Invisalign Clear Braces
Our Sacramento dental office is proud to be a Certified provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen… the world’s most advanced clear aligners. With these clear dental aligners, we can easily correct crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, gapped teeth, or generally straighten out a crooked smile discreetly and in substantially less time than traditional braces.
What are Invisalign clear aligners?
Invisalign clear aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment used to move teeth into healthier, more attractive positions. Many patients pursue orthodontic treatment because they want straighter, more uniform teeth and a smile they feel confident sharing. Invisalign may also help address certain functional concerns involving tooth position and bite alignment.
Traditionally, orthodontic treatment relied on metal brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by wires. With advances in clear aligner technology, we can now accomplish many of the same tooth movements using a series of clear plastic trays. These aligners fit closely over the teeth and provide a more discreet alternative to traditional braces.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The length of Invisalign treatment varies based on your current tooth position, bite, treatment goals, and the amount of movement needed. Some patients have crowded teeth, while others have gaps or bite concerns that require more complex adjustments. In certain cases, teeth may also need to be reshaped or removed to create enough room for the remaining teeth to move into their desired positions.
We've completed some Invisalign cases in as little as six months, while more involved treatment may take a couple of years. Patients with significant bite concerns may need many teeth moved or the upper and lower teeth repositioned in relation to one another. Elastics or other components may also be needed to help guide the bite, which can add time to treatment.
Patient compliance also plays an important role in how long Invisalign takes. Clear aligners are removable and must be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing. However, they need to be worn for the recommended amount of time each day to keep treatment progressing as planned.
Most patients change to a new set of Invisalign trays once a week. We typically provide four to six sets at a time and then schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate progress before providing the next group of aligners. Some teeth move more slowly than others, so certain patients may need to wear each set for up to two weeks. That's completely normal, although it may extend the overall treatment timeline.
What are the benefits of Invisalign versus traditional braces?
One of the most noticeable benefits of Invisalign versus traditional braces is its discreet appearance. Traditional braces use visible metal brackets and wires, while Invisalign treatment uses clear trays that are much less noticeable when worn.
The smooth plastic aligners may also be more comfortable inside the mouth. Brackets and wires can sometimes irritate the lips, tongue, or cheeks, while clear aligners generally have smoother edges and create less irritation.
Invisalign aligners are also removable, which provides greater flexibility. You can take them out when eating, brushing, and flossing, making it easier to maintain your regular oral hygiene routine. They can also be removed briefly for an important event, although patients should wear them consistently to avoid delaying treatment.
How much does Invisalign treatment cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on the complexity and length of your case, as well as whether your dental insurance includes orthodontic benefits. Some insurance plans provide a lifetime orthodontic allowance that can be applied toward Invisalign or other orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign treatment generally ranges from approximately $5,500 to $6,500. Your exact cost will depend on your individual treatment needs and insurance coverage. Patients with orthodontic benefits may fall toward the lower end of that range, while patients paying without insurance assistance may have higher out-of-pocket costs.
What results can you expect from Invisalign treatment?
Every patient has different goals for Invisalign treatment. Many people want straighter teeth, fewer gaps, or a more balanced smile. During your evaluation, it's important to discuss what can realistically be achieved based on your current tooth position, bite, and overall oral health.
Invisalign can make significant improvements, but there may be limitations depending on the shape, size, color, or position of your teeth. In some cases, clear aligner treatment may be combined with other dental services to achieve the desired result. These treatments might include teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, dental bonding, or crowns.
Patients with more complex jaw or bite concerns may occasionally need oral surgery or jaw surgery in addition to orthodontic treatment. That doesn't mean every patient will need multiple procedures. It simply means that we may combine Invisalign with other treatments when necessary to help create the healthiest and most attractive result possible.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign works through a series of custom-made clear plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each set of aligners is shaped slightly differently to encourage specific teeth to move up, down, left, right, or rotate into a better position.
The trays may feel tight in certain areas because they're applying gentle pressure to guide your teeth toward their planned positions. As you progress through each set of aligners, your teeth gradually move closer to the final result.
In some cases, we place small tooth-colored attachments on specific teeth. These attachments are made from the same type of material commonly used for tooth-colored fillings and blend in naturally with your smile. They help the Invisalign trays grip the teeth more effectively and complete certain movements with greater precision.
How do you know if you're a good candidate for Invisalign?
The best way to determine whether you're a good candidate for Invisalign is to schedule an evaluation with our dental team. Invisalign may be an option for patients with crooked teeth, crowding, gaps, or certain bite concerns, but every case is different.
Your evaluation will likely include photographs, dental X-rays, and a complete examination of your teeth, gums, and bite. These records help us determine whether Invisalign is appropriate for your needs and allow us to create a personalized treatment plan.
How do you clean Invisalign aligners?
Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is an important part of treatment. Remove the trays before brushing and flossing your teeth, and gently clean the inside and outside of the aligners with cool or lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush.
Avoid using hot water because heat may distort the plastic and affect the fit of your aligners. Some patients also use an ultrasonic aligner cleaner, although this isn't usually necessary. Because most trays are worn for only about one to two weeks, the main goal is to keep them clean and fresh until it's time to move to the next set.
What should you know before starting Invisalign treatment?
