What to Expect from Invisalign Treatment

For more than 20 years, dental professionals suggested Invisalign for patients in need of orthodontic treatment. Our dentists are no exception. Even though Invisalign is a popular choice for those seeking orthodontic care, many of our patients ask our dentist and our staff what they should expect from their Invisalign treatment.

During your consultation, we will examine your teeth to see which of the three Invisalign types is best for you. Each person is different, but a general guideline is if you are under the age of 18, you will likely get Invisalign Teen. Those patients with very slight misalignments may expect Invisalign Express to adjust their teeth to an optimal position quickly. Our patients not falling into either category will receive the traditional Invisalign treatment.

Our dentist will design a personalized treatment plan that will move your teeth into their best position. He begins with digital images of your teeth and plots the progress needed to create your best smile. Your set of custom-made alignment trays will be ordered and usually arrive in about two weeks.

Our patients tell us that it takes very little time to adjust to the Invisalign aligners. However, it is crucial to the success of Invisalign treatment that you comply with the instructions from our dentist. These include:
• Wear the alignment trays 20-22 hours every day
• Aligners must not be in when you are eating or drinking
• Clean your aligners carefully before you put them on your teeth
• Maintain good dental hygiene and brush your teeth before you insert your alignment trays
• Keep your scheduled appointments with our office so we can monitor your progress and address any problems or questions

These few directions must be followed to ensure a smile with straight and healthy teeth. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to contact our office. You are in excellent hands. Our Invisalign expert is one of the first dental providers to be certified by Invisalign’s maker Align Technology. He also serves on an elite advisory group, the Align Technology Innovation Leadership Panel.

How to Ensure Teenagers Use Invisalign Correctly

So many of our orthodontics patients are teenagers who are delighted that the Invisalign Teen system can correct their smiles without painful wires and a mouthful of metal.

Two decades ago the Invisalign alignment tray system gave adult patients the option to correct smile imperfections using thin and transparent trays which fit on top of teeth and gently push the teeth into their proper position. Instead of a year and a half or longer, patients could shed their Invisalign trays after 12-18 months.

The concept of the Invisalign system is straightforward, however, the success depends on how well a patient complies with the Invisalign directives. These include wearing the alignment trays for 20-22 hours every day. Taking the aligners out before eating or drinking and cleaning the aligners thoroughly before putting the tray on the teeth.

This dental regimen is one reason, which for many years Invisalign was an orthodontic option just for adults. Another reason the system was only for adults is that the alignment trays could not adapt to growing mouths and erupting molars.

The company created Invisalign Teen as a way to answer the requests for an Invisalign system suitable for teenagers. The system conquers the most significant obstacles to Invisalign for younger patients, growth, and compliance.

The most significant design differences between the traditional Invisalign system and Invisalign Teen is that the teen system can adjust to meet the challenges of erupting molars and growing jaws. Invisalign Teen has a tab that is designed to allow room for jaw growth and the eruption of molars.

Because lack of compliance makes the Invisalign system ineffective, creators of Invisalign Teen added a small compliance indicator as a part of the alignment trays. If your teen is wearing the aligner as directed, a blue dot on the tray will gradually fade. Parents who notice the slowly vanishing dot, know their teen is wearing their aligners correctly and do not need to be concerned about alignment trays which stay in the case and not on the teeth.

If you would like to learn more about ways to know if your teen is complying with their Invisalign directions, feel free to contact our office we are happy to help.

Is Invisalign Good for Teenagers?

Many adults are opting for Invisalign rather than conventional braces to straighten their teeth. This is because Invisalign is clear and more aesthetic than metal braces. Teens are also strong candidates for Invisalign. Our orthodontist can help you and your teen decide if Invisalign is a good option.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are clear, removable, smooth and comfortable. Invisalign uses precise measurements for a completely customized treatment solution that fits your teen’s needs. They straighten teeth without visible brackets or wires, and each aligner progressively moves teeth until your teen’s smile is straight, balanced and healthy.

The aligners can be taken out, which means your teen can easily brush and floss her teeth and eat any food without being warry of damage. She can also participate in all her favorite activities, including band or athletics, without interfering with her orthodontic treatment schedule.

The teen-friendly version of Invisalign has several features just for teens, including the Blue Dot indicator to keep your teen on track. Eruption tabs are available to accommodate growing jaws. Replacement aligners are also a possibility. Call our office today to learn more about Invisalign options for teens or to schedule your consultation with our dentist in San Francisco.