The American Association of Orthodontists predicts that over 75 percent of the general population of US could benefit from orthodontic therapies. The statistics apply to people of all ages, ethnic groups and both genders. One of the more modern options of tooth correction is Invisalign. This advanced technique uses a custom made series of virtually invisible plastic liners that gradually shift teeth into place. This method is preferred by patients as the appliance is aesthetically pleasing and does not require the use of traditional wires. Most report that Invisalign is comfortable and convenient as compared to traditional braces, allowing them to eat favorite foods, remove the device at times, brush and floss normally and enjoy virtually invisible teeth straightening.
The Diagnosis
Correctly diagnosing the need for Invisalign is essential for proper use and proper fitting. The Oso Marguerite Dental Team in Mission Viejo meets with each patient, analyzing the teeth and gums, taking digital radiographs and answering any questions. These types of braces are typically used if time is of essence and / or the patient is self – conscious about their appearance. Invisalign is also a wise choice for patients who manifest the following:
- Minor to moderate oral discrepancies
- Mildly crowded teeth
- Small diastemas (spacing)
- Excessive amount of gingival tissue showing
The Process
At the time of the first visit, a series of digital X – rays is taken and fed through the computer imaging system. This invaluable tool displays the existing conditions and results that can be achieved by using the Invisalign technique. With this information in hand, the Oso Marguerite Dental Team maps out a precise treatment plan for each patient. The initial study models may be taken for future reference. If the patient agrees with the chosen course of treatment, the final impressions are created, and a set of clear plastic trays is fabricated.
The patient receives a new tray every 2 – 3 weeks, and the progress is closely monitored by a dental professional. The Invisalign trays guide the teeth to migrate into the desired positions without discomfort to the patient in a quicker manner than metal braces.
The Maintenance
Patients with Invisalign often report that general maintenance is easy and typically not disruptive to their normal day-to-day routines. The plastic trays can be removed as necessary in between meals and for cleanings. It is advisable to use the products especially designed for acrylic brace maintenance to avoid scratching with abrasives. Teeth surfaces should be cleaned in a usual manner by brushing, flossing and antiseptic rinsing. Athletic patients can typically wear their aligners while participating in their favorite sport. If a mouthguard is necessary, the aligner can be removed and the mouth guard put in place while participating.
f you have crooked teeth, a misaligned bite, or gaps between your teeth, you may have thought about wearing braces before. However, traditional bracket-and-wire braces can be unsightly and even painful. That’s why at Mission Viejo Dentistry, we are proud to offer a clear alternative: Invisalign®.
Invisalign treatment in Mission Viejo, CA provides clear plastic aligner trays that look like retainers. They fit snugly over your teeth for 22 hours per day, but you can remove them when you eat and when you clean them. Because they’re removable, you can continue to eat without dietary restrictions and maintain your regular hygiene routine. Your friends and family may not even notice the aligners, but they’ll certainly notice your improved smile!
Orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign isn’t merely cosmetic. Having crowded teeth or gaps between teeth increases the amount of food that gets stuck between your teeth, leading to early decay and a higher potential for cavities. Having crooked teeth also makes it harder to clean your gums, increasing your risk of periodontal disease.
Crooked teeth can also cause bite issues, jaw pain, teeth grinding, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Having straight teeth reduces the risk of these issues, as well as making it much easier to keep your teeth clean. Aligning your teeth also resolves functional problems associated with malocclusion (bad bite): you won’t constantly bite that one spot on your cheek anymore!
Our Mission Viejo, CA Invisalign dentists are trained and certified in both Invisalign and ClearCorrect orthodontic treatments. If you think you may want to straighten out your smile, we offer free Invisalign consultations at Mission Viejo Dentistry. Here’s what to expect from your Invisalign treatment:
Your treatment begins with a free consultation with our Invisalign doctors, during which we’ll take scans of your mouth and learn what results you’re looking for. Nearly all our patients are good candidates for Invisalign if they don’t have complex issues with their bite. We’ll then take impressions of your teeth that we use to create your custom clear aligners. You wear these plastic aligners for 20-22 hours per day, though you can take them out to eat and clean your teeth. You’ll get new aligners from us every few weeks, and as you progress, you’ll notice your teeth slowly moving into place.
At Mission Viejo OSO Dental, we also offer free teeth whitening and a tooth manicure with every Invisalign treatment, so you will get the most for your money. However, we do understand that cost can be an issue with orthodontic treatment, and we don’t want anyone to be left out. This is why we accept most major dental insurance companies, as well as third-party and in-house financing.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses a series of customized, clear aligners to straighten teeth faster and with fewer office visits than traditional braces. Thousands of orthodontists in the United States and Canada use Invisalign braces to accurately and effectively treat their patients. Invisalign aligners are:
Completely invisible – Invisalign aligners cannot be seen while you are wearing them! Friends, family members, and co-workers may never even know you are wearing braces unless of course, you tell them!
Comfortable to wear – The aligners are made from a special plastic that has smooth, rounded edges so they won’t irritate your mouth and tissues like traditional braces often can.
