Modern orthodontic techniques and technology have greatly improved in recent years, giving you more choices than ever to achieve a straighter smile. Here at Alborzi Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a variety of orthodontic options, including Invisalign clear aligner therapy. While you’ve likely seen advertisements for this innovative system, you may not know much beyond the basics. That’s why we’ve got everything you need to know about Invisalign!
As the most popular treatment in our San Mateo and Half Moon Bay offices, Invisalign is a subtle, flexible way to improve your smile! The clear aligners provide the same beautiful results as braces without any metal, wires, or bands. This makes Invisalign especially attractive to adults and teens who prefer to avoid the appearance of traditional braces. It’s also a great choice for athletes, band members, or anyone who would like to continue their active lifestyle uninhibited during orthodontic treatment.
If you’re not familiar with the Invisalign system, you may be wondering what it is and how Dr. Alborzi can use it to straighten your smile. Below you’ll find some of the most commonly asked questions about Invisalign, and some of the benefits you can expect from this innovative treatment option. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Invisalign and how does it work?
To understand how the Invisalign system works, it helps to know more about the difference between fixed and removable appliances. Braces are a fixed appliance, meaning the brackets are attached directly to the front of the teeth and can only be removed by an experienced orthodontic professional.
Invisalign aligners are removable appliances. Although the aligners are custom-designed to fit snugly over your own teeth, no part of them is actually attached to the teeth. The Invisalign system uses a series of these aligners to shift your teeth by applying constant gentle pressure. They’re made of a special type of thermoplastic resin that is designed to be both comfortable and strong enough to move the teeth into alignment over time. Aligners are virtually invisible, too, something patients love!
In order to accomplish tooth movement, the aligners must be switched out at regular intervals throughout the treatment process as determined by Dr. Alborzi. Depending on your particular treatment plan, you can expect to switch aligners out about every 1 weeks. This allows them to keep up with the movements your teeth are making. In order for the system to work as intended, you’ll also need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours daily, throughout the course of treatment. This is very important! Since the aligners are removable, it’s up to you to wear them as directed. Failure to do so can result in a longer treatment time, or interfere with your overall results.
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign can be used to treat a wide variety of orthodontic issues in children as young as 7, teens and adults, including crowded teeth, gapped teeth, overbites, and underbites. There are no teeth too complex for Dr. Alborzi’s expertise using Invisalign! Alborzi Orthodontics offers a free initial consultation, during which Dr. Alborzi will be able to determine your needs. As the top 1% Invisalign Diamond Plus provider, she can provide you with the best recommendation based on your unique needs, lifestyle, and goals.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Every case is different and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way, so there’s no “one size fits all” answer to this question. The amount of time you’ll need to wear aligners will depend on the specifics of your particular case, and can only be determined by Dr. Alborzi after an initial orthodontic evaluation. In general, however, most patients will need to wear aligners for about 9-18 months.
Is Invisalign an affordable treatment option?
At Alborzi Orthodontics, we believe in providing patients of all ages with affordable, high-quality orthodontic care, including Invisalign treatment. Your consultation with us is free, and will also include a breakdown of all applicable treatment fees. For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards and low monthly payment options tailored to your budget. We also offer payments through Split It, giving you the option to pay in multiple installments with your credit card over time at zero% without affecting your credit.
As an additional courtesy, our team will verify any orthodontic insurance benefits and file all claims on your behalf. We want to ensure you get the most out of your coverage and provide a stress-free experience down to the smallest detail.
What benefits does the Invisalign system offer?
Comfort
Invisalign aligners are made of a special thermoplastic material that is customized for a comfortable fit, even when wearing them so many hours out of the day. The plastic is light and smooth, and unlike metal braces, there aren’t any wires or metal brackets that can irritate your mouth, gums, or cheeks.
Freedom
The biggest reason patients choose Invisalign is that it offers an incredibly discreet way to get a healthier, straighter smile! This can be a major benefit for anyone feeling self-conscious about undergoing orthodontic treatment. Removability is another feature our patients love. This system lets you remove your aligners for short periods of time, so you can let your natural smile shine through for special occasions like weddings, senior pictures, and prom.
Flexibility
Food restrictions are often one of the biggest learning curves for braces patients. So much of our daily life revolves around food that it can be difficult to say no to so many common snacks and treats, including popcorn, nuts, chips, and lots of candy. Because Invisalign aligners are removed at mealtimes, you’ll still be able to eat just about everything you normally would, as long as you remember to brush and floss afterward. Invisalign treatment means never having to sacrifice your favorite foods for the sake of your smile!
The benefits of Invisalign don’t stop at the dinner table, though. Wearing braces while participating in athletics of any kind can run the risk of broken brackets and wires, irritation, and pain. With Invisalign, aligners can be removed before practice or the big game and replaced with a regular mouthguard. The aligner is simply popped back in once you’re off the court or field.
Musicians benefit from this removability, too. For those who play wind instruments, braces can sometimes get in the way. Invisalign aligners can be removed during practice or concerts, leaving you free to make all the music your heart desires!
Brushing is a breeze
Having a good oral hygiene routine is important for everybody, but especially orthodontic patients. Brushing and flossing with traditional braces can be a little tricky, and many patients find it difficult to get into all the little nooks and crannies created by their brackets and wires. Since Invisalign aligners are removed prior to brushing, taking care of your teeth and gums is as easy as ever! Cleaning the aligners themselves couldn’t be easier, either. There are cleaning kits specifically for this job, or you can just brush and rinse them with warm water instead.
Get the smile you deserve with Invisalign by Alborzi Orthodontics
With removable aligners that are comfortable, clear, and as effective as traditional braces, it’s no wonder Invisalign continues to grow in popularity year after year! If you’re in San Mateo, Half Moon Bay, or the surrounding communities, and would like to learn more about how Invisalign could benefit you, get in touch today to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Alborzi. This is the perfect time to take the first step towards the beautiful smile you deserve!