Would you like to have straighter, more even teeth? Invisalign® clear aligners are a fantastic option for adults and teens. Invisalign® clear aligners are an alternative to metal braces that are easy to use, comfortable, and highly effective. At Downey Dental Arts in Southern California, we have helped many of our patients obtain the winning smile of their dreams through the technology of Invisalign® clear aligners.
Metal braces were pretty much the only option for straightening crooked teeth since the advent of modern dentistry and orthodontics until Invisalign® clear aligners came on the scene in 1997. These aligners are made out of a specially molded plastic and can be virtually invisible when they are in place.
If you are looking for a way to improve your smile by straightening your teeth, Invisalign® clear aligners are a wonderful option. They do the work of traditional metal braces without all the wires and brackets. Having straighter teeth isn’t just about your looks. Uneven teeth that are spaced out too far or crowded can impact your oral health. Your teeth also may not function as well because the bite may not come together properly. Crowded, crooked teeth may also be more difficult to floss and keep free of debris.
Traditional metal braces work to straighten teeth by guiding the teeth into place using a system of wires and brackets. With Invisalign®, the custom-molded plastic trays, made with a digital impression of your teeth, will guide the teeth into place. Approximately every two weeks, you will need to visit us at our Downey dental office in Southern California to get a new set of plastic clear aligners.
Both children and adults can benefit from Invisalign® clear aligners if they have uneven, crooked teeth. However, Invisalign® is typically utilized more for older and more mature children for the simple reason that they are removable (and thus can be easily lost or not worn enough).
Orthodontists also don’t start correcting crooked or misaligned teeth in children until their permanent teeth come in at around age 8. Prior to that, spacers or other appliances may be leveraged to make room for the incoming permanent teeth.
Invisalign® clear aligners are less visible than traditional metal braces, which makes them an attractive option for older teens and adults. For some patients, they may be more comfortable than braces. And, because they can be removed for eating and brushing teeth, they may be easier to keep clean than traditional metal braces.
These aligners can be removed, which is a plus, but that also means that kids might be more prone to not wear them as much as prescribed. (They need to be worn approximately 22 hours per day.) Invisalign® clear aligners could also be lost or misplaced by absent-minded kids (or adults!). You need to be careful and not drink super hot drinks like coffee or tea with your Invisalign® aligners because the heat can warp the plastic and ruin the functionality.
Invisalign® may not be the best option for younger kids or people who don’t want the hassle of removing trays in order to eat or brush teeth. Of course, traditional metal braces are an option, but they don’t give that “invisible” look of Invisalign®.
Fortunately, there is a middle ground called porcelain ceramic braces, which we also offer here at Downey Dental Arts. Porcelain ceramic braces work like braces but are more invisible like Invisalign® clear aligners. Ceramic clear braces are a little more fragile than traditional metal braces, which is why they take a bit longer to wear because the wires can’t be tightened as rigorously.
Invisalign® may be covered partially by your dental health insurance plan. The total cost for these aligners is generally a few thousand dollars, but it can be broken up into affordable monthly payments. We offer flexible financing at Downey Dental Arts to help you and your family achieve a beautiful smile. Please talk to our helpful office staff if you have questions about the cost of Invisalign® clear aligners and financing options.
Straighten Your Teeth with Invisalign® Clear Aligners in Southern California
Invisalign® Clear Aligners are a great way to straighten teeth without the look of metal braces. To get started, contact us today by calling (562) 445-3363 to schedule an appointment at Downey Dental Arts.
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