What is Invisalign®

Invisalign® are custom, removable clear plastic aligners that can be worn in both the lower and upper jaws to straighten teeth. The Invisalign system straightens your teeth through your alignment. They are easy to remove and do not stick to your teeth. Therefore, they allow you to drink and eat while facilitating the alignment and straightening of your teeth.

At Tustin Smile, which is near Tustin, CA, we will give you a set of clear aligners that you will wear for a total of two weeks. The purpose of the aligners is to gradually put pressure on your teeth. This will shift your teeth, which will correct crowded teeth, crossbites, overbites and underbites. At the end of the two week period, the old aligners are replaced with a brand new set of aligners. This will allow you to have a new set of aligners to wear every two weeks, until the correction has been made. See more about open bite malocclusion.

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Invisalign For Teens in Tustin, CA

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign® was originally intended only for adults, due to the original design concept. This is because every aligner consists of a plastic shell that fits on all of your teeth on a single jaw. It did not allow for eruption of the teeth that might occur during the treatment period. As a result, this version of Invisalign® was not appropriate for youngsters with erupting teeth. Due to the increasing popularity resulting from its many advantages, especially being virtually invisible, compared to standard, metallic braces, there was an increased demand to develop an Invisalign® product for teens as an alternative to braces. Invisalign Teen® utilizes tabs that are put in locations where tooth eruption is likely to occur. The eruption of the tooth breaks the tab and allows the tooth to erupt and grow. This new product retained the advantage of the original Invisalign® while permitting new teeth to erupt.

Tustin Smiles offers high-quality Invisalign for Teens in Tustin CA.

Getting Invisalign®

Due to the use of CAD / CAM software, computer imaging, and equipment, it is easier to get and use Invisalign Teen® than it is to wear braces.

How is Invisalign® installed?

Most of the following steps can be done in one day because of the advanced techniques that are used.

  • Initial Consultation – The consultation process for Invisalign Teen® involves both the patient and the dentist. One of our specialists will conduct an evaluation and exam in order to determine whether Invisalign Teen® will be suitable for you. This consultation will give you the opportunity to ask the dentist any questions such as the cost, treatment duration, and the availability of a simulation to see how your teeth would look at the end of treatment.
  • Evaluating your Records – The first step in the process is to pull together the necessary data about your teeth. It involves developing the following records:
    • Impression and Digitization – will start by taking current, accurate impressions of your teeth. There are two possible options for making this impression. The first alternative is used to use impression putty. Once the putty is hardened, it is digitized into a computer with specialized software. The second option is to directly read the 3-D optical data from the patient’s mouth into the computer. The use of the second method depends on the availability of these facilities.
    • Bite registration – this involves making a record of your bite. This will show how the teeth in the upper and lower jaws meet with each other.
    • Dental x-rays – Oral surgeons use x-rays to evaluate the tooth roots and the jaw bone. Based on the x-rays, they are able to determine the root positioning and the jawbone health. This could include full-mouth series x-rays, panoramic x-rays, or both types.
    • Photographs – A number of patient pictures are required for patients who choose Invisalign Teen®. These include close-up pictures of the lower and upper dental arches, front and side photos, and side and front close-ups of closed teeth. The Invisalign® company is sent all of these photos by the dentist’s office.
    • Treatment simulation – A simulation that shows your teeth during the realignment process is generated by Invisalign® staff, using their exclusive technology. It will be sent to the staff at Tustin Smile to be used for any amendment advice or final approval. Your dentist may also allow seeing the simulation and your new smile.
    • Manufacture and delivery – Once we have modified or approved the treatment,  computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) will be used to fabricate your aligners. The new aligners will be delivered to you by your dentist.
  • How long they need to be worn – The severity of the individual case determines the length of treatment. Treatment is usually a year to 18 months. It is recommended that the aligners be worn as much as possible for two weeks.

The Invisalign® Advantage

Invisalign Logo

An IT engineer, who was upset with the number of visits required for adjusting tension in the braces, was responsible for inventing the Invisalign® teeth alignment system.

