign is not for everyone. It cannot correct every alignment issue under the sun. But it does work really well for a wide range of issues (see above). Here are some general guidelines regarding who is typically a good fit for Invisalign Invisible Braces: 

• Mild to Moderate Cases: Invisalign isn’t designed for complex orthodontic issues. Thankfully, the majority of people do not fall into this category, which opens up the possibility of Invisalign treatment.
• Teenagers & Adults: Because of its unique features, Invisalign is a popular choice for both older teens and adults who want to avoid the appearance and discomfort of traditional metal braces. Even young teens can start Invisalign under certain conditions.

There is no set timeline for Invisalign. The treatment process depends on a variety of factors, such as severity of the case, how consistent you are in wearing your clear aligners, the treatment plan, and even the patient’s age. 

But there have been several medical peer assessments that have shown that Invisalign can deliver the new smile you want roughly 5 months faster than traditional metal braces. I have seen cases take as little as 4 months and others require 18 months. Most tend to take about 9-12 months to complete. 

Here are several key factors when determining if Invisalign is the right orthodontic solution for you: 

• Good oral health: This means no cavities or gum disease
• Looking to fix minor to moderate orthodontic concerns (crossbite, underbite, overbite, gaps, open bite, crowding, etc)
• Be willing to wear aligners all day (yes, even while you sleep), only taking them out when eating or brushing your teeth

A great first step to discovering if Invisalign will work for you is to come in for a complimentary evaluation. CTA Book Appointment

Here’s how the treatment process works…

1. Orthodontic Consultation: This initial appointment allows us to take a closer look at your teeth, work together on creating a treatment plan towards your new smile, and answer any questions you have about the process. 
2. At your next appointment, we’ll take a digital impression of your teeth that will be used to create your first set of custom-printed aligners. The digital impression is then sent to a specialized lab to be manufactured. 
3. Your Invisalign Aligners are ready! Patients will typically wear each set of aligners for 1-2 weeks before moving on to the next set. Each set is engineered to make small adjustments, gradually improving the positioning of your teeth. Aligners are worn day and night except times when you are eating, brushing your teeth, flossing.
4. Regular check-ups occur every 4 weeks to ensure progress towards our desired result. Any required adjustments will be made during these visits. 
5. Your New Smile Has Arrived! Once treatment has finished, I’ll provide you with four sets of custom retainers that will help ensure that your teeth stay nice and straight for years to come. Now, it’s time to show off your brand new smile! 

All Invisalign treatment plans are personalized to each patient, which means that no two plans will be the exact same. Generally speaking, the price of Invisalign can range around $5000 - $6000. If you have dental insurance that offers a reduced cost for traditional braces, Invisalign is often included in that coverage. Our office is happy to help you find out if your insurance covers Invisalign treatment - call 714-832-8000 to learn more. 

Yes, it’s important to note that Invisalign aligners can stain. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to always remove your aligners whenever you eat or drink anything besides water. Dark or sugary beverages are often the main culprits when it comes to stained aligners. Drinking them while wearing your aligners can cause them to take on a yellowish sheen. (Not a good look)

In addition, I recommend that you brush your teeth after meals before putting your aligners back on to avoid staining from food. 

For those that continue to maintain their smile through daily oral hygiene and regular dental exams, your brand new smile can last a lifetime. Just as consistency is important during Invisalign treatment, consistently wearing your retainer post-treatment at night will help ensure beautiful, straight teeth for years to come.