Forget those old-fashioned wires-and-metal brackets and years of orthodontist appointments! Now you can have aligners that gently guide your teeth into alignment in less time and are virtually invisible while you’re wearing them.
As an extensively trained cosmetic dentist, Dr. Arash Azarbal is trained in the use of Invisalign® invisible braces. Invisalign® is a series of clear plastic aligners that guide your teeth into position and can be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth. No more restricted diets or worrying about food caught in wires that are difficult to clean.
Because Invisalign® aligners are customized for each patient, they gradually move teeth into the correct position, eliminating the need for uncomfortable adjustments and excessive maintenance.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign®
Invisalign® offers patients across a broad spectrum of ages the chance to address common orthodontic conditions with discreet, virtually clear teeth aligners. The Invisalign® aligners are removable, and they are composed of a plastic, clear material that is practically unnoticeable. Furthermore, Invisalign® is known to provide patients with a more comfortable way to straighten their teeth or correct bite irregularities when compared to other orthodontic techniques.
Invisalign® can correct a broad array of aesthetic dental concerns, including:
- Crowding
- Gaps, spaces, and general misalignment concerns
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
Dr. Azarbal can evaluate your concerns and help you decide whether Invisalign® is the best option for your needs and goals.
Who Is a Candidate for Invisalign®?
Many individuals are candidates for Invisalign®. This state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment can be an ideal and highly effective option for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. With that in mind, Invisalign® is not appropriate for everyone. It may not work in cases of severe misalignment. Because the aligners are removable, some patients have had issues with compliance. Although they can and should be removed for eating and brushing, the aligners must be worn at all other times in order to achieve the desired result. Invisalign® has proven to be very effective for many individuals; however, some cases may be better addressed with an alternative technique. Dr. Azarbal can determine if Invisalign® or another method is more ideal during your initial appointment.
“So far this has been my best experience with a dentist in Los Angeles. He’s great and the whole staff is very helpful and very nice”
Invisalign® Vs. Braces
There are several differences between Invisalign® and traditional braces. Although both of these treatments can provide successful solutions for orthodontic conditions, each option offers distinct benefits, and one may be more ideal than the other depending on each patient’s needs and goals. Braces involve wires and brackets that pull the teeth into the desired position. This method of treatment may be quite uncomfortable for some patients. Also, even though there are ceramic and clear brackets available, braces are often fairly noticeable on the teeth. Treatment with braces may also require multiple follow-up appointments to adequately maintain them, and it can be relatively easy to get food stuck between the wires and brackets for some patients. Invisalign® eliminates many of these concerns. The Invisalign® aligners are virtually invisible while they are on the teeth; they are removable for eating, drinking, and daily oral hygiene regimens; and they do not involve brackets or wires that may cut into the soft oral tissues. Invisalign® is also known to provide an overall more comfortable treatment process when compared with braces, and the achievement of optimal results may not take as long. With all of this in mind, it’s important to note that braces are often more ideal for orthodontic conditions that are severe in nature, while Invisalign® may be a more desirable treatment for mild to moderate concerns. Ultimately, the best treatment for your needs will depend on your unique orthodontic condition.
How Invisalign® Works
- At the initial consultation, Dr. Azarbal will examine the overall health of your teeth and the amount of misalignment, including crowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, gaps, and other common issues. This will include a set of x-rays to determine the best treatment and whether Invisalign® is right for you. If so, detailed molds of your teeth are made.
- A computer scans the molds to create a digital image of the teeth. Dr. Azarbal then uses the computer to plan how the teeth should move into position. A set of digitized images are developed that will be used to manufacture a set of customized plastic aligners.
- When each aligner is first inserted, it will feel snug. This is normal, as it is designed to move the teeth into a slightly different position. After two weeks, that aligner is taken out and the next one inserted.
- As treatment progresses through the complete set of aligners, your teeth will gradually move into the correct position. Because the custom-made aligners are so precise, Invisalign® doesn’t over- or under-correct. Traditional braces require numerous adjustments to get the teeth into position. Thus, the computer-designed aligners can achieve correct tooth alignment in a much shorter time.
How long will Invisalign® take to work?
Your individual dental needs will determine how long treatment will last. It’s also important to wear your aligners as often as recommended to avoid delaying the final outcome. Most patients are able to complete the teeth-straightening process in about 9-15 months. We will provide an estimate based on your characteristics and goals during your initial consultation. This may vary based on how often you are wearing your aligners each day.
Invisalign® Teen
If your teenager has crooked, crowded, or otherwise misaligned teeth, there is an innovative new option to help improve the look of his or her smile. Invisalign® Teen is made by the same company as Invisalign® and offers a way for younger patients to achieve their cosmetic and functional dental goals. Designed to provide a faster, more comfortable, and more discreet teeth straightening experience than traditional braces, Invisalign® Teen is made specifically with the needs and goals of teens in mind. Dr. Azarbal offers this revolutionary system right here at our office. He can determine if this method is appropriate for your child during your initial consultation.