Here are the benefits of Invisalign Teen®:

  • Removable – Another advantage of Invisalign is that you are able to remove and reinstall the Invisalign® aligners yourself. It is also possible for you to put on the new aligner yourself without visiting the dentist. This saves considerable travel time, by reducing the number of dentist visits.
  • Cleaning – Invisalign® aligners can be cleaned easily since it is possible to remove them. As a result, they do not prevent the patient from brushing, flossing, and other oral hygiene measures.
  • Easy Personal Hygiene – Since the aligners can be removed easily, it facilitates the flossing and brushing of teeth. It is possible to floss and brush your teeth in a normal manner and then reinstall the aligners.
  • Invisibility – Being made of clear, medical-grade plastic, the Invisalign® aligners are invisible to the normal eye.
  • Cheaper than lingual braces – The treatment planning and manufacturing of Invisalign is carried out with leading-edge technology which makes them cheaper than lingual braces.
  • Comfort – Braces tie you down through the use of brackets, which can only be removed by a dentist. By contrast, it is possible to wear and remove Invisalign®, whenever it is necessary. Less discomfort and pain are caused by Invisalign® aligners.
  • You Know What to Expect – A screen simulation allows you to preview the outcome with Invisalign Teen ®.
  • Safety – Since Invisalign® aligners are made from plastic, they do not have sharp edges. By contrast, traditional braces are made with metallic wires that have sharp edges and present safety risks.
  • Reduced Damage to Teeth and Gums – The difficulty in cleaning metal braces can result in demineralization and gum disease. This problem is not present with Invisalign Teen® aligners.
  • Duration of Treatment – It takes considerably less time (one year to 18 months) to complete Invisalign Teen® treatment This is less time than is required for traditional braces to straighten your teeth.

If you’re near Tustin, come and visit us if you want to know more about Invisalign clear aligners.

How to take Care of Invisalign®

As long as you take care of the Invisalign Teen® aligners while you are wearing them, you will get a beautiful smile.  However, if they are not cared for properly, bacteria may develop and can cause gum disease and cavities. The only required care is to keep your Invisalign® and your mouth clean. This is facilitated by the fact that it is very easy to take them out and to put them in.

Here is a list of do’s and don’ts.

  • Do’s:
    • Effectively Cleaning your Aligners – It is necessary to regularly remove your aligners and brush them gently. This is because any dry saliva and plaque that are present can cause bacteria to form. This can be prevented by soaking the aligners in specialized solutions that sanitize them and then rinsing them clean. It is also possible to wash the aligners in lukewarm water. The aligners should never be cleaned with boiling water. This can cause their fit to be distorted, so they don’t fit properly in your mouth.
    • Oral Hygiene Maintenance – Before re-inserting your aligners, it is essential that you floss and brush your teeth. If you do this, it will prevent particles and other debris from being trapped, which causes gum disease and tooth decay.
    • Travel Precautions –You should carry your previous and next sets of aligners with you when you are traveling. If you damage or lose your current aligner, you can use one of them.
  • Don’ts:
    • Foods to Avoid – While you are wearing your aligners, you should not drink (except water) or eat.
  • Do not Use Toothpaste on Aligners – Your aligners should not be cleaned with toothpaste. There are many types of toothpaste that contain abrasive materials. These abrasives can scratch the aligners. There are others with whiteners that can color the aligners. They should be soaked in solutions, while you are eating,
    • Don’t Drop Them – You should be careful not to drop your Invisalign® aligners. This is because the aligners are fragile. If you accidentally drop them, they can fracture easily. It is, therefore, recommended that they be stored in a safe place where they will not fall when you are not wearing them. There is usually no need for mouthguards for Invisalign® aligners since they are usually removed during sports activities.

It is also recommended that your orthodontist is nearby Tustin for better convenience.

Invisalign® Cost

Depending on the individual case, there can be considerable variation in the cost of Invisalign® aligners nearby Tustin. The cost of Invisalign clear aligners usually ranges between $4000 and $8000. We will provide you with an estimate of the treatment cost at the time of your consultation, It is possible that a portion of the cost of Invisalign Teen® may be covered under insurance. Since there are insurance plans that cover the Invisalign® treatment like any other orthodontic treatment, such as braces, it is worthwhile to investigate your coverage. Give us a call or visit us if you’re near Tustin or around the area.

Where to Get Invisalign® Aligners for Youngsters and Teenagers

If you happen to live in or near Tustin, CA, then your best option for the orthodontic treatment, general and cosmetic dentistry of your kids, is to visit us at Tustin Smile or call to request an appointment. We are proud to provide high-quality Invisalign clear aligners as well as general dentistry and affordable orthodontic treatment services for many years. We can help you with all of your child’s dental problems at Tustin Smile! Find here more about orthodontic treatments near you.