Invisalign^®

Invisalign^® is one of the more popular cosmetic dentistry procedures available here at Sutra Dental Spa. Our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jimmy Wu, is a Preferred Invisalign^® Provider and has helped many patients address common orthodontic issues and achieve their goals with beautiful results.

• What Is Invisalign^®?
• Invisalign^® Benefits
• Invisalign^® Candidates
• Invisalign^® Treatment
• How Long Does Invisalign^® Take?
• Invisalign^® Vs. Braces
• Invisalign^® Care
• Invisalign^® Alternatives
• Invisalign^® Teen
• Invisalign^® Cost
• Additional Invisalign^® FAQs

What Is Invisalign^®?

Invisalign^® is an advanced orthodontic treatment that can help patients improve a number of aesthetic and functional concerns with their teeth. This treatment offers many advantages over traditional metal braces. The Invisalign^® system is composed of custom-designed, clear teeth aligners that can address misalignment, gaps and spaces, teeth crowding, and bite issues in a more discreet and comfortable way.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign^®

Unlike braces, Invisalign^® teeth aligners are transparent and removable – you can take them out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Since the aligners are clear, they are virtually unnoticeable to others. Patients who have Invisalign^® treatment can also expect less office visits when compared to metal braces because the aligners don’t require the same kind of maintenance and adjustments. Invisalign^® can be very beneficial for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns who are looking to avoid the hassles associated with traditional braces, including their prominent appearance on the teeth during the treatment period. Plus, Invisalign^® is known to require much less treatment time than other orthodontic methods. In fact, many Invisalign^® patients achieve optimal results in just 9 to 15 months!

Am I an Invisalign^® Candidate?

Dr. Wu can determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign^® teeth aligners during an initial office consultation. The Invisalign^® system can treat patients with one or more of the following dental issues:

• Teeth misalignment
• Crowded teeth
• Gaps and spaces
• Open bite
• Underbite or overbite caused by disproportionate jaw growth and development
• Crossbite caused by misaligned jaws

In addition to Invisalign^® procedures for adults, our practice offers Invisalign^® Teen, a treatment specifically designed for teenagers and adolescents. Dr. Wu will be happy to talk with you about the options available at Sutra Dental Spa.

How Invisalign^® Works — The Treatment Process

Everyone at Sutra Dental Spa will do everything in our power to make your office visit a comfortable and pleasant experience. During your initial consultation, Dr. Wu will examine your teeth and discuss your potential treatment options. If you and Dr. Wu decide that Invisalign^® is a good option for your needs, a digital impression of your teeth will be created and sent to Invisalign^®’s headquarters so its experts can design a series of customized teeth aligners. Each set of clear, plastic aligners is slightly modified from the one before it. You will wear one set for two weeks, then discard it for the next in the series. This allows for a gradual, progressive movement of your teeth into a more desirable position.

Patients usually receive 18 to 30 aligners, depending on the extent of treatment required for the best results. Although Invisalign^® teeth aligners are removable, we advise patients to make sure they are kept in place for at least 20 to 22 hours of total treatment time every day. Dr. Wu will monitor your progress over the course of your treatment and give you a retainer to wear after you have finished the Invisalign^® process so that your teeth’s new, straighter position remains stable.

How Long Does Invisalign^® Take?

Both adults and teens who undergo Invisalign^® treatment often achieve the best results in approximately 9 to 15 months, depending on their unique needs and goals. With that in mind, the total length of treatment time necessary to achieve one’s individual goals varies from patient to patient. Factors that will ultimately determine how long it will take to attain the best results include the severity of the orthodontic concerns being treated, the rate of movement of the teeth, and how consistently the aligners are being worn. Patients should wear the trays as directed, which is typically for at least 22 hours each day, to help keep the treatment time as brief as possible before achieving optimal results. While the trays can be removed for eating, drinking, and regular oral hygiene routines, it’s important to keep them in place at virtually all other times throughout the day and night. It is also important to let our office know if any of the aligners have been damaged so that the treatment process will not be significantly interrupted.