Candidates for Invisalign® Teen
The most important factors in determining if Invisalign® Teen will be a good choice for a young person are the severity of the present orthodontic concerns and whether the patient can follow the instructions for regular use. Invisalign® Teen must be worn consistently, as directed, and only removed to brush, floss, eat, or drink. If the aligners are worn less often, treatment times may be extended and the outcome affected.
How Invisalign® Teen Works
Invisalign® Teen, just like original Invisalign®, is an orthodontic treatment that can straighten teeth and correct a number of dental concerns. Using a series of clear, removable aligner trays, this method will gradually alter the position of the teeth to achieve a more aesthetically appealing and functional alignment. Unlike traditional braces, no metal brackets or wires are used. As a result, teens can improve their smile discreetly and more comfortably than ever. Furthermore, they won’t have to worry about having “metal mouth” for pictures or avoiding foods that they love. The aligner trays can be removed to brush, floss, eat, and drink, but they should be worn at all other times. Each tray should be worn for approximately two weeks before being replaced by the next tray in the series. In general, the process should take between 9-15 months, though your teen’s experience may vary.
How Much Does Invisalign® Cost?
According to the Invisalign® developers, the national average cost of this procedure can range from approximately $3,500 to $8,000. The reason this average price range is so broad is because Invisalign® procedures are completely customized based on a number of factors, including:
- The complexity of the orthodontic concerns
- The number of aligners that will be necessary for the best results
- The overall length of treatment
Many dental insurance policies offer benefits for orthodontic procedures, and Invisalign® is typically included in that type of coverage. Our practice will formulate an overall cost estimate once your treatment plan is developed during the initial consultation. We will be happy to help you find out whether your insurance policy offers coverage for Invisalign®, and we can talk with you about other convenient payment options we accept at our practice, as well. If you are interested in paying for Invisalign® in installments, we can provide access to an array of popular dental financing agencies—including CareCredit®, LendingClub®, and others—which offer qualified applicants a selection of monthly payment plans with budget-friendly terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Invisalign® and Invisalign® Teen
To help you determine if Invisalign® or Invisalign® Teen is right for you, we have provided some answers to common questions. If your question is not addressed below, of if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our skilled team today.
Who Is a Candidate for Invisalign® and Invisalign® Teen?
Invisalign® and Invisalign® Teen aren’t appropriate for everyone. They may not work in cases of severe misalignment. Because the aligners are removable, some patients have had issues with compliance. Although they can and should be removed for eating and brushing, the aligners must be worn all other times in order to achieve the desired result.
The most important factor in determining if Invisalign® Teen will be a good choice for a young person is whether they can follow the instructions for regular use. Invisalign® Teen must be worn consistently, as directed, and only removed to brush, floss, eat, or drink. If the aligners are worn less often, treatment times may be extended and the outcome affected. Invisalign® Teen can correct a broad array of aesthetic dental concerns, including crowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, gaps, and other common issues. However, some cases may be better addressed with an alternative technique. Dr. Azarbal can determine if Invisalign® Teen or another method is right for your child during your initial appointment.
How long should I wear the aligners?
One of the great things about Invisalign® aligners is the fact they are removable. However, your aligners should be worn as much as possible. You should be wearing your trays whenever you are not eating, drinking, brushing your teeth, or flossing. In general, we recommend wearing the aligners for about 22 hours per day—more if possible. This will help you complete treatment on schedule and potentially early.
How do I keep the aligners clean?
Taking good care of your Invisalign® aligners is very important, and fortunately it’s easy to do. When you remove the trays to eat, we recommend simply rinsing them in regular room temperature or cold water after removing them and before putting them back in your mouth. You can also brush your aligner with toothpaste, as you would your teeth, once at night at the same time as your teeth. Do not run your aligners under hot water, as this can distort their shape. For more tips on keeping your Invisalign® trays looking and functioning their best, talk to our friendly and knowledgeable team.
My concerns are more functional than aesthetic, can Invisalign® still help?
Invisalign® can benefit both aesthetic and functional conditions caused by orthodontic issues such as misaligned teeth or bite irregularities. By improving the teeth and bite alignment, Invisalign® can improve your ability to adequately perform dental hygiene routines, enhance comfort, and even reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease that may have been heightened by orthodontic conditions.
Can I still use Invisalign® if I grind my teeth?
The answer to this question is often conditional for each patient. Depending on the severity of grinding and clenching (bruxism), it may not be an issue. However, excessive grinding and clenching may harm the aligners themselves in some cases. Also, since the Invisalign® aligners need to be worn during sleep, patients who already wear oral nightguards for bruxism or TMJ Disorder will likely not be able to wear them if they are being treated with Invisalign® at the same time. Dr. Azarbal can talk with you about these concerns and provide you with more details once you have been evaluated.
Will Invisalign® affect my speech?
There may be a slight difference in speech during the first few days of wearing the aligners. This is normal and patients typically adjust as they become more accustomed to the aligners on the teeth. After this brief period of adjustment, any changes in speech are usually not noticeable.
If you are interested in Invisalign®, contact us to schedule an appointment for an exam. If you would like to meet Dr. Azarbal and spend five or ten minutes learning more about this treatment, request a complimentary consultation. Call us or request an appointment online.