Although traditional braces have undergone quite a makeover in recent years, many of our younger patients are still hesitant about using them. Some worry that they will be too obvious, while others are afraid of how braces they will disrupt their day-to-day life. Whatever the reason, some patients just aren’t ready to commit to traditional braces. Fortunately for them, Alborzi Orthodontics has another treatment option available for straightening smiles! Keep reading to learn more about early treatment and teen treatment with Invisalign at Alborzi Orthodontics.
We’re proud to offer patients the Invisalign clear aligner system from our San Mateo and Half Moon Bay offices. This popular alternative to braces offers the same beautiful results but doesn’t use any brackets or wires, giving patients an extra measure of freedom they love. If you have an adolescent who’s been on the fence about braces, keep reading to learn more about how this innovative treatment could be the perfect fit for them!
What is the Invisalign clear aligner system?
While braces and clear aligners look very different, they work in much the same way. Each appliance exerts a gentle but continuous pressure on the teeth, moving them into the desired positions over time. Braces do this using a combination of brackets, wires, and bands. Invisalign is able to shift the teeth by using a series of clear removable aligners.
How does the Invisalign clear aligner system work?
The first step in any orthodontic journey is a consultation with an expert orthodontist like Dr. Alborzi. We offer this initial appointment at no charge! If Dr. Alborzi feels your child is a good fit for Invisalign after examining their smile, we will begin mapping out a precise treatment plan for them using a highly detailed 3D scan of their teeth and gums.
To do this, our office uses the iTero intraoral digital scanner. This replaces the old method of using messy impression materials to capture the shape and alignment of a patient’s teeth. With those traditional molds, there was always the possibility of error, which meant taking more than one impression to ensure accuracy. Not anymore! With the iTero technology, we’re able to easily scan the teeth and create a precise digital impression that’s easily stored for later use. This makes the process much faster and more pleasant for the patient.
With this software, Dr. Alborzi will also be able to show you a preview of the treatment results from start to finish. You and your child will be able to see the outcome of their treatment before you even receive the first aligner!
The 3D scans produced by our iTero scanner will be used to create your child’s customized aligners. These are made from Invisalign’s special SmartTrack® material, which is comfortable, durable, and virtually invisible. The total number of aligners needed to achieve the desired results will vary from case to case, but most patients will typically use anywhere from 24-60 aligners (= 6 to12 months) throughout the treatment process.
Patients play an important role in the success of their Invisalign treatment. Because the aligners are removable, your child will be responsible for wearing them for at least 20-22 hours every day. They’ll also need to switch out each aligner for the next in the series every week, depending on their specific treatment plan. This allows the aligners to keep up with the movements your child’s teeth are making.
Regular check-ups are an essential part of the treatment process, and you can expect your child to see Dr. Alborzi every 12 weeks or so. During these appointments, she will check that everything is progressing on schedule according to your child’s personalized treatment plan. She is also able to monitor patients virtually, which means you can come in as infrequently as every 6 months if you prefer! This is up to each individual family and depends on how much time savings you like.
What is Invisalign First?
Invisalign has traditionally been used to treat teens and adults, but Invisalign First aligners have been available in recent years. In fact, Dr. Alborzi is one of the doctors who helped in the development of this product! These aligners have been designed to treat a broad range of orthodontic issues in growing children. This is sometimes referred to as Phase 1 treatment, and it’s an excellent way for us to achieve impressive results in younger children without using braces.
Invisalign First aligners can treat a number of teeth-straightening issues in children, from simple to complex. This includes problems with crowding, spacing, narrow dental arches, and jaw growth issues. Because they’re removable, these aligners make it easier for young children to brush and floss effectively. The aligners are also designed for comfort, so you don’t have to worry about brackets or loose wires irritating the inside of your child’s mouth.
Phase 1 treatment is normally initiated in children ages 6-10 when an orthodontist has identified issues that require early treatment. This process allows us to address any developing problems before they become more serious. Invisalign First is based around each patient’s unique smile and has been designed for outstanding results.
What is Invisalign Teen?
Invisalign Teen was developed with the unique needs of teen patients in mind. There are a few special features that are specific to the Invisalign Teen system, including the following.
Eruption tabs
This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for unerupted teeth and making it possible to treat a wider range of conditions with Invisalign.
Replacement aligners
We all lose or damage things from time to time! While we encourage all of our Invisalign patients to be careful with their aligners, don’t worry if your teen misplaces or loses one. Invisalign Teen anticipates this possibility and provides up to six replacement aligners at no charge to you.
Trust your child’s smile to the Invisalign experts at Alborzi Orthodontics
As an Invisalign Top 1% Diamond Plus Provider, Dr. Alborzi is among the top Invisalign providers in all of North America! She has successfully treated thousands of patients throughout San Mateo, Half Moon Bay, Burlingame, Belmont, Foster City, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Montara, Moss Beach, and El Granada.
Her extensive experience and expertise allow her to use Invisalign with a wider variety of patients, including many that have been told by others that the Invisalign system would not work for them. If you’d like to learn more about how our talented team can transform your child’s smile with Invisalign First or Invisalign Teen, get in touch today! We’d love to schedule a FREE consultation for you with Dr. Alborzi.