Invisalign in Santa Monica, CA
Your orthodontist is a certified Platinum Invisalign® provider, a distinction earned by demonstrating extensive experience in treating Invisalign cases. We are proud to have achieved this status, but numbers are not a main concern of ours.
We place the utmost importance on the quality of your results and your well-being. We are passionate about achieving positive results for you.
Dr. Cheng actively attends Invisalign courses to stay on top of the latest techniques and advances. We implement these proven strategies so that your experience is predictable, comfortable, and efficient.
How Do I Get Started with Invisalign?
Once you are ready to begin, we will take photos and x-rays and scan your teeth. We are pleased to offer you the latest in digital scanning with the iTero® Element.
In the past, impressions, or molds, of your teeth were taken which were then mailed to Invisalign. It would take over one week before your orthodontist could start planning your tooth movements.
Now you can say goodbye to those gooey, messy impressions. A digital model of your teeth is immediately uploaded onto the Invisalign site, and your orthodontist can start planning your treatment right away.
Your doctor will work with Invisalign technicians over the next several days to carefully plan your tooth movements, keeping your best interests in mind. If there is anything specific about your teeth you want to fix, please feel free to us know. We are here to accommodate you and want you to be completely happy with your results.
The turnaround time to start your Invisalign treatment is now faster and more efficient than ever before. You can start wearing your Invisalign trays within a couple of weeks.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Invisalign is a series of clear, removable BPA-free plastic trays. You will wear each set of trays for about 1-2 weeks before moving onto the next set. Your teeth straighten out slightly each time you switch to a new set of trays.
It is perfectly normal to experience mild discomfort as you progress through the trays. This is actually a good sign that your teeth are moving along. You may take over-the-counter pain relievers, only as needed.
It is recommended to wear your aligners all day and night, only removing them to eat and drink. You are aiming for about 20-22 hours per day of wear to achieve the most ideal results.
The total number of trays needed varies from as few as 10 up to as many as 40, depending on the complexity of your case. You will come in to see us once every few months so that we can check to make sure your teeth are progressing as planned.
Differences Between Invisalign and Braces
| Invisalign | Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | Trays are removable and rely on your compliance | Brackets are cemented and working 24/7 |
| Diet Changes | No dietary restrictions | Avoid hard and sticky foods |
| During Meals | Remove trays when eating and drinking | No need for removal |
| Flossing | Floss normally | Floss threader and/or water floss needed |
| Comfort | Trays and attachments are slightly more comfortable | Wires and brackets are slightly less comfortable |
| Finances | Fees typically slightly higher | Fees typically more cost-effective |
Invisalign Teen in Santa Monica
If you or your child are self-conscious about wearing braces, Invisalign Teen can give you a more discrete alternative. These clear, plastic trays are virtually invisible so that you can straighten your teeth with confidence. Invisalign Teen works in the same way as regular Invisalign treatment with a few additions to help our teenagers out.
How Do I Know If I Am Wearing It Correctly?
Each Invisalign Teen tray has a blue food dye indicator, which fades over time so that compliance can be more easily tracked.
When you have worn your tray 20-22 hours a day for 2 weeks, the indicator should change from a dark blue to a clear color, letting you know that you are ready to move onto the next tray.
What Do I Do If I Lose Trays?
If you are concerned that you or your child may accidentally lose aligners, do not worry. Invisalign Teen comes with six free replacement aligners.
What If I Still Have Some Adult Teeth Not Fully In Yet?
Invisalign Teen has an added feature that maintains room in the trays to anticipate adult teeth to erupt and fully come into your mouth.
How Will It Affect My Lifestyle?
Unlike braces, which are cemented on your teeth, you will need to remember to wear the trays at all times, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. There are no diet restrictions, so you can still enjoy all the foods you love.
Invisalign Teen can be easier on your lifestyle if you are active in playing wind instruments or contact sports. The aligners can be easier to adapt to when playing the trumpet or clarinet, and there is less risk for injury when playing sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign® clear aligners are the premier brand of invisible braces, which are an orthodontic treatment for straightening teeth and improving smiles. This system uses accurate digital teeth scans to assess your smile and determine if you’re a good Invisalign candidate.
