- Improved Oral Hygiene — With an orthodontic appliance that is removable, you will be able to clean your teeth much more easily than if you were wearing metal braces.
- A Discreet Look — If you consider your orthodontic treatment to be a private matter, or simply feel that metal braces don't fit with your self-image, a practically invisible form of orthodontic treatment might suit you.
- More Dietary Choices — To protect metal wires and braces, some diet modifications are necessary. With clear aligners, you can still bite into an apple or a crispy pizza crust.
- Comfort — The soft, flexible material of which Invisalign aligners are made will not irritate the soft tissues of the mouth, as metal wires and braces can.
- Teeth-Grinding Protection — If you have a teeth-grinding or clenching habit, clear aligners can function as thin nightguards that will protect your teeth from excessive wear.
Clear aligner technology has been improving over the years and can correct many malocclusions that once would have been too complicated for this form of treatment. Yet there are still some situations for which traditional braces would still be best. We would be happy to discuss this in detail with you.
Why Patients Across the East Bay Choose Us for Invisalign
Clear aligner results depend far more on the orthodontist planning the case than on the aligners themselves. All three of our doctors are board-trained orthodontic specialists, and every Invisalign plan at our practice is designed and monitored in-house rather than outsourced. Our office is equipped with digital scanning technology, which replaces traditional impression trays and produces a more accurate starting model. Patients travel to us from across Alameda, Bay Farm Island, San Leandro, and Piedmont for this level of specialist oversight.
Caring for Your Teeth
As mentioned above, one of the main advantages of the Invisalign system is that the trays can be removed for easy cleaning. So please don't neglect to do this! You'll need to brush your teeth after every meal or snack so that food and plaque do not get trapped in the aligners, which could promote tooth decay and gum disease. Your aligners, too, will have to be cleaned regularly; you can do this by brushing them and then rinsing them with lukewarm water.
Also, please keep in mind that while wearing clear aligners is very different from wearing braces, the importance of retaining your post-treatment results is exactly the same. You'll want to be sure to wear your retainer(s) exactly as prescribed after your treatment is completed to protect your investment in a beautiful new smile.
Invisalign Questions from Alameda Patients
- How much does Invisalign cost in Alameda?
Invisalign cost depends on how much movement your case requires and how long treatment runs. Most cases at our practice fall within a range comparable to traditional braces. We review exact pricing and financing options at your complimentary consultation and work with most major insurance plans.
- How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most adult cases finish in 12 to 18 months, with simpler cases completing sooner. Your treatment timeline is mapped out digitally before you begin, so you will know the expected duration at the start.
- Is Invisalign available for teenagers?
Yes. Invisalign Teen includes eruption tabs for molars that have not fully grown in and compliance indicators that fade with wear, so parents and our team can confirm the aligners are being worn as prescribed.
- How often will I need to come into the office?
Most Invisalign patients visit our Alameda office every six to ten weeks. Appointments are brief, and we schedule around school and work hours wherever possible.
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