What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern system of orthodontics that uses a series of clear aligners to straighten your smile. It’s a more comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional metal braces and has become widely popular, with over eight million people worldwide choosing it to improve their alignment.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign aligners exert a small and constant pressure on your teeth, which shifts them into a better position over an extended period of time. The difference between Invisalign and braces is that Invisalign accomplishes this with clear plastic aligners that are more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
What conditions does Invisalign correct?
Invisalign effectively treats many orthodontic conditions, like teeth alignment issues and malocclusions (bad bites). Some of the specific conditions that you can treat with Invisalign include:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Widely spaced teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
Many people also choose to use Invisalign for cosmetic purposes, such as generally straightening their teeth. Dr. Sakurai can consult with you to determine if Invisalign is a suitable treatment for your particular condition.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign offers several advantages over orthodontic treatment with traditional metal braces, including:
Comfort
Invisalign’s aligners are made from smooth, flexible, BPA-free plastic, unlike the metal wires and brackets of braces. This means that Invisalign won’t tear up the inside of your cheeks.
Convenience
Because your aligners are removable, you don’t need to make any changes to your brushing and flossing routine to keep your teeth clean. Braces, on the other hand, are attached to your teeth, so you have to invest in special tools to keep your teeth clean during your treatment and alter your diet to avoid damaging the appliance.
Appearance
Invisalign’s clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible when wearing them, so you don’t have to worry about your orthodontic treatment detracting from your appearance, unlike braces.
How do I get started with Invisalign?
Your journey towards a straighter smile with Invisalign starts with a consultation at Pacific View Smile Center. Dr. Sakurai uses a state-of-the-art iTero® scanner to take a digital impression of your smile, avoiding the goopy uncomfortable molds that you have to endure when you get braces.
She then uploads your digital impression to a computer, where it becomes a virtual model of your smile. She uses that model to map out the steps needed to arrive in proper alignment. This simulation also gives you the opportunity to see what your smile will look like after your treatment.
Using that virtual model, an Invisalign lab creates your aligners. You wear each set of aligners all day, every day for roughly two weeks, after which you move on to the next set in your series. After you finish your entire series of aligners, you’ll have a straighter, healthier smile.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sakurai by calling the Invisalign offices or booking online, and start your Invisalign treatment today.
