If crooked, crowded or unevenly spaced teeth are affecting your confidence or oral health, Invisalign® clear aligners may provide a discreet way to improve your smile. This customized orthodontic treatment gradually moves your teeth without traditional metal brackets and wires.
At TLC Escondido Dental, Dr. Jorge Reyes and Dr. Catalina Madrigal use digital scanning and personalized treatment planning to provide Invisalign clear aligners in Escondido, California. Our dentists will evaluate your teeth, bite and goals to determine whether Invisalign treatment is right for you.
What Is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign treatment uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually reposition your teeth. Each set of aligners applies controlled pressure to specific teeth according to your personalized treatment plan.
The aligners are removable and nearly transparent, making Invisalign a popular option for teens and adults who want a less noticeable orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign clear aligners may be used to address:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps and uneven spacing
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Minor tooth movement after previous orthodontic treatment
Invisalign can treat many common alignment and bite concerns, but it may not be appropriate for every orthodontic case. Our dentists will explain whether clear aligners or another treatment option is best suited to your needs.
How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?
Your Invisalign Consultation
Your consultation begins with an examination of your teeth, gums and bite. Our dentists will discuss your concerns, treatment goals and dental history before determining whether you may be a candidate for Invisalign treatment.
Digital Scanning and Treatment Planning
Our team uses the iTero digital scanner to create a detailed three-dimensional model of your smile. This digital scan helps us plan tooth movement without traditional impression material.
Your digital treatment plan may also provide a preview of how your smile could change during treatment. This simulation is intended as a planning tool, and individual results may vary.
Your Custom Clear Aligners
A personalized series of Invisalign aligners is created based on your treatment plan. Each set is designed to make small, controlled changes to the position of your teeth.
Wearing Your Aligners
Most patients are instructed to wear their aligners for approximately 20 to 22 hours each day. The aligners should generally be removed only when eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing and flossing.
You will change to the next set of aligners according to the schedule provided by our dentists. Wearing the aligners consistently is essential for keeping your treatment on track.
Progress Appointments
You will return for periodic appointments so our dentists can monitor your tooth movement, evaluate the fit of your aligners and make adjustments when needed.
Benefits of Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign treatment may offer several advantages, including:
- Clear aligners that are less noticeable than metal braces
- Removable trays that allow you to eat without dietary restrictions
- Easier brushing and flossing during treatment
- Smooth plastic aligners with no metal brackets or wires
- Digital treatment planning customized to your smile
- Fewer urgent visits for broken wires or brackets
- The ability to remove the aligners briefly for important occasions
- Treatment options for many common spacing, crowding and bite concerns
Although the aligners are removable, they must be worn as directed for treatment to progress properly.
Who May Be a Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners may be appropriate for teens and adults who:
- Have mild to moderate crowding or spacing
- Have certain bite alignment concerns
- Want a discreet alternative to traditional braces
- Are committed to wearing the aligners as directed
- Have healthy teeth and gums or are willing to complete necessary dental care first
- Can maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment
Patients with untreated cavities, gum disease or other oral health concerns may need treatment before beginning Invisalign. More complex orthodontic cases may require another approach or consultation with an orthodontic specialist.
Invisalign Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
Both Invisalign and traditional braces are designed to improve tooth alignment and bite function, but they use different methods.
Traditional braces use brackets and wires that remain attached to the teeth throughout treatment. Invisalign uses removable clear aligners that are changed according to a prescribed schedule.
Invisalign may offer greater discretion and flexibility, while traditional braces may be more appropriate for certain complex movements. Our dentists will explain the advantages and limitations of each option based on your smile.
What Can Affect the Length of Invisalign Treatment?
The length of Invisalign treatment varies from patient to patient. Factors that may affect your timeline include:
- The complexity of your alignment or bite concern
- The number and type of tooth movements required
- How consistently you wear your aligners
- Your response to treatment
- Whether additional refinement aligners are needed
- Your attendance at progress appointments
After evaluating your smile and creating a digital treatment plan, our dentists can provide a more personalized estimate.
Advanced Invisalign Training and Digital Technology
Our team has completed extensive continuing education in Invisalign and clear aligner therapy, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and digital treatment planning. This training helps us evaluate how tooth movement may affect your bite, appearance and long-term oral health.
Our office has used iTero digital scanning technology for approximately seven years. The scanner allows us to create detailed digital impressions, plan treatment and monitor changes without relying on traditional impression trays in many cases.
By combining advanced technology with a personalized approach, our dentists help patients understand their options and feel confident throughout treatment.
How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners
Proper care helps keep your aligners clean, clear and comfortable. You should:
- Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water
- Brush and floss before placing the aligners back in your mouth
- Rinse your aligners with cool or lukewarm water
- Clean them using the products recommended by our team
- Avoid hot water, which may distort the plastic
- Store the aligners in their protective case when not in use
- Avoid wrapping them in napkins, where they may be lost or discarded
- Bring your current aligners to progress appointments
Retainers After Invisalign Treatment
After your active Invisalign treatment is complete, a retainer is typically recommended to help maintain your new tooth positions. Without consistent retainer wear, teeth may gradually shift over time.
Our dentists will explain how often to wear your retainer and how to care for it based on your individual treatment needs.
Invisalign Clear Aligner FAQs
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The treatment timeline depends on the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your aligners. After evaluating your smile, our dentists can provide a personalized estimate.
How many hours a day should I wear Invisalign aligners?
Most patients are instructed to wear their aligners for approximately 20 to 22 hours each day. Removing them too often may delay tooth movement and extend treatment.
Can I eat while wearing Invisalign aligners?
No. You should remove your aligners before eating and before drinking anything other than water. Brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in whenever possible.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
You may experience mild pressure or tenderness when beginning a new set of aligners. This usually indicates that the aligners are applying gentle force to move your teeth and should improve as your mouth adjusts.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite or underbite?
Invisalign can treat certain overbites, underbites and other bite concerns. Your eligibility depends on the severity of the problem and the type of tooth or jaw movement required.
Are Invisalign aligners completely invisible?
The aligners are clear and designed to be discreet, but they are not completely invisible. Attachments or other treatment features may be visible at close range.
Can adults get Invisalign treatment?
Yes. Many adults choose Invisalign because the clear aligners are discreet and removable. Age alone does not determine candidacy, but healthy teeth and gums are important.
What happens if I lose an Invisalign aligner?
Contact our office for instructions. Depending on your treatment stage, our dentists may recommend wearing your previous aligner, moving to the next set or ordering a replacement.
Will I need a retainer after Invisalign treatment?
Yes. Retainers are generally needed after treatment to help prevent your teeth from shifting. Our team will provide instructions for wearing and maintaining your retainer.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost depends on the complexity and length of treatment, the number of aligners needed and your insurance benefits. After your consultation, our team will provide a personalized estimate.
Are financing options available for Invisalign treatment?
Financial options may be available to help make treatment more manageable. Visit our financial options page and membership plan page to learn more.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation in Escondido, California
If you are ready to improve the alignment of your smile, Invisalign clear aligners may offer the discreet and convenient treatment option you are looking for. Our dentists will evaluate your teeth, explain your options and create a plan tailored to your goals.
Contact TLC Escondido Dental or call 760-741-5775 today to schedule an Invisalign consultation in Escondido, California.
Invisalign and the Invisalign logo, among others, are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc., and are registered in the U.S. and other countries.