Invisalign Dentist in Pasadena, CA
Invisalign is a clear aligner orthodontic system that enables you to shift your misaligned teeth using gentle force by wearing removable aligners made of thermoplastic. Invisalign can correct minor to moderate orthodontic problems without metal wires and brackets.
The clear aligners used in Invisalign are more comfortable, hygienic, and less noticeable than metal braces. These aligners need to be worn for 22 hours per day and you will change your aligners every 2 weeks. Treatment time can vary depending on the complexity of your case, but the average treatment length is 12 to 18 months.
Contact your dentist in Pasadena today to schedule a consultation.
What to Expect During the Invisalign Placement Process
1. Consultation
2. Impressions
3. Aligner Fabrication
4. Aligner Pick-Up
5. Routine Follow-Ups
6. Retention
1
Consultation
Dr. Pacheco will determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign by examining your teeth and taking x-rays to look for signs of oral health problems and to assess the severity of your orthodontic problems.
2
Impressions
Physical impressions and digital scans are taken of your teeth and sent to the Invisalign lab so an Invisalign technician can fabricate your custom-made aligners.
3
Aligner Fabrication
Using your digital scans to digitally plan your tooth movements and the physical molds as a model for your aligners, aligners are created to perfectly fit over your teeth. You will also be able to see how your teeth will move using special software.
4
Aligner Pick-Up
After a few weeks, your aligners will be ready for pick-up. When you arrive, Dr. Pacheco will check that they fit properly and if they do, you can go home with a few sets of aligners. Otherwise, we will make the adjustments.
5
Routine Follow-Ups
Every 6 weeks, you will return for routine appointments to check that your teeth are shifting properly according to your treatment plan. During these appointments, you will receive additional aligners.
6
Retention
At the end of your treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back.
What Can Invisalign Fix?
Crooked Teeth
Invisalign is very effective at correcting misaligned or crooked teeth. Misaligned teeth pose a greater risk of oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease because they are more difficult to clean. By straightening your teeth, you prevent teeth from trapping food particles and bacteria.
Crowding
Overcrowded teeth occur when there is a lack of space in the jaw to accommodate all of the teeth, which smashes the teeth together, resulting in overlapping teeth that are very difficult to keep clean and may get food particles stuck between them. Invisalign can correct most cases of overcrowding.
Gaps
Orthodontic gaps up to 6 mm in size can be effectively closed by Invisalign. Minor small gaps can be closed with a short treatment time of just 6 months. However, large gaps are not recommended for Invisalign treatment and you may need braces. Gaps can cause aesthetic issues with the smile and even increase your risk of gum disease.
Bite Issues
It used to be commonly advised that Invisalign could not correct bite problems. However, as Invisalign has refined its treatment process, they’ve developed a method to correct more severe malocclusions like overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites. With the use of Invisalign attachments and elastics, the jaws can be shifted to correct a misaligned bite. Severe bite problems may require braces intervention.
Invisalign is very effective at correcting misaligned or crooked teeth. Misaligned teeth pose a greater risk of oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease because they are more difficult to clean. By straightening your teeth, you prevent teeth from trapping food particles and bacteria.
Overcrowded teeth occur when there is a lack of space in the jaw to accommodate all of the teeth, which smashes the teeth together, resulting in overlapping teeth that are very difficult to keep clean and may get food particles stuck between them. Invisalign can correct most cases of overcrowding.
Orthodontic gaps up to 6 mm in size can be effectively closed by Invisalign. Minor small gaps can be closed with a short treatment time of just 6 months. However, large gaps are not recommended for Invisalign treatment and you may need braces. Gaps can cause aesthetic issues with the smile and even increase your risk of gum disease.
It used to be commonly advised that Invisalign could not correct bite problems. However, as Invisalign has refined its treatment process, they’ve developed a method to correct more severe malocclusions like overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites. With the use of Invisalign attachments and elastics, the jaws can be shifted to correct a misaligned bite. Severe bite problems may require braces intervention.