Invisalign^® Vs. Braces

Invisalign^® and traditional braces are both proven methods of correcting common orthodontic issues and helping patients achieve straighter teeth; however, Invisalign^® can often serve as a good alternative to braces for the right patient. Traditional braces typically involve brackets and wires to move the teeth into a straighter position. These brackets and wires can sometimes cause discomfort, and patients often need multiple follow-up appointments during the treatment process for maintenance. Plus, even when braces are composed of clear or ceramic brackets, they can still be noticeable on the teeth. Invisalign^® teeth aligners have no brackets or wires that could press into soft tissues of the mouth. They are made of a clear plastic material which makes them virtually unnoticeable during the treatment process, allowing patients to attend social events and have pictures taken without worrying about the appearance of their smile while undergoing treatment. While braces may be the better option for some patients who have more severe orthodontic concerns, Invisalign^® is capable of improving a number of orthodontic issues with exceptional outcomes. After your teeth have been evaluated during the initial consultation, Dr. Wu can talk with you about your options and determine whether Invisalign^® can help you fulfill your goals.

How Do I Clean the Aligners?

A good scrub with an ordinary toothbrush and water is typically all that’s required to clean the Invisalign^® clear teeth aligners. Sometimes, a bit of antibacterial soap may be necessary to give the aligners a more thorough cleaning; however, be sure they are rinsed well before you use them again.

What Are the Alternatives to Invisalign^®?

While Invisalign^® offers many advantages to both adult and adolescent patients, there are alternatives to this treatment that may be more ideal for patients who are not candidates for the procedure, or for those who would simply like to explore other options. For individuals who are looking to address gaps, spaces, and misalignment concerns, porcelain veneers may serve as an appropriate alternative. These popular cosmetic dental restorations are custom-designed to look and function like natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are affixed to the front part of the teeth, concealing spaces to present teeth that look straighter and better-aligned, which can result in a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

Dr. Wu can talk with you about all of your orthodontic options during the initial consultation and help you determine the best treatment for your needs and goals.

Invisalign^® Teen

Invisalign^® Teen is a variation of the standard Invisalign^® treatment that is specifically geared toward the unique orthodontic needs of teenagers and adolescents. With Invisalign^® Teen, patients don’t have to worry about noticeable braces taking prominence in school pictures, and they can smile with confidence throughout the day!

Learn more about Invisalign^® Teen.

Cost of Invisalign^®

Once Dr. Wu has determined that you would be a good candidate for this clear aligner system, he will create a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. At this time, someone from our team will review the cost of your procedure with you. On average, an Invisalign^® procedure will typically range from $1,800 to $6,500, depending on your unique needs.

As Invisalign^® is an orthodontic procedure, your insurance plan may cover part of the costs. We would be happy to assist you in navigating your insurance coverage and discussing the most convenient payment methods for the remainder of your fees. Our office works with CareCredit^®, a dental financing service that offers low-to-no interest monthly payment plans to qualified applicants. In addition to this service, we also accept all major credit cards and personal checks.

Invisalign^® has helped people all over the world straighten their teeth and renew their smiles. Dr. Wu is proud to offer this state-of-the-art, discreet orthodontic treatment right here at Sutra Dental Spa!

Additional Invisalign^® FAQs

Below, you will find answers to additional frequently asked questions about Invisalign^®. If you would like more information, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wu to talk more about this treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Are the aligners removable?

Yes! Invisalign^® teeth aligners are made of a strong plastic and are removable for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. With that in mind, it is best to leave them in for at least 20 to 22 hours per day to ensure optimal results.

Should I be worried about how Invisalign^® may affect my speech while they are in use?

While you may have a very slight lisp during the first few days after initial use of the aligners, your speech should quickly return to normal. This is just a natural part of the adjustment process as you get used to the aligners on your teeth.

How noticeable are the aligners?

One of the major benefits of Invisalign^® is that the aligners themselves are clear and practically invisible along the teeth. They are virtually undetectable!

Can Invisalign^® help with TMJ Disorder?

In some cases, temporomandibular joint disorder can be due to a misaligned bite. With that in mind, Invisalign^® can sometimes be a helpful part of the overall treatment plan for patients who suffer from TMJ Disorder.

For more information on Invisalign^®, or to schedule a consultation, contact our practice today.