For adults with crooked teeth, the idea of traditional braces can be offsetting. Fortunately, clear dental aligners have increased in popularity over the last decade and can be used to effectively straighten teeth in most cases.
The key to achieving the best results with Invisalign® is to do so with the oversight of an experienced specialist. At Rancho Dental, we offer Invisalign® and traditional braces under the skilled guidance of our orthodontist, Dr. Roy Miyamoto.
Is Invisalign® Right for You?
If you are an adult or a mature teen, suffer from the following issues, and want a discreet solution, Invisalign® might be right for you.
- Crooked teeth – when teeth are twisted or not correctly aligned
- Overbite – when the upper teeth rest far in front of the bottom teeth
- Underbite – when the bottom teeth rest in front of upper teeth
- Crossbite – when some of the upper teeth rest behind the lower teeth
- Open bite – when the upper and lower teeth don’t meet
- Gaps – when two or more teeth are spaced slightly apart from each other rather than being side by side
- Crowded teeth – when there are too many teeth for the jaw to accommodate — this may be corrected with a combination of extraction and Invisalign®
While invisible aligners alone may not be able to correct severe bite issues, they can be used in mild to moderate cases. In extreme cases, treatment may include a combination of these clear aligners and traditional braces.
Wide gaps in teeth cannot be treated with braces and require restorative dental work, such as a bridge or implant.
Your orthodontist will assess your bite, and if your case is not severe or highly complex, he will likely recommend Invisalign®.
At Rancho Dental in Temecula, our skilled orthodontist can help you determine if Invisalign® is the right teeth-straightening solution for you. Contact our office today to make an appointment.
What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® clear aligners are a virtually invisible orthodontic treatment designed to gradually straighten teeth.
A series of customized clear plastic trays are worn for at least 22 hours per day to gradually move the teeth into proper alignment without the need for brackets and wires.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
If Invisalign® is determined to be the right orthodontic treatment for you, a precise impression or mold of your bite will be obtained and sent to the Invisalign® lab. There, they will create your customized series of aligner trays, and in about four weeks, we will receive them back at our office.
An appointment will be scheduled for your first tray to be placed and to receive further instructions. Trays must be worn for at least 22 hours every day and only removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Invisalign® trays do not need to be removed when drinking water.
These trays are removable, allowing patients to brush and floss their teeth normally. Traditional braces require special care and flossers to maintain a proper oral health routine.
You will wear each aligner tray for two weeks then graduate to the next in the series, repeating this process throughout your treatment with Invisalign®.
Periodic appointments will be scheduled for you to return to our office so your orthodontist can check your progress and make sure the aligners are working properly.
What Happens After Receiving Invisalign® Clear Aligners?
With Invisalign® dental aligners, your teeth are gently moved into alignment, and the trays should fit comfortably in your mouth.
You can expect your clear aligners to do their job without detracting from your smile as they are undetectable from a typical social distance.
The time needed to finish treatment will depend on the extent of movement necessary to achieve a fully straightened smile and your compliance with the instructions. Usually, it can be completed in less time than with traditional metal braces.
What Kind of Results Should You Expect With Invisalign®?
While the process is gradual, and you will see the changes occurring, the best way to judge your results is with a before and after photo.
When you are done with the last aligner tray, you will have a straighter, more beautiful smile.
How to Care for Your New Straighter Smile
Your orthodontist will instruct you to continue wearing your last tray as a retainer while you sleep, or he will fit you for a separate Invisalign® retainer. Wearing a retainer at night will help keep your teeth from shifting out of position to maintain your smile.
Protect your straightened teeth by continuing to practice healthy oral hygiene habits to keep your teeth and gums strong.
What Does Invisalign® Cost?
The cost of Invisalign® is comparable to traditional braces but may be slightly more expensive. You will be provided with an accurate quote during your consultation.
Other Dental Services We Offer in Temecula
Rancho Dental offers a wide range of cosmetic and restorative dental services.
If you are interested in improving the look of your smile, one of the following options may be the solution you are looking for:
- Dental crowns
- Porcelain veneers
- Dental bonding
- Porcelain onlays or inlays
- Teeth whitening
- Implant-supported bridges
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®
Why should I choose Invisalign®?
The scientific process used in treatment with Invisalign® is proven safe and effective while providing a discreet method to straighten teeth.
What if I’ve had braces before?
While orthodontic treatment offers patients a reliable way to straighten their smile, teeth can shift out of place over time. Invisalign® clear aligners are an excellent choice for addressing this problem.
Is treatment with Invisalign® FDA approved?
Yes, Invisalign® aligners have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1998.
How do I take care of my aligners?
The Invisalign® cleaning system is available to keep your aligners clean, but you can also soak them in a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide mixed with warm water for 30 minutes every day.
Once done soaking, gently brush away any remaining particles and rinse.
Rancho Dental in Temecula for Your Teeth Straightening Needs
If you need more information about straightening your teeth with Invisalign® in Temecula, California, give Rancho Dental a call. Our team is happy to answer your questions and schedule a visit to discuss all your dental concerns.
Call 951-699-4746 today or use our contact form.
How Invisalign Works