Your smile is an important part of your life. It’s one of the first things people notice about you; it can give you the confidence you need to approach others, or the shame that makes you want to hide yourself away from them. While the problem of misaligned teeth may feel uniquely yours, it is not something that has to be part of your life. Align your teeth and get the beautiful, radiant smile you have always wanted, discretely and comfortably with Invisalign®.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign® straightens your teeth using a set of customized retainers called aligners. These retainers gently guide your teeth into a straight position over time.
Aligners are typically changed out every 2 or 3 weeks and replaced with new ones. These new retainers continue to guide your teeth into alignment as they become accustomed to the previous aligners position. They can be taken in and out at any time, but should be left in unless eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.
The entire length of an Invisalign® treatment usually lasts somewhere between 1 and 1 ½ years depending on your age and the extent of teeth misalignment.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces are traditionally known to be effective when it comes to straightening a crooked smile; however, they come with some distinct disadvantages. They are visibly noticeable and often cause discomfort when the wires and brackets rub against the sensitive tissue of the cheeks and gums. Certain foods have to be avoided altogether, as they can damage or break sensitive brackets. Many patients also have trouble keeping their teeth clean and tooth discoloration can be an enduring problem once the braces have been removed.
Unlike braces, Invisalign retainers are:
- Invisible
- Removable
- Do not come with any diet restrictions
- Comfortable
What to Expect From Your First Visit
During your initial consultation, Dr. Jamie Sands will take extensive x-rays and molds of your teeth. This information will be used to create a unique treatment plan to tackle your teeth. From here, we will be able to give you an estimate of how long you will need to wear Invisalign® retainers for, as well as schedule your follow-up visits.
If you are interested in a Smile Makeover with Invisalign®, our team at Jamie Elizabeth Sands, D.D.S. can help. We specialize in cosmetic dentistry including smile makeovers and many other dental services. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that is designed to give you a million dollar smile. Contact Jamie Elizabeth Sands, D.D.S. in Studio City today to schedule your consultation.