Invisalign® treatment for straighter teeth, a healthier mouth, and a more pleasing smile without braces
Teens and adults with crooked, crowded teeth and more severe bite problems can benefit from Invisalign® as a cosmetic, removable alternative to conventional fixed braces.
This orthodontic treatment was introduced in the late 1990s to correct cosmetic misalignment. With time, Invisalign® has become an appropriate treatment for patients with a range of teeth and jaw misalignment. Treatable conditions include:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
At Hoover Dental Center in Los Angeles, California, we are proud providers of the Invisalign® system. During your consultation, our dentist, Dr. HeeJee Yoon, will use specialized software to create a virtual model of your mouth. This model is based on scans of your teeth. By using the 3-D model, Dr. Yoon can simulate precisely how your teeth will move throughout Invisalign® treatment. You even get to see how your smile will look after treatment! It is a great way to “try before you buy.”
This information is also used to make the Invisalign® aligner trays that do the straightening. Each tray is a little different. It is designed to correspond with a specific phase of treatment. So, the trays are marked in a particular order. Be sure to wear them in the proper order. They slip over your teeth like a retainer or other oral appliances. All the aligners are comfortable, fit well, and are not noticeable when you smile. That’s because they are made from an advanced thermoplastic. Since the plastic is transparent, others only see your gradually improved smile. They don’t see gray or silver-hued metal brackets and wires.
The plastic is smooth, and there are no wires that can break and poke at the inside of your mouth. Since the aligners are custom-fit to the contours of your mouth, they are effective at repositioning the teeth. They place consistent yet gentle force on the teeth to move them through bone incrementally. In other words, they use the same principles as earlier-generation orthodontic treatment – without the hassle!
More to chew on
Aligners are also comfortable because they are removable. They are not fixed or secured to the teeth like braces. You can take them out when eating food or when brushing and flossing. Be sure to put them back in as soon as you eat and clean your teeth. We’ll also provide instructions on keeping your aligners from staining and warping. Cleaning is easy! Otherwise, swap the aligner for the next one in your treatment plan around every two weeks or as advised by Dr. Yoon. Visits to our office are infrequent, usually, every six weeks for us to check your teeth and ensure everything is progressing well. Do not delay getting straighter teeth, a healthier mouth, and a more attractive smile. Schedule your consultation at Hoover Dental Center by calling (213) 725-2898.
FAQs on Invisalign® treatment
What is Invisalign, and How Does It Work?
The Invisalign treatment involves wearing removable, clear aligners. These aligners gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment, resulting in a smile full of straight teeth with a proper bite. No brackets or wires are necessary. You will start with the first set of aligners in your series and, every couple of weeks, progress to the next set until you reach the end.
Are Invisalign Aligners Visible When Worn?
Invisalign aligners are crafted using the patented SmartTrack technology, resulting in aligners that are clear, comfortable, and durable. Nobody will be able to tell that you are wearing your Invisalign aligner unless you choose to make it known.
Can Invisalign Help Correct Overbites, Underbites, Or Crossbites?
Invisalign can correct all of these issues! In addition, Invisalign can also correct:
– Crooked teeth
– Gaps in teeth
– Open bites
– Crowded teeth
How Often Do I Need To Wear My Invisalign Aligners Each Day?
You must wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. If you fail to meet this requirement, you could see slower results. Patients not approaching this time requirement can see their teeth revert to their previous positions. This makes it important to remember to put back on your aligners after eating and brushing.
Do I Need To Wear My Invisalign Aligners While Sleeping?
You will need to wear your Invisalign aligners while sleeping to meet the 20- to 22-hour time requirement that you are expected to wear your aligners daily. Because there can be some minor discomfort when moving to your new aligners, letting your teeth adjust during the six to eight hours you sleep will help.
How Do I Clean And Maintain My Invisalign Aligners?
Cleaning your aligners could not be easier. Simply brush your aligners in lukewarm water using Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or any other approved cleaning solution. You must brush your teeth after each meal before reinserting your aligners to maintain excellent oral hygiene.
What Should I Do If I Lose Or Damage My Aligner?
Please contact our Los Angeles, California, office immediately if you lose or damage your aligners. Depending on where you are at in your treatment timeline, you can move to the next set of aligners or roll back to a previous set (if you still have them) while we order a new set for you.
