The decision to get braces can be challenging, with many patients worrying about the unsightly appearance of traditional metal braces, or even the not-so-hidden appearance of clear braces.
Fortunately, today's state-of-the-art orthodontic advances ensure that braces don't have to take over your smile. Our La Mesa Invisalign is a modern technique of discreetly aligning your teeth that doesn't rely on unsightly metal in your mouth. Getting Invisalign is a great option for patients concerned with the look of traditional metal braces. It's the world's leading clear aligner!
Fundamentally, Invisalign is a method of discreetly straightening teeth. Unlike traditional braces, in which brackets are affixed to teeth and wired together, Invisalign is essentially invisible. The dentist provides a series of clear aligners customized to your teeth. During the Invisalign process, you will wear these teeth aligners as they gradually shift your teeth into the proper position. In fact, most people will not even notice that you are straightening your teeth!
“As an actor, metal braces just wouldn’t cut it. The Invisalign braces worked perfect for me. Most people didn’t even know I had them on. I was also able to remove them when absolutely necessary. I highly recommend Invisalign, Dr. Feinberg and the staff at this awesome dental office.”
Invisalign works via the use of customized clear aligner trays to correct the bite. In weekly and bi-weekly appointments, the location of the teeth is adjusted slightly until achieving the desired position.
The trays are designed for wearing for one to two weeks. After that, they are replaced with a new, adjusted tray, which continues moving the teeth gradually in the right direction.
Invisalign aligners are made of a clear, flexible plastic. This patented material, known as Smart Track, was created specifically for Invisalign treatment.
Patients should notice a difference within a few weeks of starting treatment. Depending on case complexity, the entire process may take just six months.
You may prove a good candidate for Invisalign if you have mild to moderate bite issues. That includes:
Those requiring serious jaw correction may require traditional metal braces or other alternatives. Invisalign is a favored treatment for teens and adults as the clear aligners minimize the appearance of a teeth-straightening device. Parents can monitor whether their kids are wearing their aligners as there is a small blue dot placed on the outside of teen aligners.
While the clear aligners hide the fact that you're wearing a teeth-straightening device, there are more benefits to Invisalign than just invisibility.
The many benefits of Invisalign over other orthodontic products include:
Care for your aligners by brushing them and rinsing them in lukewarm water along with Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or other appropriate cleaning tablets recommended by your orthodontist.
Brush your teeth after each meal before inserting your aligners. If there is food residue in your mouth after eating, especially items like pasta sauce or blueberries, you could end up staining the aligners if you don't brush beforehand.
Invisalign will impact your everyday life, but no one else needs to know that. Because the aligners are clear, they are virtually invisible to the casual observer. Your treatment and aligner trays are discreet!
While you must wear the aligners up to 22 hours per day, you can remove them for special occasions. For example, maybe you want to take the aligners off when playing sports or if you have a job interview. That's not a problem as long as you remember to put them back in as soon as possible.
One of the advantages of Invisalign is that you can chart your personal progress daily. You can literally watch your smile transform over time. As you note your progress, anticipate the day your smile corrections are completed!
After an initial consultation, Dr. Feinberg will create an individualized treatment plan for you. This involves taking impressions, photographs of the teeth, and digital X-rays.
With this information, La mesa dentist, Dr. Feinberg, can predict how your teeth will shift with Invisalign. Then, you will start your treatment with your first set of custom aligner trays. It's important to wear the custom aligners all day, except during meals or when brushing your teeth. These aligner trays easily clip into your mouth and are nearly invisible. You will wear each set of aligners for two weeks before receiving the next set. Patients sometimes experience mild discomfort when they begin wearing a new set of aligners. This is because the trays are the shape your teeth will be at the end of the two weeks; as your teeth adjust to the new tray, you might experience some aching or discomfort.
For more information about Invisalign La Mesa dentist, Dr. Feinberg, can answer any questions you have and address your concerns during a consultation. Contact us today to get started on your teeth straightening journey.
Aftercare is necessary to maintain your new smile. Without this steady maintenance, the work could become undone.
You must wear a custom-made retainer to keep your teeth from moving. Retainers require regular care. Remember to remove the retainer when eating or while drinking hot items. Our retainers are virtually invisible so again, no one needs to know you are wearing one. While you must initially wear the retainer while sleeping, in time, that is no longer necessary.
Of course, you'll need to follow basic oral healthcare. That includes twice-daily brushing and flossing and semi-annual dental checkups.
Both Invisalign and traditional metal braces will straighten your smile. The difference is in the appearance between the two and the type of care necessary.
While you remove Invisalign clear aligners when eating, you can't do that with metal braces. Food particles can get stuck in the braces. There's also a long list of forbidden foods accompanying braces. Patients can't eat anything that might get stuck in their braces, such as popcorn or soft candy. That's not a concern since Invisalign aligners aren't in the mouth while eating.
Aligners are trimmed to the patient's gum line to maximize appearance and comfort. Unfortunately, that's not the case with braces.
Are there any cons to Invisalign over braces? The only con concerns patient discipline. Because Invisalign aligners are removable and must be taken out while eating, there are a few patients who will forget to put them back in. To work, Invisalign requires wearing 22 hours per day. The primary reason treatment does not work lies with patient non-compliance, not the aligners. For those patients concerned that they will not put the aligners back in after removal for eating, non-removable metal braces are the better choice.
As noted, Invisalign is not designed to treat severe orthodontic cases. Patients with complicated mouths will need to go the traditional metal braces route.
You must wear Invisalign for at least 22 hours daily to keep the consistent pressure on your teeth. Otherwise, your teeth will not move enough to cause straightening.
Yes, you do sleep with your aligners on. The 22-hour per day wearing requirement includes sleeping.
Yes, always remove your aligners before eating. They are not designed to withstand the impact of biting and chewing.
Invisalign is not painful, but it can initially take some getting used to. Expect some discomfort whenever a new aligner is put in. Keep in mind that it's much less painful than metal braces.
Invisalign is comparable in price to regular braces. Affordable monthly payments are available with no money down. You may also use your FSA or HSA to pay for your treatment.
For more information about Invisalign, contact us today. We are happy to answer your questions and help you schedule an appointment with Dr. Feinberg to get started with the process.
Dr. Feinberg has over three decades of experience working as a prosthodontist, or specialist in the use of dental prosthetics. He was an early adopter of Invisalign technology, providing this procedure for his patients who wanted an alternative to traditional braces.
Today, Dr. Feinberg provides the best Invisalign La Mesa has to offer. He will carefully assess your orthodontic needs to determine if Invisalign is right for you. This includes custom fitting your clear aligners, observing your progress throughout your journey toward straighter, more aligned teeth, and ensuring that your teeth retain their position after the treatment is complete.
The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment.
Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
Call us Today (619) 462-8550
San Diego Dental Center proudly serves patients from La Mesa, La Jolla, El Cajon & the entire San Diego, CA area.
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Thursday: 8am - 4pm
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