Invisalign aligners offer an innovative alternative to traditional metal braces for straightening teeth and correcting mild to moderate bite issues. Their popularity stems from their aesthetic appeal, as they are virtually invisible and made of clear plastic. They are also unlike bulky hardware, such as composite veneers and braces. These clear aligners are also comfortable and convenient for eating and cleaning teeth.
But how does Invisalign work?
First, Dr. Sarah Frahm diagnoses your orthodontic needs during an initial consultation. She evaluates your dental health and discusses your treatment goals. Based on this assessment, we create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Upon your approval of the treatment plan, we send it to Invisalign, where custom plastic aligners are made. These plastic aligners fit over your teeth, gradually guiding them into their new position. These Invisalign braces are replaced with new ones every few weeks to ensure continuous and gentle tooth movement.
Invisalign treatment addresses various orthodontic issues, providing a comfortable solution that integrates seamlessly into your daily life. The process is designed to be as relaxed and effective as possible, ensuring your journey to a straighter smile is smooth and pleasant.
Who benefits the most from Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are an excellent solution for various dental conditions, making them a versatile option for many patients. The company states that Invisalign addresses the following dental problems:
- Crowded Teeth: When teeth don’t have enough space to grow, they overlap, twist, or lean on each other, causing crowding.
- Overbite: This malocclusion occurs when the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth more than they should.
- Underbite: The lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth, leading to alignment issues.
- Crossbite: Misalignment where the upper teeth either go behind the lower teeth or entirely outside them.
- Gap Teeth: Noticeable spaces between teeth, often between the two front teeth.
- Open Bite: A malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed.
Invisalign aligners are ideal if you have no complicated spacing or crowding issues. They are particularly effective for mild to moderate bite corrections and those requiring minor teeth straightening. By closing gaps and aligning your bite, Invisalign enhances the aesthetic appearance of your smile and improves your mouth’s function and health.
How Does Invisalign Work: a Straightforward three-step process
Step 1: Treatment Begins by Taking Images of Your Teeth
In the initial consultation, Dr. Sarah Frahm will assess your dental health to determine if Invisalign is the proper treatment for you. The assessment ensures you don’t have any pre-existing conditions to treat or root causes that must be referred to a medical doctor first.
Once you’re determined to be an Invisalign candidate, she uses a specially designed scanner to take precise 3D images of your mouth and jaw.
After studying these images, she develops a custom treatment plan that outlines the steps, treatment timeline, and expected results.
Dr. Frahm will use these digital impressions to explain how the Invisalign system can move your teeth, close gaps, and align your bite.
Step 2: Aligner Trays are Provided
The digital impressions of your mouth and jaw are sent to Invisalign to create custom aligner trays. Once they are ready, Invisalign will deliver them to our office, and we will contact you about their arrival.
Dr. Frahm will fit your first aligners when you come to our office. Since she won’t be working with the metal wires of traditional braces, the treatment time for your appointment is also cut short. You’ll wear this set for 1-2 weeks, for 20 to 22 hours every day, ensuring consistent tooth movement.
Step 3: Check for Bite Issues
You will wear a new aligner tray every two weeks. These aligners will gradually move your teeth into the desired position. There will also be follow-up visits with Dr. Frahm every six weeks. These visits will ensure your bite is corrected as planned. During these visits, Dr. Frahm will monitor your progress. She may make any necessary adjustments to provide the best possible results. This step-by-step process helps address bite issues and ensures teeth correction.
How long will I have to wear Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners work relatively quickly, and you’ll start to see results in just a few weeks. Most people wear Invisalign aligners for six to 24 months for the complete treatment to take effect. The duration of treatment time depends on the level of correction needed and the complexity of any spacing or bite issues.
When can I remove my aligners?
To achieve optimal results with Invisalign, you must wear them all day. However, there are specific times when it is necessary to remove your aligners, including:
- Eating and Drinking: To prevent damage and staining your aligners, remove them while eating or drinking anything other than water.
- Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth: Remove your aligners to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth.
- Cleaning Your Aligners: It’s essential to clean your aligners regularly to maintain their clarity and effectiveness. Remove them for cleaning to ensure they stay in good condition. Learn more about how to clean your aligners.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Your Invisalign aligners can cost as much as traditional braces, but the exact price will vary depending on your individual needs. Factors such as the complexity of your teeth and overall health, treatment duration, and location all play a role in determining the final cost.
Dr. Sarah Frahm will provide a personalized estimate for your Invisalign treatment based on a comprehensive dental health evaluation.
Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of Invisalign?
Whether your insurance will cover the cost of Invisalign depends on your specific insurance plan. While Invisalign is often considered a cosmetic dentistry treatment, it also improves the function of your bite and can be categorized as an orthodontic treatment.
This dual benefit means some insurance plans may offer partial financing for Invisalign treatment. Ask your dental insurance provider for more.
Is Invisalign Painful?
If you feel anxious about dental appointments, we offer sedation dentistry to help you relax throughout the procedures, making your experience as stress-free as possible.
During the second appointment, when you receive your aligners, Dr. Sarah Frahm may need to sand down parts of your teeth to ensure a perfect fit. While this procedure is not painful, it involves administering anesthetics to ensure comfort.
While wearing Invisalign aligners, you might experience mild discomfort, especially when you start wearing a new set of aligners. This is a sign that the aligners are working, gently moving your teeth into their new positions. Any discomfort is usually temporary and subsides within a few days.
Why Choose Dr. Sarah Frahm for Your Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign works by gradually correcting teeth position with gentle and continuous pressure. It is a great aesthetic alternative for those who prefer a comfortable alternative that is easy to remove for cleaning and eating.
If you are interested in straightening your teeth, closing gaps, and repositioning your bite but dislike the idea of traditional metal braces, Invisalign could be the perfect solution for you. Dr. Sarah Frahm has completed Invisalign’s advanced training, making her an Invisalign-certified dentist.
Her expertise has helped improve the health and appearance of hundreds of patients in the Monterey area.
If you have questions about Invisalign or are ready to schedule a complimentary smile consultation, please get in touch with Dr. Frahm today via our web form or call us at 831-372-8011. Our conveniently located office is at 660 Camino Aguajito #201 in Monterey, CA 93940, and we are ready to welcome you.
