About Invisalign
Invisalign Braces in Santa Monica and West Los Angeles
Invisalign is the clear way to straighten teeth without braces, using aligners. Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing; and you can still eat and drink what you want. Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth; and there are no wires, metal or brackets to cause mouth abrasions. The aligners are custom fitted to the teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable when laughing, talking, and eating with other people.
With Invisalign, adults and teens can achieve the smiles they’ve always wanted without feeling self-conscious about the mode of treatment.
What is Invisalign?
- Invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces
- Series of clear, removable, custom-made Aligners
- Uses no metal wires or brackets
- Custom-made for best comfort
How Long Does It Take?
- Wear each set of Aligners for 16 days
- Remove only to eat, drink, brush and floss
- Your teeth will move gradually each week
- Visit us every 8 to 10 weeks
- Total treatment time averages 6 to 18 months
- Average number of Aligners is between 10 and 30
Cost of Invisalign and Insurance
The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on the complexity of your case, dictated by the length of Invisalign treatment. The details of your orthodontic insurance will also play a factor. If your dental plan covers orthodontic treatment, you may also qualify for Invisalign.
Invisalign Advantages & Benefits
Virtually Invisible
When you’re wearing Invisalign,most people won’t even know you’re going through treatment, because they are virtually invisible! Get straighter teeth with more confidence – a win/win!
Removable & Easy To Clean
Unlike braces Invisalign aligners are removable, so it’s easy to continue brushing and flossing your teeth the way you normally do. You can even remove them for special occasions and pop them back in when you’re ready.
Eat Whatever You Want
Invisalign is flexible enough to let you live your life the way you want, and eat whenever you want. Just remove the aligner trays and pop them back in when you are finished.
Straightens Your Teeth
Perfect for mild cases of crooked teeth and protruding teeth, or much more difficult dental problems involving serious malocclusion, overbite, or underbite.
How Does Invisalign Work
Invisalign works by using a series of retainer-like aligners to gradually move the teeth into the optimal position. In your initial appointment, Dr. Tartakow at Orthodontic Center of Santa Monica we will use a scanner such as the iTero® digital scanning system to create fast, precise 3D digital images of your teeth. Then Dr. Tartakow will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth and how long your treatment will be. You’ll even get to see how your teeth will move and preview your new smile.
Invisalign Treatment Process
Step 1
A Customized Treatment Plan is Created for You
We will use a scanner such as the iTero® digital scanning system to create fast, precise 3D digital images of your teeth. Then we will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth and how long your treatment will be. You’ll even get to see how your teeth will move and preview your new smile. While every case is unique to each patient, treatment typically takes approximately a year for adults. For teens the length of treatments is comparable to that of braces.
Step 2
Receive Your Custom Invisalign Aligners
Based on your individual treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners is then created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that won’t irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do. Simply wear them throughout the day and remove them when you eat or to brush and floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. And because they’re virtually invisible, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Step 3
Wear a New Aligner Every Two Weeks
Approximately every two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, advancing you to the next stage of your treatment. To monitor your progress, you will also have occasional checkups with Dr. Tartakow, usually only every six weeks or so. For best results and a timely outcome, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, throughout your entire treatment. At every stage, you will be able to see how much closer you are to having the smile that reflects the real you.
Step 4
Reveal Your New Smile & Keep It Looking Great
Congratulations! This is the time when you celebrate. You have reached the end of treatment and you will be smiling more than ever. Once your treatment is complete, protect the beautiful new smile you have invested in. Don’t forget to ask Dr. Tartakow if you will need retainers to keep your teeth in their new position.
Invisalign FAQs
What do aligners look like?
Aligners are clear and practically invisible. This is why they are often referred to as “clear braces”. They look like clear tooth-whitening trays. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Invisalign aligners are custom-fit to your mouth for comfort and optimal teeth-straightening results.
Will the treatment be painful?
While Invisalign moves your teeth without the pain and anxiety metal braces can cause, some people experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It’s also a sign that Invisalign is working, as it moves your teeth to their destination. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.
Will wearing the Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
Like other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.
How long will treatment take?
We find that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.
How often will I have to wear my aligners?
Invisalign only works while you’re wearing the aligners. It’s recommended that you wear your aligners full-time, day and night, except to eat, brush and floss your teeth.
Can I just wear the aligners while I sleep?
No. The aligners must be in place a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day for the treatment to be effective.
Is Invisalign right for me?
Whether you’re a teen or an adult, no matter what stage you’re at in life, you’ll appreciate how the Invisalign treatment has minimal interference in how you live but has a significant positive impact on how you look and feel about yourself. From mild cases of crooked teeth and protruding teeth, to much more difficult dental problems involving serious malocclusion, overbite, or underbite, Invisalign effectively corrects a wide variety of dental problems. Whether your teeth are widely gapped, overly crowded or somewhere in between, we have an affordable teeth straightening option for you.
How much does Invisalign cost?
Cost is always a concern but is determined by a number of factors. In most cases, Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces. However, as with other medical treatments, only an Invisalign-trained doctor can determine the cost, based on your specific needs. Other factors may include your treatment goals, the difficulty of your case, how long you are in treatment, and additional factors determined by Dr. Tartakow. Invisalign treatment is covered by many dental insurance policies. And we can offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans as well.
Will my insurance cover Invisalign?
In general, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.
Does Invisalign really work?
Yes. Using the Invisalign patented thermoplastic design, Invisalign aligners move your teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force. The main difference is that Invisalign not only controls the force, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements are determined by
Dr. Tartakow as they map out your unique Invisalign treatment plan.
Call or Contact Us To Schedule a Free Invisalign Consultation