You've hidden your smile for the last time. You finally decided to straighten your crooked teeth and smile confidently again! Invisalign in Irvine, CA, may be the solution you're looking for.
Instead of metal braces, this orthodontic treatment uses clear plastic aligners that are virtually invisible to gradually straighten teeth. Here's what you should know about Invisalign and its benefits.
How Clear Aligners in Irvine Work
Custom clear aligners are designed to fit tightly against your teeth, promoting gradual movement. You'll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series. You can easily remove your aligners for meals, brushing, and flossing, and you'll check in periodically with Dr. Robertson to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
Everyone's needs are unique; however, most patients finish treatment in about 10 to 18 months.
What Invisalign Can Do
Some of the common orthodontic issues we can fix with Invisalign are:
- Crooked teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Mild bite concerns
Invisalign can straighten your teeth without any changes to your home care routine or restrictions on your diet like braces require. This is because your aligners can easily be removed for brushing, flossing, and eating. Aligners are also comfortable to wear and easy to adapt to, and you won't have to worry about the canker sores or discomfort that braces often cause.
What Invisalign Can't Do
While Invisalign does work well for most patients, unfortunately, it can't correct complex bite issues or align severely rotated teeth. So, if you have a severe crossbite, underbite, or overbite, Dr. Robertson may recommend seeing an orthodontist for treatment with traditional braces, which are better suited for correcting complicated bite concerns.
It also only works effectively with complete compliance from the patient. You will need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day and be diligent about changing them every two weeks.
Why Patients Love Invisalign
Invisalign offers several advantages for teeth straightening that patients appreciate.
- Convenience — You won't have to change your diet or home care routine since you can remove your aligners to eat, brush, and floss your teeth.
- Comfort — Clear aligners are smooth and easy to wear. They don't poke or tear gums or soft tissues like braces.
- Discretion — Clear aligners, unlike metal brackets and wires, are hardly noticeable.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?
Your dentist can determine if Invisalign is right for your needs during a consultation and with some x-rays. If it is, your dentist can even show you what your aligned smile will look like when treatment is completed.
If Invisalign is not the right treatment for your needs, your dentist can discuss other options to help you achieve your goals.
Irvine dentist Dr. Jeffrey C. Robertson has been helping people achieve their dream smiles with Invisalign for over 30 years. Call us today to schedule your consultation and learn what's possible for your smile!