Braces were once the only option for straightening crooked or misaligned teeth, but times change. Evolving technology means there is now a better alternative to fixed braces that must stay in the mouth during the entire treatment process: Invisalign clear aligners. Innovative Invisalign aligners are transparent plastic trays that fit over top and bottom teeth to gradually move them to their desired positions. The comfortable trays don’t damage teeth like metal brackets and can be removed for cleaning and special events.

People who need orthodontics often choose Invisalign, the current standard for mild to moderate teeth straightening and alignment correction, because they don’t want metal in their mouths or the discomfort of wires that have to be tightened. With Invisalign from a San Diego Dentist Association member, trays are changed every two weeks over a period of months until the desired beautiful smile is achieved.

The right San Diego dental team can treat many conditions with Invisalign, including crowding, overbite, underbite, malocclusion and crooked teeth.

Invisalign Is Better Than Traditional Braces

Traditional braces aren’t something that everyone can tolerate. For one thing, adults who desire straighter teeth may work in a professional environment and can’t attend meetings wearing braces. High school students may choose Invisalign for tooth positioning correction so they can get treatment without the embarrassment of braces. You can wear Invisalign clear aligners in many situations without them being noticed.

Additionally, metal braces are uncomfortable and often cause soreness, and they certainly aren’t aesthetically pleasing to those who see you. They can even significantly interfere with activities of daily life like talking, eating and even kissing, meaning they interfere with function for the months or years of treatment and impact your social life.

In many cases, the SDDA dentist you choose can offer you Invisalign clear aligners for the healthy, beautiful smile you want without pain, embarrassment or hassles.

Invisalign Benefits

Clear aligners like Invisalign have real benefits that make them superior to traditional braces when appropriate. These advantages include:

  • They’re easy to use. Without much impact on your daily life, clear aligners are removable, comfortable and involve fewer dental office visits than braces.
  • They’re easy to clean. Since aligner trays can be removed for cleaning, you can clean them and your teeth thoroughly, preventing tooth decay and smells.
  • You can eat comfortably. Wires and brackets make eating a painful mess and limit your diet, but clear aligners can be removed for eating.
  • You can play sports. Metal braces cause real problems for contact sports because of the risk of mouth cuts, but for sports you can remove your Invisalign and use your sports mouthguard instead.
  • They’re biocompatible. If you don’t like the idea of having metal in your mouth for months or years, Invisalign is made of medical-grade plastic that’s safe and BPA-free.

Understanding How Invisalign Works

Your Invisalign journey begins with a consultation with your SDDA dentist, who will determine if you’re a good candidate. If you are, treatment involves three primary steps:

  • They construct a 3D image of your mouth and teeth using impressions, photos, and panoramic x-rays to see and understand exactly what’s going on. Next, they plan for how your teeth should be moved for best results and get your approval.
  • They then have your aligners made and provided to you along with a schedule of aligner tray changes and appointments. You’ll get smooth, comfortable aligner trays that you can remove to eat or to brush your teeth. Usually, you move to a new set of aligners every two weeks.
  • You’ll see results as treatment progresses, a little at a time. For adults, treatment takes about a year in the average case. For teens and children, the timeframe may be a little less.

Why Choose An SDDA Dentist

Invisalign is a safe, holistic, noninvasive treatment offered by San Diego Dentist Association members, each an expert in pain-free dentistry. These practices also have experienced in working with anxious, fearful patients and can help you overcome dental anxiety.

The SDDA dentist you choose has the skills, equipment and experience to offer you Invisalign and other cosmetic dental services in a caring, pleasing environment where you will feel comfortable. Make now the time you step forward for a better smile and perhaps a better life with Invisalign. Reach out right away for your first appointment.