Customized just for you – Your Invisalign aligners are customized to fit your mouth. Dr. Ashley uses advanced 3-D computer imaging technology to replicate an exact impression of your mouth and teeth, then he customizes each aligner so that it fits your mouth, and over time moves your teeth into the proper position.
Removable –Unlike traditional metal braces, you can remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush your teeth, floss, and for special occasions. There’s no need to change your lifestyle with Invisalign!
Effective – You will begin to notice a significant difference even before your treatment is complete! Most treatments are completed within one year; however, this can vary from patient to patient.
Why Consider Invisalign
People everywhere are beginning to experience the benefits of Invisalign treatment. Here’s why people just like you are choosing Invisalign over traditional braces:
With Invisalign, you can have a straighter, healthier smile without all the noticeable wires and brackets of traditional braces.
Invisalign aligners are removable making it easy for you to enjoy the foods you love without worrying about breaking or bending your brackets and wires. You can also remove your Invisalign aligners to brush and floss regularly.
You don’t need to change anything about your current lifestyle! With Invisalign, you can continue participating in day-to-day activities without changing a thing. Invisalign is great for professionals, athletes, brides, and parents.
Office visits and checkups are easy, quick, and painless. Fewer appointments are required throughout your entire treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
When you begin your Invisalign treatment you will receive several sets of custom fit aligners. Each set of aligners is worn for only two weeks. After two weeks you can switch your aligners with the next set and continue straightening your teeth. Over time you will notice changes in the alignment of your teeth and in just a few months you will have a straighter, healthier smile!
As the name implies, Invisalign clear aligners are made of almost invisible polyurethane plastic. Rather than being cemented or bonded to the teeth as metal or clear braces are, clear aligners are completely removable — for important social occasions, for eating, and, most importantly, for tooth-brushing and flossing. This advantage can also be a disadvantage: It means you must resist the temptation to take your aligners out more than is advised. Here are some other advantages of the Invisalign system:
Improved Oral Hygiene — With a removable orthodontic appliance, you will be able to clean your teeth much more easily than if you were wearing metal braces.
A Discreet Look — If you consider your orthodontic treatment to be a private matter, or simply feel that metal braces don’t fit with your self-image, a practically invisible form of orthodontic treatment might suit you.
More Dietary Choices — To protect metal wires and braces, some diet modifications are necessary. With clear aligners, you can still bite into an apple or a crispy pizza crust.
Comfort — The thin, flexible material of which Invisalign is made will not irritate the soft tissues of the mouth, as metal wires and braces can.
Teeth-Grinding Protection — If you have a teeth-grinding or clenching habit, clear aligners can function as thin nightguards that will protect your teeth from excessive wear.
Clear aligner technology has been improving over the years and can correct many malocclusions that once would have been too complicated for this form of treatment. Yet there are still some situations for which traditional braces would still be best. This can be discussed in detail with you.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign clear aligners work the same way traditional braces do: by applying carefully controlled forces to teeth to move them into a better position. But they are not made of metal; instead, they are made of clear, flexible plastic.
Here’s how it works: Specialized computer software is used to design a plan for moving your teeth from their current positions into the best possible alignment. This movement will be broken down into perhaps several dozen stages. For each stage, the Invisalign company will manufacture two plastic mouth “trays” or “aligners,” one to fit over your top teeth and one for the bottom. You will wear this first set of trays for two weeks, for a minimum of 20 hours per day. You will then move on to the next set of aligners in your series to accomplish the next stage of gradual movement. You will keep doing this until your teeth are correctly aligned.
In the past several years, two features have been added to make Invisalign a more appropriate orthodontic treatment method for teenagers. Special “eruption tabs” hold the appropriate amount of space open for molars that have not fully grown in. Invisalign for teens also comes with “compliance indicators” built into the aligner material, which fade with wear. This allows parents, dentists, and the teens themselves, to make sure the trays are being worn as prescribed. Treatment with Invisalign can only be successful if this is the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How will Invisalign affect my lifestyle?
Invisalign is an excellent choice for many individuals because it does not negatively impact their appearance or lifestyle. Invisalign is virtually invisible, so people typically will not even notice you are wearing them. You can also remove the aligners for short periods of time to eat, drink, brush and floss. No metal or wire adjustments are involved in the treatment process. For many, this means less time in the dental chair.
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Is the process of placing and wearing Invisalign painful?
Invisalign is not painful. However, some patients experience mild discomfort and pressure at the beginning of each stage of treatment as the aligners move the teeth into a new position. This is normal, a sign that treatment is working and typically subsides within one or two days.
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Do I have to eat special foods while wearing Invisalign?
No, you do not. Since the aligners are removable for eating and drinking, you can enjoy all of your favorite foods and beverages without worry.
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My teeth are crooked, and Invisalign sounds like a great alternative to braces. What should I do if I am interested in exploring this option?
Invisalign is an excellent choice for many individuals. To learn more about this procedure and discuss whether or not it is the right option for you, simply call Oso Marguerite Dental to schedule a convenient consultation.
