Invisalign – Los Alamitos, CA
Achieve Your Best Smile Without the Metal
It’s never too late to benefit from straighter teeth -- but if you are past a certain age, you may be reluctant to cover your teeth up with metal braces. More adults than ever are getting braces these days thanks to options like Invisalign in Los Alamitos! This orthodontic treatment option uses a series of clear, removable aligners to help you achieve your most attractive smile with teeth that function just the way they should. Keep reading to learn more about how it works and the many benefits of Invisalign.
How Invisalign Works
To begin your Invisalign treatment, Dr. Poe will take digital scans of your teeth and oral structures. We send the scans along with your treatment information to the Invisalign lab, where the aligners are created from sturdy, polyurethane plastic.
Once your aligners have been manufactured, you revisit our office for a brief run-down of the treatment that straightens teeth in Los Alamitos. We will instruct you to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss, switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, and notify us if an aligner breaks or becomes damaged.
Indications for Invisalign
Invisalign can correct the most common orthodontic issues, including gaps between teeth, crowded teeth, and bite problems. Here’s a little more information on each and how the clear aligners can help:
Crowded Teeth
Overlapped teeth can result in numerous issues – from trouble smiling confidently to trouble cleaning your teeth properly. The good news is that Invisalign clear aligners can gradually shift your teeth into their optimal positions, improving your confidence and oral health in the process.
Gaps Between Teeth
Some patients are dealing with the opposite problem: there is too much space in their mouth. In that case, we will make a custom series of clear aligners to gradually make your teeth straighter and your smile even more beautiful – all without the metal brackets and wires!
Bite Alignment
Sometimes, it’s not the position of your teeth that’s the biggest issue; it’s the alignment of your bite! If you have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite, we may be able to address it with clear aligners and other orthodontic accessories, like rubber bands and buttons.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Year after year, patients continue to choose Invisalign because:
What Is Life Like with Invisalign?
Living with Invisalign is easy once you get used to it -- and you won’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious about metal brackets and wires during the treatment. Wear the aligners for the majority of each day, removing them only as directed or for special events (i.e. important meetings, presentations). Do not expose Invisalign to hot temperatures to avoid damaging or warping the plastic.
It is especially important for you to maintain proper oral hygiene during the Invisalign treatment, as the trays will hold any trapped food particles or bacteria right up against the tooth enamel, accelerating decay. And after about a year, on average, the treatment is complete -- and you’re smiling bigger than ever!
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
The cost of your Invisalign treatment depends on the complexity of your case. In general, Invisalign usually costs anywhere from $3,500 to $5,000. Your dentist can give you a better estimate during an Invisalign consultation. If you have dental insurance that includes orthodontic coverage, they should pay for a portion of the Invisalign treatment as well. Contact your insurance provider to find out.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation!
Are you interested in learning more about Invisalign, including whether or not it’s right for your smile? To discuss this popular clear braces treatment, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your cosmetic dentist in Los Alamitos. Request an appointment today!