Rancho Peñasquitos Invisalign

Instead of using the traditional wire-and-bracket system of braces, Invisalign shifts teeth using a series of clear, hard plastic aligners. These aligners are similar in shape and size to a retainer. By applying gentle, even pressure, these aligners shift your teeth gradually into position, resulting in a straighter, more attractive smile. Invisalign is nearly invisible, comfortable, and comparable in cost to traditional metal braces, making it very popular among adults who wish to correct their bite and their smile.

It all starts with a consultation! During this initial appointment at our Rancho Peñasquitos office, impressions, x-rays, and pictures of your mouth will be taken to determine whether or not you’re eligible for treatment. If you are a good candidate for Invisalign, a series of custom aligners will be made for you and your smile. Throughout treatment, you'll wear these aligners for 22+ hours per day, removing them only when you brush, floss, eat, and drink. Every 4 weeks, one of our dentists will check up on your treatment progress and give you new sets of aligners. Treatment time varies, but Invisalign typically takes about a year.

Patients love Invisalign because of its many benefits when compared to traditional orthodontic treatments. Benefits include:

• Nearly invisible aligners – The biggest benefit of Invisalign aligners is that they are discrete. They’re nearly invisible to the naked eye, so you can get orthodontic treatment without everyone knowing about it.
• Faster treatment times – Invisalign usually only takes 12 months. Other orthodontic options can take up to a few years.
• More comfortable – With smooth plastic and gentle pressure, Invisalign is void of some of the pain points of traditional metal braces. No poking wires or scratching brackets!
• Better oral hygiene - Because you can remove Invisalign aligners, it’s much easier to brush and floss effectively.

The average length of Invisalign treatment is 12-18 months but this depends on a variety of factors and will vary from person to person. The more complex your case is, meaning the more difficult it is to achieve the tooth movements necessary to correct your teeth and bite alignment, the longer your treatment will take. 

The opposite is also true - if you only have some minor spacing issues or slightly crooked teeth, this can be corrected in as little as 6 months. However, if you have a very misaligned bite, this could take a few years to correct and you will need Invisalign Attachments to perform these movements.

Invisalign is suitable for most adults with minor to moderate alignment issues. If you have a severely misaligned bite, braces may be a better option for you. However, Invisalign is still able to treat many bite problems, including overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites with the help of Invisalign attachments and elastics which help the aligners shift the teeth and jaw into the correct alignment. 

However, Invisalign is still limited in the movements it can perform and is not as effective at treating severe orthodontic problems as traditional braces. Our Rancho Peñasquitos team doesn't recommend Invisalign for teenagers or children, because compliance is key to successful treatment and younger patients tend to take their aligners out too often or struggle to properly care for them. 

For Invisalign to properly shift your teeth, you should be willing to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day. You should also be in good oral health and not have any active gum disease. Patients need to have sufficiently healthy gums and jawbone for orthodontic treatment to be safe. Patients are not disqualified from Invisalign if they have a missing tooth, but we recommend that you undergo Invisalign treatment before having it replaced.

Your aligners need to be regularly cleaned with denture solution or Invisalign Cleaning Crystals.  Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently but thoroughly scrub them. You should also soak them at least once a week in a denture or cleaning crystal solution for 15-30 minutes. Make sure the water is not hot, as this can alter the mold of the aligners.

You’ll want to avoid doing any of the following with your aligners:

- Eating
- Drinking anything other than water
- Smoking
- Leaving them in hot water or exposed to heat

Instead, you should always remember to take your aligners out before having something to eat. The only thing you can consume while wearing your aligners is cold or room temperature water. Rinse out your aligners when you take them out and before putting them back in. After eating or drinking, you should brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. 

Choosing between Invisalign and traditional braces is a decision that often hinges on personal preference, lifestyle, and specific dental needs. Invisalign offers several advantages that many patients find appealing.

For example, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. This makes them an ideal choice for those who may not like the appearance of metal braces, wires, and brackets. Invisalign is made of smooth, comfortable plastic that is custom-fitted to your teeth, which also reduces the likelihood of irritation to your gums and cheeks.

Invisalign aligners are also removable, which means you can take them out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This flexibility allows you to maintain your oral hygiene routine more easily compared to braces, which require special tools for cleaning. Additionally, because there’s no need for any adjustments, Invisalign usually requires fewer and shorter visits to the orthodontist.

However, it's important to note that Invisalign may not be suitable for every case. Complex orthodontic issues might still require traditional braces. At Carmel Mountain Dental Care, we recommend scheduling a consultation to discuss your specific needs and determine the best treatment option for you.

The cost of Invisalign can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the length of treatment, and your location. On average, Invisalign treatment can range from $3,000 to $8,000. While this might seem like a significant investment, it's comparable to the cost of traditional braces.

Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment just like they cover braces. Additionally, Carmel Mountain Dental Care offers flexible payment plans and financing options to help make the treatment more affordable. It's always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and out-of-pocket costs.

Investing in your smile can have long-term benefits not only for your oral health but also for your confidence and overall well-being. Our team is here to guide you through the financial aspects and help you find a solution that fits your budget.

One of the most common concerns about orthodontic treatment is pain. The good news is that Invisalign is generally less painful than traditional braces. While you may experience some discomfort or pressure when you start wearing a new set of aligners, this is typically mild and temporary. This sensation is a sign that the aligners are working to move your teeth into the desired position.

Most patients report that any discomfort subsides within a few days as they adjust to the new aligners. Unlike braces, which can cause sores from metal brackets and wires, Invisalign's smooth plastic design minimizes irritation. If you do experience significant discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers can usually help alleviate the symptoms.

At Carmel Mountain Dental Care, we strive to make your Invisalign experience as comfortable as possible. Our team is always available to address any concerns and provide tips to manage any discomfort you may encounter during your treatment.

It's not uncommon for new Invisalign users to notice a slight change in their speech, such as a temporary lisp, when they first start wearing aligners. This is because the aligners can alter the space within your mouth, affecting how your tongue moves during speech. However, this adjustment period is usually short-lived.

As you become accustomed to wearing the aligners, your speech should return to normal. Most patients find that any speech impediments disappear within a few days to a couple of weeks. Practicing speaking out loud can help speed up this adjustment process.

Our team at Carmel Mountain Dental Care is committed to ensuring that your Invisalign treatment is as seamless as possible. If you have concerns about speech changes or any other aspect of your treatment, we're here to support you every step of the way.