INVISALIGN CLEAR ALIGNERS – San Ramon, CA
A Clear Path to a Straighter Smile
Metal braces may not be what your teen envisions when learning they need orthodontic treatment. Instead, they prefer Invisalign clear aligners in San Ramon that are more discreet. Instead of capturing the attention of others because of all the metal in their mouth, they can walk with greater confidence knowing their teeth are on the right path. Discover how Invisalign can help your child take the next step toward a straighter smile by calling to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Gale Ranch Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of San Ramon for Invisalign Clear Aligners?
- No-Mess Digital Impressions
- Financing is Available
- Tailor-Made Treatment Plans to Meet Patients’ Needs
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that is far more discreet than traditional braces. Relying on customized trays that are made from clear plastic, they follow your teen throughout the treatment process, taking the shape of their smile as it progresses toward better alignment.
Worn 20-22 hours each day, your teen will be required to swap them out every 1-2 weeks so that their teeth continue to move. They will continue this process until the series is complete. In just 12-18 months, on average, your teen can expect to see a new smile that is healthier, looks beautiful, and helps them to project much-needed confidence.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
In addition to being virtually undetectable, Invisalign is a versatile orthodontic treatment that can help patients with all kinds of problems – from slight spacing issues to considerable overcrowding. Below, you will find a little more information on the common reasons patients pursue clear aligner treatment, but don’t hesitate to give us a call if you’re ready to schedule a consultation and find out if your teen is a candidate!
Crowded Teeth
Simply put, everything from chewing properly to smiling with confidence becomes more difficult with overcrowding. That’s why we recommend exploring your teen’s orthodontic treatment options sooner rather than later! If they are a candidate for Invisalign, then we can gently move their teeth into their properly aligned positions with clear, comfortable aligners. The best part? The average treatment timeline is only 12-18 months. So, their dream smile is just around the corner!
Gaps Between Teeth
Of course, too much space can be equally as dangerous, as bacteria and food particles can easily become trapped. If we determine that your child is a good candidate for Invisalign at their consultation, then we can create a custom series of trays to gently bring their teeth closer together, creating a healthier and more beautiful smile over time. There aren’t any metal components either, which means the journey to a healthier, happier smile will be considerably more comfortable too!
Overbite
Although you want your child’s upper teeth to sit in front of your lower ones, problems can arise if they jut out considerably. In fact, even patients with relatively mild overbites can experience premature wear as well as chronic jaw pain. Fortunately, traditional braces are no longer the only treatment option; Invisalign can also correct this common orthodontic problem. The first step is coming in for a consultation so we can determine if your teen is a candidate and, if they are, create your custom treatment plan!
Underbite
If your teen’s lower teeth sit in front of their upper ones, then they likely have an underbite. This bite problem, like the rest on this list, can negatively impact the look and health of their smile. For this reason, we don’t recommend taking the “wait and see” approach. Instead, schedule a consultation with us so we can determine the severity of their case and if Invisalign is a good fit. If the answer is “yes,” then we will take impressions of their teeth, and the treatment process will officially begin!
Crossbite
Unfortunately, even mild crossbites can lead to serious consequences, like trouble chewing properly and chronic jaw pain. So, if you haven’t already, get in touch with us to schedule a consultation! If your child’s case isn’t too severe, there’s a chance that we can move their teeth and bite into proper alignment with Invisalign, which doesn’t come with metal brackets, lengthy treatment timelines, or dietary restrictions.
Open Bite
Ultimately, no matter the type of bite misalignment your teen experiences, it can lead to enamel wear and tear as well as chronic jaw pain if left untreated. With Invisalign, though, the aligners can work to move their bite so that it aligns more beautifully, creating a more harmonious movement between the upper and lower arches of teeth.
Benefits of Invisalign
Orthodontic treatment of any kind is highly beneficial, especially if your child is suffering from oral health issues. That said, Invisalign offers immense benefits that cannot be attained with traditional braces. These include:
Greater Comfort
If you had braces as a kid, then you know all too well that the metal brackets and wires can rub against gums, lips, and the tongue, leading to considerable soft tissue irritation. Fortunately, that’s not the case with Invisalign. In addition to being metal-free, the aligners are smooth and custom-made for each patient, allowing for a more comfortable journey to a straight smile.
Discreet Braces
Another downside of traditional braces: they are a bit of an eye sore. Conversely, there is no spotlight to shine while wearing Invisalign because the aligners are virtually invisible. So, unless someone is extremely close or knows what to look for, they are unlikely to notice anything.
You Can Eat the Foods You Love
With traditional braces, there are a number of foods that are taken off the table, including whole apples, hard pretzels, raw almonds, popcorn, and tortilla chips. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, they don’t come with the same dietary restrictions! All we ask of our patients is that they store their trays properly and that they do their best not to over-indulge on cavity-causing foods, like ice cream.
Dental Care Is Easy
To be honest, completing their oral hygiene regimen isn’t something most patients look forward to. The process of brushing and flossing gets even more cumbersome with traditional braces since the brackets and wires are bonded in place. Thankfully, Invisalign aligners are removable. As a result, patients don’t need to commit to complicated dental care regimens or buy special products to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Shorter Average Treatment Timeline
Usually, patients wear braces for 2+ years. The average treatment timeline with Invisalign is considerably shorter (between 12 and 18 months). Not only that, but some patients with more mild malocclusion get the results they desire even quicker!
Fewer Check-In Visits
Another way traditional braces and Invisalign differ is that the former requires patients to attend monthly adjustment appointments. Invisalign, on the other hand, allows patients to progress through portions of their treatment plan at home. Then, every 6-8 weeks, they come in for progress visits, which allows us to monitor the movement of their teeth and make sure they are on-track with their treatment plan.
Look and Feel Your Best
It’s very common for patients with traditional braces to go to great lengths to hide the brackets and wires – whether it’s by keeping their lips closed when they smile for pictures or covering their mouth when they laugh. Patients with Invisalign don’t need to worry about that because – in addition to being basically invisible – the aligners are removable!