As an Invisalign® dentist, we use a series of aligners to straighten teeth. We start by taking an impression of your teeth to create custom aligners in a dental lab. These aligners are made from a strong yet flexible thermoplastic material that is virtually invisible and comfortable for extended wear.

Aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day and switched out every two weeks. They gradually move teeth into place, making minor, targeted adjustments each time. This gradual process ensures comfort and precision, leading to perfectly straight teeth once the treatment is complete.

• Benefits of Invisalign®
• Patients may prefer wearing Invisalign® because of how convenient it is in comparison to wearing traditional braces.
• The aligners are clear so no one can tell you are straightening your teeth.
• They are only worn for 22 hours a day so you can take them out to eat dinner, go on a date, or make an important presentation at work.
• You can brush and floss your teeth like normal, and no additional tools are required.
• There is less of a risk that your teeth will become stained as compared with wearing metal braces that can be difficult to clean.
• The procedure is more comfortable than metal braces since the aligners move teeth into place slowly and only focus on a few teeth at a time.
• Aligners are easy to take care of, and you only use the same aligner for a couple of weeks.

We recommend that patients remove their aligner and rinse it with warm water on a daily basis. You may also want to brush them with a soft toothbrush.

Some patients may need attachments or ridges to ensure precise tooth movement. Attachments are clear, enamel-colored bumps placed on the teeth, while ridges are indents on the aligners. Both help grip and position the aligners, especially in more complex cases, to ensure accurate tooth alignment.

Patients will need periodic checkups to ensure their teeth are moving correctly with Invisalign®. These visits are less frequent than with metal braces, where regular adjustments are required to move the teeth. For busy individuals, this reduced need for frequent appointments is a significant advantage. Invisalign® checkups are simply to monitor progress, making the process more convenient for Los Angeles patients.

For most Los Angeles patients, Invisalign® treatment takes about twelve months, though the exact duration varies by individual. Typically, the treatment period is shorter than with metal braces because you don’t need frequent adjustments—just switch to a new aligner as directed.