Many people desire to straighten teeth, and/or fix their bite without the need for traditional braces. That is why Align Orthodontics offers Invisalign® clear aligners in Poway, California, as a popular alternative to fixed appliances.
Invisalign aligners are custom-made, removable and transparent trays designed to gradually shift teeth into alignment. Each tray is crafted to move your teeth slightly closer to the desired position than the previous one.
As with any removable appliance, patient compliance plays a major part in the success of Invisalign treatment. It is recommended to wear each tray for 20-22 hours a day, for one to two weeks each, depending on the complexity of the treatment.
Thanks to advancements in technology and our advanced knowledge and expertise with the system, in our office, Invisalign treatment is suitable for all types of orthodontic problems.
It can fix crowded or gapped teeth, and a wide variety of bite issues; overbite, crossbite, underbite and open bite. Dr. Mirna Nguyen has even treated impacted teeth, surgical and TMD (TMJ) cases with Invisalign treatment.
In certain cases, clear aligner system may even be more efficient and preferable to traditional braces.
How To Get Started with Invisalign Aligners
Initial Consultation and Digital Scanning
To begin your Invisalign journey, we use the iTero® Element scanner to create a precise 3D digital model of your teeth in just minutes. The digital model replaces traditional molds, offering a more comfortable and accurate experience. Panoramic X-ray and photographs are often taken at that same appointment.
Our orthodontist and team will also discuss the patient’s goals (e.g., straightening teeth, fixing gaps, correcting overbites) to create an effective treatment plan. Patients can even see a virtual preview of their final smile before treatment begins!
Combining all information gathered at the consultation appointment, Dr. Nguyen will then design a virtual treatment plan. Our expertise in understanding complex tooth movements and biomechanics is key to ensuring Invisalign treatment delivers predictable and effective results.
What to Expect:
- Custom Aligner Fabrication: The finalized treatment plan is sent to an Invisalign aligner manufacturing facility, where the aligners are custom-made based on our specifications. It typically takes 2-3 weeks for the aligners to get to our office after the initial scan.
- Initial Delivery: We schedule a 40-60 minute appointment for the initial Invisalign aligner delivery. Your teeth will be cleaned, and small tooth-colored attachments (composite bumps) will be placed on the teeth to help with complex movements. If the treatment plan calls for elastics for bite correction, we will teach you how to use and place your elastics as well.
- You will be guided on how to properly insert and remove your aligners, clean them effectively, and check that they fit correctly. Our team will be available to answer any questions you may have.
- Monitoring Progress: Our orthodontist will typically see you every 12–16 weeks to review your progress. Digital monitoring is also available to track progress between visits, especially for patients who live out of town.
- Refinements: At the end of your first set of aligners, we will review your progress, and discuss if refinement aligners are needed to achieve optimal results. The vast majority of patients need approximately two sets of aligners, especially for comprehensive orthodontic treatments. This is all included in the cost, and treatment time estimate.
- Some teeth crowding or spacing cases without bite correction may require only one set of aligners, especially for exceptionally compliant patients.
- Retention: After completing treatment, we will provide retainers to maintain the new position of the teeth.
What Are Attachments?
Attachments are small, tooth-colored shapes made from a dental bonding material (composite) that are temporarily placed on the surface of some of your teeth. They are like handles, giving aligners something to gently apply pressure on to gradually move the teeth into their desired positions.
The number, shape and size of attachments vary depending on the complexity of the required dental movements. Unless you have a very minor crowding, attachments will most likely be needed. Generally speaking, more complex cases require more attachments.
That being said, since the attachments are tooth colored, Invisalign treatment is still much less noticeable than braces. However, when aligners are removed, attachments can be slightly more visible.
Benefits of Attachments:
- Enable More Complex Movements: Attachments allow Invisalign aligners to treat a wider range of orthodontic cases, including those that involve severe crowding, tilting or vertical tooth movements.
- Improved Fit and Control: They help ensure that the aligners fit snugly, improving treatment efficiency and predictability.
- Temporary and Easily Removable: Attachments are removed at the end of treatment, just like braces would. They do not cause permanent changes to the teeth.
In summary, Invisalign aligner attachments are a valuable tool in making aligner treatments more versatile and effective, helping patients achieve more accurate and successful results.
What is “IPR”?
IPR “Interproximal Reduction” (also called “slenderizing” or “polishing” between teeth) is an orthodontic technique where tiny amounts of enamel are polished off the sides of certain teeth. It is a quick, safe and painless procedure that may be performed during your Invisalign aligner or braces treatment.
Why It Is Done
- To make room: Sometimes, teeth are a bit crowded, and there is not enough space for them to align properly. By removing a fraction of a millimeter of enamel (usually less than the thickness of a hair), it creates just enough room to fit teeth into place.
- To reshape the contact area between neighboring teeth: IPR helps reduce or eliminate “black triangles” between teeth, preventing food traps and supporting long-term periodontal health.
