Research shows that there are very few people who are completely happy with the condition of their smile. Almost everyone has some type of malocclusion that they would like to fix. Orthodontic treatment offers that opportunity.
For decades, traditional braces were the only option. While effective, braces have a lot of disadvantages as well. Braces use brackets and wires to straighten teeth, which can be uncomfortable and can cause mouth sores.
In the late 1990s, an orthodontic patient decided that no one should have to go through that, so he developed Invisalign clear aligners, which are similar to the retainer you get after traditional orthodontic treatment.
Since that time, more than 3 million patients have undergone Invisalign treatment and more are added each day. Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatment options at Calm Dental in Los Angeles.
Invisalign offers several benefits over traditional braces:
There are several steps involved in the Invisalign treatment process, including:
When you visit Calm Dental for your initial consultation, the first thing we will do is get to know you. We will ask about your expectations for treatment. We will also perform a comprehensive examination, which will include x-rays and other necessary imaging. We will also take a digital scan of your bite to determine the best way to shift teeth.
We will also discuss your oral and overall medical history. This information will be used to create a customized treatment plan.
Your customized treatment plan will outline how many aligners you require and how long you should wear each set. As long as you follow this treatment plan, you will have a straighter smile once you reach the end of treatment.
Once the aligners are sent back to the office, we will schedule an appointment for you to come in to pick them up. Before sending you home with your aligners, we will make sure the first set fits properly. As long as everything looks and feels good, we can send you home with the full set of aligners and your treatment plan.
Every so often, you will need to come into the office so that we can check on your progress. If treatment is moving along as expected, we can continue treatment. On the other hand, if things are not moving as expected, we can make some adjustments to your treatment plan.
At the end of treatment, we will check your progress. If your teeth have been straightened as much as they can, you will be given a retainer. If not, we can add some additional aligners to your plan. First, the retainer should be worn like the aligners, for 20 to 22 hours a day. Eventually, you will transition to only wearing it at night.
Some of the major advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces include:
Traditional braces use brackets and wires to straighten teeth- everyone will notice them if you choose this treatment option. Invisalign clear aligners, on the other hand, are transparent, making them discreet and virtually invisible.
Since the aligners are made from smooth plastic, which means they won't cut and scrape the inside of your mouth. Plus, they are convenient because you can take them out to eat and do whatever else you need to do.
Since the aligners are designed to be removed while eating, you don't have to give up your favorite foods.
Since the aligners are removable, oral hygiene is much easier. You can continue brushing and flossing as usual.
On average, treatment takes 12 to 18 months. You may need less time or you may need more. It all depends on the type and severity of your malocclusion.
Once you have completed the Invisalign treatment, you will be given a retainer to wear for a while. This ensures that the teeth remain in their proper position.
In addition, oral hygiene with traditional braces can be overly complicated which is why many patients who undergo traditional treatment have tooth decay and other issues.
Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, are removable. This means that you can brush and floss your teeth as usual to prevent bacteria and plaque buildup.
The team at Calm Dental works with many patients of all ages. Here are the qualification standards you need to be aware of:
Invisalign aligners are transparent, making them virtually invisible. Therefore, this treatment option is most popular among older teens and adults who are embarrassed that they need orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign is effective for treating mind to moderate spacing or crowding. If you have significant crowding or rotated teeth, this may not be ideal for you.
Invisalign has also been proven effective for resolving most mild to moderate crossbites, underbites, or overbites.
If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign treatment at Calm Dental, please schedule your consultation today. We have the experience and expertise to treat a variety of mild to moderate malocclusion. In addition, we offer a wide variety of treatments for the entire family.
We are located on South Olive Street and our office hours are Monday through Friday. 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.