Invisalign^® Clear Braces in Carson, CA

If you are looking for a way to straighten crooked teeth or misaligned bites without visible metal braces, Invisalign^® is an excellent choice. With Invisalign^® clear braces (officially known as “clear aligners”), you or your child can get a beautiful smile with little effort or hassle.

What Are Invisalign^® Clear Aligners?

Invisalign^® clear aligners are see-through plastic straightening trays that are custom-molded to your teeth. By wearing the Invisalign^® trays, your teeth are gently guided into the correct position. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign^® clear aligners are not adhered to teeth. (Sometimes, small attachments called SmartForce attachments are adhered to certain teeth to help the clear aligners with a little gentle leverage.)

Because clear aligners are see-through, most people will not even notice you are wearing “braces.” They are safe, comfortable, and removable, which makes them easy to clean.

What Ages Can Wear Invisalign^® Clear Aligners?

Invisalign^® clear aligners can be worn by patients of any age who are eligible for braces. They are particularly popular with adults, especially working professionals, who wish to correct crooked teeth without the obvious look of metal braces. For children, they tend to work best with teens, older children, and children who are mature enough to wear their Invisalign^® clear braces consistently. To help parents with compliance, Invisalign^® clear aligners for teens come with a discreet blue marker that tracks whether the clear braces are being worn consistently.

How Long Do You Need to Wear Invisalign^® Clear Aligners?

How long you need to wear Invisalign^® clear aligners depends on the extent of the malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth). Invisalign^® clear braces are typically worn 20 to 22 hours per day for approximately 12 to 18 months. The Invisalign^® trays are swapped out approximately every week or two as the treatment progresses.

How Does the Invisalign^® Process Work?

You will have a consultation with our qualified orthodontist. We will discuss with you the various options for correcting teeth misalignments for you or your child. If Invisalign^® clear aligners are a good option, we will take advanced 3D images of your mouth to determine the proper course of treatment. These images will be used to create your Invisalign^® clear aligner trays, which are the clear plastic forms that you wear in your mouth to adjust your teeth.

If SmartForce attachments are required (which is not the majority of cases), these will be adhered to teeth at the beginning of treatment and removed at the completion of the protocol.

How Much Do Invisalign^® Clear Aligners Cost?

Invisalign^® clear aligners are on par with or even cheaper than the cost of traditional braces depending on the type of braces. Some of the costs for Invisalign^® clear aligners may be covered by your dental insurance.

How Are Invisalign^® Clear Aligners Kept Clean?

One of the best benefits of Invisalign^® clear aligners is how easy they are to keep clean. First, since you remove them while you are eating, you do not need to worry about getting food stuck in them like you would with traditional metal braces. Of course, you or your child should always clean teeth after eating before putting the clear aligners back in the mouth. (If you are out on the town, you can bring a mini toothbrush with you.)

There are two ways to clean your Invisalign^® clear aligners: one is to use the Invisalign^® Cleaning System and the other is to gently brush your clear aligners with a soft toothbrush and regular toothpaste. Keep your Invisalign^® clear aligners away from hot water and extreme heat - it could warp the shape of your aligners.

How Invisaligns are kept clean Carson CA

What Happens After Treatment With Invisalign^® Clear Aligners?

Once the Invisalign^® treatment is complete, you or your child will not need new braces or more clear aligners. As with traditional braces, we recommend that you or your child wear a retainer. How often the retainer needs to be worn at first depends on the specific patient's needs. After four to twelve months, typically people wear a retainer at night indefinitely to keep teeth straight and aligned. New, modern retainers can be comfortable and come in clear versions.

If you or your child needs teeth straightened or a bite improved, Invisalign^® clear aligners may be a good choice. Contact us today for more information and an Invisalign^® consultation.