San Francisco and Marin CA
Invisalign is a comfortable, discreet alternative to traditional metal braces that has revolutionized the world of orthodontic dentistry and the way people straighten their teeth and beautify their smiles. If you’ve found this blog looking for information about Invisalign in the San Francisco area, you’ve come to the right place! Our Invisalign dentist in Marin is sharing today everything you need to know about this popular way to straighten teeth.
What is Invisalign?
Instead of the awkward and often-uncomfortable brackets and wires of metal braces, Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually and gently shift the teeth into proper position. Invisalign is especially popular among teenagers and adults who want to straighten their teeth without having to wear braces.
Invisalign is effective at treating a number of dental issues, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Spacing issues
- Bad bites (overbites, underbites, cross bites and open bites)
How does Invisalign work?
Our Invisalign dentist in San Francisco will use digital impressions and X-rays of your teeth and gums to design a series of aligners that gradually shift the teeth into proper position. Each aligner set is worn for approximately two weeks before graduating to the next aligner in the series.
What are the advantages of Invisalign?
Invisalign has many advantages, including:
- Invisalign is more aesthetically pleasing than braces since the aligners are clear and practically invisible.
- Invisalign aligners are made from clear, smooth plastic, which makes them more comfortable to wear than braces, which have metal brackets and wires that can irritate the tongue and cheeks.
- Invisalign aligners are removable for when you need to eat, drink anything other than water and brush and floss your teeth, making them more convenient than braces.
How long does treatment take?
The duration of treatment depends largely on the individual patient’s case and discipline to wear the Invisalign aligners as much as necessary — up to 22 hours a day. When used correctly, Invisalign will usually take 12-18 months to completely straighten the teeth — usually about half the time it takes braces. Failure to wear the aligners as recommended by our Marin cosmetic dentist will lengthen the duration of treatment.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign is known to be more comfortable than traditional metal braces, but you may experience some discomfort or pressure when starting a new set of aligners. This is normal and a reassuring sign that the aligners are working to move your teeth. The discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications and will generally subside after a few days.
How much does Invisalign cost?
Like most dental restorations, the cost of Invisalign depends on geographic location and the complexity of the case. On average, Invisalign treatment will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. Some dental insurance plans will cover Invisalign at the same rate they cover braces. Ask us about our flexible payment plans to help you tailor the cost of treatment to your personal budget.
How do I care for my Invisalign aligners?
Maintaining and caring for Invisalign aligners couldn’t be more simple. Clean them regularly with a toothbrush and mild soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals, but avoid using hot water because it can warp the aligner plastic. It’s also important to maintain strong oral hygiene: brush your teeth after meals throughout the day before placing the aligners back on your teeth, and be sure to floss once daily.
Will I need post-treatment care?
Our cosmetic dentist in San Francisco will create a retainer for you to wear following Invisalign treatment to maintain your new, beautiful smile. The retainer(s) will prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Invisalign in the Bay Area
Invisalign is a discreet, comfortable, and convenient way for adults and teens to achieve a straighter smile. Our Bay Area orthodontic dentist will likely recommend traditional braces for younger kids who aren’t quite disciplined enough to wear Invisalign for as many hours a day as is necessary. If you’re considering Invisalign, reach out to us today at Glen Park Dental, (415) 799-3900. We can discuss if Invisalign is the right option for you and will get you on your way to a new, straighter, healthier smile.
