BEST CANDIDATES

There are several factors that may decide the alignment of your teeth: if you sucked your thumb, genetics, missing a tooth or teeth, and trauma to your face. Dental misalignment may also cause additional oral health concerns such as a bad bite (dental malocclusion), uneven wear on the enamel, difficulty chewing and speaking, plus jaw pain and toothaches. If Dr. Abraham sees one of these issues during your annual dental examination, he can suggest an orthodontic procedure such as Invisalign.

The Invisalign system is wonderful for both teens and adults who would like straighter, healthier teeth without the hassle, pain, and appearance of braces. Even though the aligners should be in the majority of the day, Invisalign trays may be removed for cleaning your teeth and eating, plus for special occasions and physical activities. Much less obvious than traditional metal orthodontics that poke and cut your cheeks, your friends and family will typically not know that you’re using your Invisalign aligners.

WHAT TO EXPECT

At your initial consultation, Dr. Abraham may use the iTero intraoral scanner to help you visual the results you can expect through Invisalign treatments. Prior to receiving you clear aligners, Dr. Abraham will take a series of digital photos and create a computer simulation of how the Invisalign will alter your teeth over time so that you can have a visual of your anticipated results. The initial Invisalign aligners will be made with impressions at LifeTime Smiles of OC. When they are ready, you will come back to receive your initial trays with instructions from Dr. Abraham. You need to keep your aligners in for at least 20 hours every day for your treatment to work properly, ideally taking them out only for cleaning and eating. In time, you will go to your next set of trays as they carefully shift your teeth closer to alignment. You should have follow-ups about every 4 – 6 weeks at LifeTime Smiles of OC to have your aligning trays assessed and to get new impressions done so your next trays can be ordered. How long you need to use Invisalign trays will differ considering the initial condition of your teeth and your goals; however, many patients need to wear trays for around a year. In most cases, patients wear about 10 – 20 separate sets of aligners.

FOLLOW-UP

When your bite is aligned, it is crucial to stop your teeth from shifting into their original position. Vivera retainers by Invisalign are made using the same materials to keep your teeth in their new position once your Invisalign treatment is done. Every retainer is made custom at the Invisalign dental lab based on impressions taken after your orthodontic treatment is done. We also provide permanent wire retainers for the bottom teeth to use alongside Vivera for the top teeth. Dr. Abraham will discuss with you how many hours a day you should wear your retainer, plus how to clean it after it is sent from the laboratory. Dr. Abraham will keep watching the alignment of your teeth and bite during your annual examinations to make sure your teeth stay in their new place.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

Many of our patients find that part of their treatment cost is paid for by insurance. Our office can determine your coverage and identify your additional out-of-pocket fees. LifeTime Smiles of OC offers several methods of payment if you are not using insurance. During your consultation, Dr. Abraham will discuss an estimate of costs and how our office can help to make your Invisalign treatment affordable for you with payment plans and medical financing.