Before starting Invisalign treatment, your teeth and gums should be as healthy as possible. Any untreated cavities, gum disease, or dental infections should be addressed before you begin wearing clear aligners.
Invisalign trays cover your teeth for much of the day, which can make consistent brushing and flossing especially important. Beginning treatment with a healthy mouth makes it easier to protect your teeth and gums throughout the orthodontic process.
If you currently have cavities, gum disease, or another oral health concern, that doesn't necessarily mean you can't receive Invisalign. Those issues should simply be treated and stabilized before clear aligner treatment begins.
If you're ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we'd love to hear from you. Call us at (916) 848-2145 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of custom made, clear aligners that gradually move your teeth into proper placement. They’re removable, so you can take them out to eat or drink or even to play sports, but they’re also comfortable enough that you can wear them all day. Plus, since they’re clear, no one will know you’re even wearing them.
Check out this short video:
How Does Invisalign Work?
Dr. Chan will sit down with you for an Invisalign consultation. He’ll take a good look at your current smile situation and see if Invisalign would be the best solution for you. Then he’ll develop a treatment plan including a series of aligners that will gradually (and comfortably) move your teeth into proper positioning. We’ll take impressions to be sure that your custom-made aligners fit your mouth perfectly.
You’ll wear each set of aligners for 20-22 hours per day for one to two weeks, as determined by Dr. Chan, and you’ll be checking in with him every six or eight weeks to check on your progress and get your next set of aligners.
How Does Invisalign Compare to Traditional Braces?
There’s no brackets or wires to tighten or get in the way, which means a lot less visits and a lot less hassle. And since they’re removable, you can keep brushing and flossing your teeth normally instead of worrying about brushing around metal brackets. For parents – Invisalign Teen also features a compliance indicator to be sure that our teen patients are wearing the aligners for the correct amount of time.
On average, Invisalign treatment time is only 12-18 months, and you can start seeing results in a matter of weeks.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
In most cases, treatment with Invisalign clear aligners costs about the same as traditional braces. A number of dental insurance plans cover it just like metal braces, and we can also create monthly payment plans or financing through CareCredit. You can even use a healthcare savings account (HCSA) to make monthly payments with pre-tax dollars.
How Do I Get Started?
Call our office today to set up an Invisalign consultation with Dr. Christopher Chan. Are you a new patient? We can definitely talk about the possibilities of Invisalign during your initial exam.
Teens – are you having the conversation about Invisalign with your parents? Here’s a great video about how to get started with the process.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign represents the forefront of orthodontic technology. It offers a method to effectively shift and straighten your teeth.
How does Invisalign differ from traditional braces in terms of comfort?
Invisalign offers a significant comfort advantage over traditional braces. Unlike braces with metal brackets and wires, Invisalign utilizes aligner technology that eliminates sharp or uncomfortable elements.
What is involved in the Invisalign process?
Invisalign treatment involves a series of plastic trays, or aligners, that guide teeth movement. After wearing a set for one to two weeks, a new set replaces them. This cycle continues until your teeth are in the desired position.
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
In many cases, Invisalign can expedite treatment compared to braces, although individual circumstances play a role.
Why is Invisalign often considered more comfortable than traditional braces?
Invisalign's comfort superiority stems from its use of soft plastic trays instead of metal components. The trays are also removable, adding to the convenience.
How long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?
Determining the duration of Invisalign treatment can vary. On average, it takes between 18 and 24 months. However, individual cases may differ, necessitating personalized evaluation.
Could you elaborate on the digital aspect of Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign's uniqueness lies in its digitization. Physical molds are often unnecessary due to advanced technology. Digital scans and images recreate your mouth in a computer model. Thereafter, we can create a proposal of how we can move our teeth.
What are Invisalign aligners, and how should they be worn?
Invisalign aligners, also known as trays, are customized plastic devices worn over your teeth, with one tray on the top and the other on the bottom. We generally provide patients with four to six sets of trays. Wearing them for 22 hours daily, except during meals and oral hygiene routines, is crucial for success.
Are there any factors that might disqualify someone from using Invisalign?
To ensure the best outcome, patients should have optimal oral health before starting Invisalign. This involves addressing cavities and gum disease beforehand. If you do have gum disease and/or cavities, we will address those issues before using Invisalign.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
Invisalign treatment generally brings minimal discomfort. However, some soreness might occur initially or when switching aligners. This discomfort is manageable with warm salt rinses or pain relievers.
Can Invisalign correct a crossbite?
Invisalign is capable of rectifying a crossbite, where lower teeth protrude over upper teeth.
Does dental insurance typically cover Invisalign costs?
In many cases, dental insurance covers Invisalign treatment. The process involves submitting documents for insurance review.
Does Medicaid provide coverage for Invisalign treatment?
Medicaid's coverage for Invisalign varies based on individual cases and medical necessity. Securing Medicaid coverage may require X-rays and narratives.
What is the cost of Invisalign without dental insurance?
The cost of Invisalign treatment without dental insurance is $5,850 at Crown Dentistry.
How can I schedule an appointment to discuss Invisalign treatment?
For those considering Invisalign treatment, simply contact our office at (916) 848-2145. Our team will address your queries and schedule an introductory diagnostic appointment.