Orthodontics can treat cosmetic concerns, bite problems, and dental health issues. Most patients have mild to moderate problems that can be effectively treated with invisible braces. Dr. Kush Patel and Dr. Krutav Patel are Fullerton Invisalign® providers and offer orthodontic treatment that is comfortable, convenient, and virtually unnoticeable. As a cosmetic dental procedure, we can transform your smile in months.
Getting Invisalign in Fullerton, CA
All cosmetic treatments start with a consultation in our office. We want to ensure that Invisalign is the right treatment option for your unique needs. We’ll perform an oral examination and may use imaging technology to get a good picture of your bite problems. Invisalign treats mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, but if you have more severe ones, we may need to refer you to a local orthodontist for further treatment.
Moving forward with Invisalign treatment, we take digital impressions, instead of the traditional version. Instead of using a sticky putty and needing to sit still for a long time, you can bite down on the scanner, which uploads your smile. We can also show you what your results will look like when you complete the Invisalign process. We send the impressions to an Invisalign lab, where they custom-make sets of aligners.
They create multiple aligner sets, each one slightly different than the last. You change them out about once every two weeks, and they slowly shift your teeth into proper alignment. Occasionally, you come into the office so that we can keep track of your progress. You must wear the aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily to ensure the treatment works correctly. They can only be taken out for you to eat, drink something other than water, or perform your oral healthcare routine.
Why Choose Invisalign?
Invisalign is one of the most popular choices for adults and teens wanting a straighter smile. The biggest benefit many tout is that it’s subtle and hard to see on your teeth. Instead of metal brackets and wires, they’re clear plastic aligners. Unless someone is specifically looking for them, people won’t be able to see them on your teeth. This helps boost self-esteem and can combat anxiety issues that patients may have with traditional braces.
Metal can also be uncomfortable in your mouth. It irritates the soft tissues as it rubs against them and can pinch. You must resort to things like wax to try and avoid pain and rubbing. With Invisalign, the plastic is designed to be smooth and comfortable against the soft tissues in your mouth. Because the lab creates them to fit extremely snugly to your teeth, they shouldn’t pinch your skin, either.
Another strong positive for Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. You don’t have to remove any foods from your diet. Metal braces have restrictions because hard foods can break the wires, and chewy things can get stuck in the mechanisms and make it impossible to get out. Removable aligners also allow you to keep your normal oral healthcare routine. You don’t need to learn how to brush and floss around brackets and wires when you can just brush your teeth with the aligners out.
Invisalign treatment is usually cheaper and quicker than traditional methods. For braces, you have to come into the office every month to get the wires tightened. There aren’t as many required visits with Invisalign, so less of an expense. The average treatment time is 12-18 months instead of years for braces.
Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners
You must properly care for the aligners to ensure they do the job properly. To start, rinse them out every time you take them out of your mouth. This washes away saliva and food particles that may have accumulated. Always use warm or cool water, not hot, as hot can warp the aligners so they no longer fit properly.
At least once daily, clean the aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and either non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap. Saliva and bacteria build up throughout the day and can be harmful. Bacteria love a warm, wet environment and can grow and make you sick. The buildup also creates odor; you don’t want your aligners to smell bad.
At least once weekly, soak your aligners in a specialized aligner cleaner or a mouthwash solution. Stubborn bacteria may not completely be vanquished when you do your daily care routine. This soak sterilizes the aligners and removes any lingering odor or bacteria.
After cleaning them, ensure they dry properly in a ventilated area. Never close them in a case or anything that isn’t ventilated, as it encourages bacteria buildup. Store your aligners in a ventilated carrying case whenever you don’t have them in one. This allows you to know where they are at all times. It’s easy to take them out and put them on a napkin to eat, only to throw them away after you’re done with your meal.
Never store your aligners in direct sunlight or a hot environment, as this can warp or melt them. If this happens and the aligners don’t fit properly, they won’t do the job right, hindering your progress and making the treatment take longer.
Schedule a Consultation
Is Invisalign the solution to straighten your missing teeth? Call us or schedule a consultation online to get started.