Invisalign® clear braces, also known as Invisalign® clear aligners, are one of the newest developments in orthodontic treatment technology. They are an easy and noninvasive way to correct many orthodontic problems and See Me Smile Dental of Oxnard offers them as an option for both our adult and teenage patients.
Invisalign® is a removable teeth straightening option that consists of clear plastic trays. Each tray is custom-made for the individual patient. You will have one tray for your top teeth and one tray for your bottom teeth. Each tray easily slides over your teeth.
Invisalign® clear aligners are a noninvasive alternative to traditional metal and porcelain ceramic braces. They are removable and thus do not come with the dietary restrictions of other forms of orthodontic treatment.
In addition, being clear makes them nearly invisible, which means that no one will know if you or your child are getting orthodontic treatment unless you choose to tell them.
While Invisalign® is a great choice for many patients, it is not able to correct every type of orthodontic problem and is thus not an option for some patients. It can also be more expensive than either traditional metal or porcelain ceramic braces.
Being clear and removable also means that the Invisalign® trays can be lost or broken more easily. Care must be taken to prevent this. Finally, because they are removable, they are not suitable for children who may not be compliant with treatment.
Invisalign® clear aligners work by gradually shifting your teeth into new places over time. While the trays are removable, they must be worn a minimum of 20 hours per day in order to be effective. Patients do not wear a single set of trays for the entire treatment process, but rather a series of trays, each one of which is slightly different from the last.
The first step is to come into the Oxnard office for a consultation with our orthodontist. You will receive a dental examination, including x-rays, and the orthodontist will make a recommendation for or against Invisalign® based on your individual orthodontic needs.
Once you agree on a treatment plan and get all your questions answered, detailed digital images will be taken of your teeth and gums. These will be used to design a customized series of clear plastic trays that will gently guide your teeth into the desired position over time.
When the first set of trays is ready, you will return to the office to pick them up. You will wear the first set for approximately two weeks before coming back to the office for the staff to assess your progress and provide you with the next set of trays. You will return every few weeks after that to pick up the next set of trays in the series.
Your provider will periodically check your progress. Once your treatment is complete, you will be given a dental retainer to keep your teeth from shifting out of place.
Orthodontic treatment times vary widely because each individual patient is different and has different orthodontic issues. That said, most patients are in treatment for one to three years. Your orthodontist will be able to tell you how long your treatment will take during your consultation.
Absolutely not! You may experience a bit of discomfort while adjusting to your new aligners, but they should not be painful. If you ever experience pain with your Invisalign® aligners, please contact our Oxnard office right away.
Since your Invisalign® clear aligners are removable, you will not have to deal with any dietary restrictions while undergoing treatment. You will just take your trays out while you eat and drink and then replace them afterward. You should brush your teeth if possible before replacing your trays, however.
Keeping your Invisalign® clear braces clean and sanitary is an important priority. Try to brush your teeth after eating before you replace your trays to keep food and plaque from getting inside them. Once a day, remove your Invisalign® trays and gently clean them using a toothbrush, toothpaste, and water.
This is a concern for many parents since treatment will not be effective if the trays are not worn for enough hours every day. Invisalign® has responded to this concern by putting a blue compliance indicator on trays for children. This indicator will fade with wear and let your child’s provider know if he or she is being compliant with treatment.
If your child does not comply with treatment, you may have to switch to another form of treatment, such as traditional metal or porcelain ceramic braces.
The cost varies from one patient to another based on each person’s treatment needs and how much of the treatment, if any, will be covered by insurance. Dental insurance policies sometimes provide coverage for orthodontic treatment but not always, and the amount they will cover also varies.
When you come into our Oxnard office for your consultation, our staff will verify any insurance benefits you have and then provide you with a detailed financial breakdown of your treatment, showing the total cost, what insurance will pay, and how much you will need to pay out of pocket and when.
We offer financing options and payment arrangements to our patients. Please speak to our staff if you would like to know more about these options.
Schedule an Invisalign® consultation appointment today with See Me Smile Dental of Oxnard by calling (805) 716-6890 today!
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