- To improve the fit: When teeth are slightly mismatched in size or shape, IPR can help them fit together better without needing to remove any teeth.
- To help prevent relapse: In some cases, creating a tiny bit of space can make the final results more stable and help keep the teeth in place over the long term.
- Position teeth within the natural arch: Interproximal Reduction (IPR) helps prevent teeth from being pushed too far forward during alignment, which could compromise gum and bone support, leading to bone loss or gum recession. By creating small spaces between teeth, IPR allows for proper alignment within the natural arch, ensuring stable, healthy and long-lasting results.
Advantages of Clear Aligners:
Clear aligners, like Invisalign treatment, have several advantages over traditional braces, making them an increasingly popular choice for orthodontic treatment:
- Discreet Appearance: Clear aligners are nearly invisible, which appeals to people wanting a more discreet option for straightening their teeth. This is particularly popular with teens and adults who may feel self-conscious about wearing metal braces.
- Removability for Better Oral Hygiene: Aligners are removable, allowing patients to take them out when eating, drinking (anything other than water), and brushing or flossing. This makes it much easier to maintain proper oral hygiene, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay and gum issues often associated with traditional braces.
- No Food Restrictions: With braces, certain foods like sticky candy, popcorn or hard fruits can damage brackets and wires, creating orthodontic emergencies. Clear aligners eliminate these food restrictions because they can be taken out, so patients can enjoy all their favorite foods without worry.
- Greater Comfort: Aligners are made of smooth plastic and do not have brackets or wires that can irritate the cheeks and gums. While aligners do cause some pressure to move teeth, and can occasionally irritate tissues, they are generally more comfortable than braces.
- Predictable and Gradual Progress: Clear aligners use digital imaging to create a precise, customized treatment plan from start to finish. This makes the progress very predictable, and patients can even see a virtual preview of their final smile before treatment begins.
- Fewer and Shorter Office Visits: Clear aligner treatment typically requires fewer office visits since there are no adjustments or wire changes like with braces. Most appointments are brief check-ins to monitor progress, which can be especially convenient for busy schedules. A typical Invisalign aligner patient is seen every 12-16 weeks. Most Invisalign treatment appointments are only 5-10 minutes long.
- Virtual Appointments & Remote Monitoring Available: The treatment progress monitoring can also be done virtually. Patients can upload photos of their teeth using a smartphone and a dedicated Invisalign aligner app. We review the images and provide instructions and recommendations based on the patient’s progress.
- Aligners Can Prevent Tooth Wear for Patients Who Are Grinding: Even though Invisalign aligners and traditional night guards serve very different purposes and do not provide same effects, Invisalign aligners can provide a temporary protection from damage caused by grinding (bruxism).
Why Choose Align Orthodontics for Your Invisalign Treatment?
Choosing a seasoned specialist offers a significant advantage for anyone seeking the highest level of experience and expertise in Invisalign treatment. Invisalign aligners, like braces, are a tool used to achieve your desired smile. An orthodontist is an expert who evaluates, diagnoses, plans and oversees your treatment.
Dr. Nguyen, a Diamond Plus Invisalign aligner provider, brings years of experience and advanced training to create beautiful smiles for patients in Poway, Rancho Bernardo and the greater San Diego, California, area. Here is why you should choose us for your care:
- Proven Experience and Track Record: For many years, Dr. Nguyen has been handling hundreds of cases each year, so she is highly skilled in identifying and addressing various bite and alignment issues, from straightforward cases to complex ones. We have a comprehensive collection of before-and-after photos and can easily find examples similar to your case to share with you.
- Advanced Skill in Treatment Customization with Better Predictability and Efficiency: Dr. Nguyen’s deep understanding of aligner technology, tooth movement and customized attachment placement allows her to deliver precise and predictable results. With extensive case experience, our team can anticipate and address potential issues, ensuring an efficient and comfortable treatment process while providing accurate timeline estimates.
- Access to the Latest Invisalign Aligner Innovations: Invisalign aligners are continuously evolving technology, with new updates and techniques released regularly. We stay up-to-date with these advancements, often participating in early product releases, and ongoing training to remain at the cutting edge. This means patients benefit from the latest improvements in comfort, efficiency and aesthetic results.
- Enhanced Monitoring and Support: We will be your greatest supporters, helping you stay motivated throughout your treatment. With our expertise, your commitment to following instructions, and our shared goal of achieving excellence, we can minimize the chances of unnecessary delays or adjustments to your treatment plan.
- Long-standing, Cohesive Team: At Align Orthodontics, we are proud to have a team that has worked together for many years, building a strong bond and a shared commitment to providing exceptional care. Our team genuinely enjoys what we do, and we hope that the positive energy and good vibes in our office make your journey to a beautiful smile not just effective but truly enjoyable.
Discover more about our Invisalign treatment here:
Book your complimentary consultation to determine if Invisalign treatment is the right option for you. Call 858-487-0173 or schedule online!
Invisalign and the Invisalign logo, among others, are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc., and are registered in the U.S. and other countries.