Invisalign
Orthodontic treatment can be one of the most important investments a patient can make in themselves (or a parent can make for their teen). With modern Invisalign in El Cajon, treating misaligned teeth is now subtle, easy, and convenient.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic solution that aligns the teeth through a series of transparent wearable trays. As you go through a series of trays, each new set further adjusts your teeth. Step by step, your teeth are pulled into proper, healthy alignment. The treatment is spread out over about 12 to 18 months for most patients, providing results and benefits that can last for years. Since the trays are transparent, no one should even notice you are in the middle of orthodontic treatment. Instead, they will only see your smile looking better with each new day.
What Is the Process for Invisalign Treatment?
Step 1: The Consultation
First, Dr. Mansour consults with each patient and provides a dental exam. We want to ensure that Invisalign is a good fit for you before starting the treatment. Preparing for Invisalign may involve having some dental work if you currently have cavities.
Step 2:Taking Impressions
We take full 3D impressions of your teeth, which we then send to the lab. Our partnered lab will handle manufacturing your first set of trays according to these impressions.
Step 3:Starting Your First Trays
Once your trays are ready, you can come back to try them on. They will feel snug, and some pressure is normal. The trays work by continually exerting pressure on the teeth to move them into their new positions. You will then wear these trays day and night, taking them out only for eating or cleaning your teeth. Ideally, you will want to keep your trays in for at least 22–23 hours a day.
Step 4: Cycle Through New Trays
Each set of trays will last you about 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your treatment plan. At the end of a tray’s period, you will then start wearing the next in the sequence. Every 4 to 8 weeks, you will come into the office for Dr. Mansour to check on your treatment progress. These visits are quick and avoid the hassle that comes with braces checkups, which include tightening and other adjustments.
Having straighter teeth makes your smile look better, but it also can boost your oral health in multiple ways.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
Modern advances in Invisalign now allow a wider range of patients to select it as their orthodontic treatment. However, it still has some limitations. While it can correct almost any type of tooth alignment issue, severely misaligned teeth may still require traditional braces. During your consultation with Dr. Mansour, we will work with you to determine if Invisalign is right for you.
Invisalign is best for patients who:
- Can commit to wearing their trays 22-23 hours a day
- Want a subtle treatment method
- Have mild to moderate tooth alignment issues
- Have current good dental health
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
A typical Invisalign treatment will take between 12 and 18 months. Minor misalignment can be corrected in as short as 6 months, while more notable tooth alignment issues can take 24 months or more to improve. Based on your exam, Dr. Mansour can provide you with an estimate of what your treatment timeline would look like. His experience in working with Invisalign patients over the years allows for accurate estimates so you can know what you are committing to when starting your treatment.
How Long Do Results Last
Invisalign can permanently improve tooth alignment for most patients. However, some teeth shifting can still occur over time. The amount of shifting varies between patients and depends on factors like gum health and jaw size. Some patients may need to wear a retainer at night to help preserve their new tooth alignment. Dr. Mansour can let you know before committing to treatment what results you can expect.
Book Your Consultation
Dr. Mansour is proud to provide Invisalign in El Cajon to patients of all ages. Start with your consultation appointment to build an orthodontic treatment plan that will bring out the best in your smile. Call our dentist today or use our online form to set up your visit today.
We Can Fix the Most Complex Dental Problems
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