Rethink orthodontic treatment! Invisalign® straightens teeth without braces
Do you still associate orthodontic treatment with kids and silver “metal mouth”? If so, we are thrilled to acquaint you with modern alternatives to conventional braces at Los Alamitos Dental Care. Today’s choices fit in well with teens’ and adults’ busy and active lifestyles. They can be removed. They are clear. So, when you smile, all others see are your teeth (not metal hardware!). Additionally, there are no rigid stainless steel brackets and wires that can poke up against the insides of your mouth.
Clear aligner therapy: The “magic” behind the pleasant treatment
Invisalign® and other systems use clear aligners to reposition the teeth. Our Los Alamitos, California practice is a proud provider of Invisalign®, the pioneer in clear aligners. They were the first to debut this series of oral appliances in the late 1990s. What started as a treatment for less extensive cosmetic cases of crowded and misaligned teeth has evolved over the decades to be an appropriate treatment for bite imbalances (overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites). Many individuals we treat can benefit from Invisalign®.
Instead of brackets, wires, and bands that are secured to the teeth, we use a series of aligner trays to realign the teeth and jaws. These trays are made from an innovative, flexible, and transparent plastic. They conform precisely to the contours of your mouth. They are easy to wear and easy to care for. Compliance is important. They must be worn at all times except when eating, brushing, and flossing your teeth. The aligners place consistent pressure on the teeth. This force moves the teeth incrementally. Failure to wear the aligners as directed can adversely affect treatment outcomes. Compliance is also essential to ensure treatment remains “on schedule” and that results are not delayed.
The process
It starts with a smile assessment at our Los Alamitos, California office. During this visit, one of our dentists will use an iTero® scanner to collect information about your mouth. Unlike conventional approaches to getting images and making impressions, this scan is fast and comfortable. These scans are then used to create digital models or simulations of your smile. We can show you exactly how Invisalign® works in your mouth. You even get to see the results during this first visit. This information is also used to make your aligners. During periodic visits, we provide you with sets of aligners that correspond with your current stage of treatment. It is important to wear the aligners in the correct order because of this feature!
Total treatment time can vary from person to person. But, generally, the length of treatment is comparable to braces. The experience that our patients have with Invisalign® is, however, beyond compare. Discover this comfortable, easy, and precise approach to realigning your teeth (or bite) for yourself. Call Los Alamitos Dental Care at (562) 539-0011 today to start the process.
