INVISALIGN CLEAR ALIGNERS – San Ramon, CA
A Clear Path to a Straighter Smile
Metal braces may not be what your teen envisions when learning they need orthodontic treatment. Instead, they prefer Invisalign clear aligners that are more discreet. Instead of capturing the attention of others because of all the metal in their mouth, they can walk with greater confidence knowing their teeth are on the right path. Discover how Invisalign can help your child take the next step toward a straighter smile by calling to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Gale Ranch Family Dental Group for Invisalign Clear Aligners?
- No-Mess Digital Impressions
- Financing is Available
- Tailor-Made Treatment Plans to Meet Patients’ Needs
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that is far more discreet than traditional braces. Relying on customized trays that are made from clear plastic, they follow your teen throughout the treatment process, taking the shape of their smile as it progresses toward better alignment.
Worn 20-22 hours each day, your teen will be required to swap them out every 1-2 weeks so that their teeth continue to move. They will continue this process until the series is complete. In just 12-18 months, on average, your teen can expect to see a new smile that is healthier, looks beautiful, and helps them to project much-needed confidence.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
If you’re interested in straightening your teeth, but you don’t want to deal with “metal mouth,” we have good news: Invisalign is an option for many patients! In fact, the clear aligners have effectively corrected a wide range of orthodontic problems – from slight overbites to more considerable overcrowding. To learn more, read on or schedule a consultation with us!
Crowded Teeth
When too many teeth exist inside the mouth, it can make eating, speaking, and smiling more difficult. Don’t worry – Invisalign can help to create additional space so that teeth no longer rest on top of each other but instead side by side, creating a healthier environment. Sometimes, additional treatments are needed as well, like a tooth extraction. If that’s the case, we will work that into your treatment plan so the final result is a healthy and beautiful smile.
Gaps Between Teeth
Unfortunately, too much space can be equally as dangerous since bacteria and food particles can easily become trapped when eating. That’s why we recommend scheduling a consultation with us to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. If you are, then we will create a custom series of trays to bring your teeth closer together. Over the course of your treatment, the gaps will close, and you’ll see a more balanced and beautiful smile appear.
Overbite
Although your upper teeth should sit in front of your lower ones, they shouldn’t protrude far beyond them. If they do, then you likely have an overbite, which can lead to everything from chronic jaw pain to trouble chewing properly. Fortunately, Invisalign is usually an option for patients with mild to moderate cases. So, don’t just assume your only choice is metal braces; there’s a good chance that clear aligners can give you the healthy bite you deserve!
Underbite
Do you have an underbite? Decades prior, there was only one option: traditional braces. That’s no longer the case! Now, we can correct cases that aren’t too severe with clear aligners. So, if you are an image-conscious teen, you’re in a profession where your smile is front-and-center, or you simply don’t want to deal with metal brackets and wires, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. The sooner you do, the sooner we can see if you’re a candidate for Invisalign.
Crossbite
If some of your top teeth sit in front of your bottom teeth, and some of your bottom teeth sit in front of your top teeth, there’s a good chance that you have a crossbite. This bite problem can lead to several serious issues, including premature wear and tear on your teeth. That’s why we recommend getting the orthodontic treatment you need quickly. If you’re a candidate for Invisalign, then the process of bringing your bite into proper alignment won’t require any metal at all!
Open Bite
Unfortunately, open bites, no matter how minor, can lead to enamel wear and tear as well as chronic jaw pain if left untreated. With Invisalign, though, the aligners can work to move your bite so that it aligns more beautifully, creating a more harmonious movement between the upper and lower arches of teeth.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Orthodontic treatment of any kind is highly beneficial, especially if your child is suffering from oral health issues, but Invisalign offers immense benefits that cannot be attained with traditional braces. These include:
- Greater Comfort – Invisalign clear aligners do not have protruding brackets that rub against gums, lips, and the tongue. Instead, they are smooth and fit snugly against teeth, allowing for a more comfortable approach.
- More Discreet – There is no spotlight to shine while wearing Invisalign because they are virtually invisible. Unless someone is extremely close or you choose to disclose your treatment, others are unlikely to notice that you’re wearing your trays.
- You Can Eat the Foods You Love – There are no food restrictions when it comes to wearing Invisalign. You can remove your trays and eat the foods you love without worrying about food getting stuck underneath brackets and wires.
Invisalign FAQs
Can I Still Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
Yes, there is a “but” though: you need to remove your aligners beforehand. This is important for a few reasons, starting with the fact that keeping them on while drinking dark-colored beverages like coffee can quickly cause them to discolor. It’s also worth mentioning that hot drinks can warp your aligners considerably, which can lead to treatment plan delays. So, to keep your trays discreet and effective, get in the habit of taking them off before drinking anything other than water.
How Long Will I Need to Wear My Aligners Per Day?
The general rule of thumb is 20-22 hours a day. However, the more you can wear them, the better! If you’re having trouble fitting three meals a day, a few snacks, and your oral hygiene regimen into your aligner-free time, then try creating a schedule with the help of the stopwatch on your phone. For example, dedicate 40 minutes to each meal and 10 minutes to brushing and flossing throughout the day. If you aren’t already, try multi-tasking as well. For instance, drink your morning coffee with your breakfast instead of separately.
How Do I Take Off Invisalign Trays?
At your first official Invisalign appointment, we will cover a lot of ground, including showing you how to put your aligners on and take them off. That said, it’s normal to have a little bit of trouble getting used to maneuvering the trays, especially when they are tight.
The first step is using clean, dry hands to unhook the aligner from your molars. Steadily work your way forward until it comes loose. Then, gently pull down, take them off, rinse them with clean, cool water, and place them in their designated case. Don’t worry – this gets easier with practice. Plus, if you’re getting frustrated, you can always purchase the PulTool or an OrthoKey.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
This is hands-down one of the most asked questions about Invisalign. If you’ve been asking yourself the same thing, then you’ll be happy to know that the answer is “no!” Although you will feel some pressure from time to time as the aligners work to move your teeth, you won’t feel any pain. That’s because there aren’t any metal components, and the trays are designed to place a gentle, consistent pressure.
Note: If your teeth feel sore, avoid crunchy foods entirely and take OTC pain medication as directed. You might also find it helpful to rinse periodically with warm saltwater and use a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time.
Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign Treatment?
Yes! If you don’t wear a retainer following your orthodontic treatment, then there’s a good chance that your teeth will move out of position in a matter of weeks. So, make wearing yours a priority! If yours chip, crack, or get damaged some other way throughout the years, contact us right away so we can repair or replace it.