Then, a precision dental lab creates a series of aligner trays from a proprietary polymer blend, and you wear each set for about two weeks before moving on to the next trays. The aligners are practically invisible and work without the hassle of metal brackets and wires. By the end of treatment, your smile will be transformed and aligned.
How to Choose an Invisalign Dentist in Santa Monica, CA
You should pick an orthodontist carefully if you’re considering Invisalign or Invisalign Teen for your family. A few things to look for are:
- A Platinum Invisalign provider — This distinction is only given to the most trained and experienced dental teams.
- Digital scanner — We are proud to use the iTero® Element to obtain high-quality teeth impressions instantaneously.
- Expertise with Invisalign Teen — Experience in how this variation helps adolescents stick to their treatment plan.
If you’re ready for orthodontic care without the discomfort and obtrusiveness of conventional braces, then Invisalign may be the right choice. We recommend a consultation with our Invisalign dentist without delay to learn more. Then, a new smile could be just steps away.
Invisalign in Santa Monica is a transparent aligner system like traditional braces but without brackets and guidewires. We have found that some patients prefer it for its discretion and comfort.
Invisalign is a series of steps leading you to straight teeth and an aligned smile.
Step #1: Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation
This initial visit answers all your questions, including whether Invisalign can adequately address your orthodontic needs. In most cases, it is an excellent system for crooked and misaligned teeth.
Step #2: Taking Impressions of Your Teeth
Your Santa Monica dentist takes impressions of your teeth and forwards the specifications to Invisalign for aligner fabrication. Then, when your aligners arrive at our dental office, you come in to pick them up.
Step #3: Wear Your Aligners According to the Schedule
Your dentist lets you know how often to change your aligners, usually every few weeks. Follow these instructions, and always call us if you have questions.
Step #4: Don’t Forget to Wear Your Retainer
After completing the Invisalign treatment, wear your retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their old positions.
Invisalign and Invisalign Teen in Santa Monica
If you want to learn more about Invisalign or arrange a consultation, give us a call today.
We serve all areas, including Wilshire Montana and your neighborhood.
The field of orthodontics has made tremendous strides in the last several years, and when it comes to braces in Santa Monica, you may not have to worry about traditional metal braces any longer. You have probably heard of Invisalign and seen advertisements of people wearing clear aligners instead of traditional braces, but have you ever wondered if you are a candidate for Invisalign?
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
With Invisalign, you can remove your clear aligners to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. Although you must wear the clear aligners most of the time, you have more flexibility with Invisalign over traditional braces.
Who Is a Candidate for Invisalign?
If you are a teen or an adult who doesn’t want traditional braces, you may be a candidate for Invisalign if you have slightly crooked teeth or if your teeth have a slight overlap. Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite to determine your eligibility.
Who Is Not a Candidate for Invisalign?
Several factors may make you ineligible for Invisalign. These factors include:
- Age
- The severity of your case
- Small or misshapen teeth
- Lack of commitment to wearing the clear aligners
If you are not a candidate for Invisalign clear aligners, the dental professionals at Vision Dental Montana in Santa Monica, CA, offer traditional braces for more complex cases. Call (310) 260-2326 for more information.
Many teens and adults have orthodontic concerns; if you are one of them, you may think traditional braces are your only option. Fortunately, for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, you may be a candidate for Invisalign® clear aligners.
This discreet system lets you comfortably straighten your teeth without bulky brackets and wires. However, how often do you need to wear your aligners for them to be effective?
Guidelines for Wearing Invisalign Clear Braces
Your Santa Monica dentist, a trusted professional, will take digital x-rays and impressions and send this information to the Invisalign lab. Once your custom aligners have been created, you should follow these guidelines for optimal results:
- Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours daily, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss your teeth.
- Rinse your aligners when you remove them; this will help keep harmful bacteria from accumulating.
- Clean your aligners each day when you remove them to brush and floss.
- Change to a new set of aligners as your dentist recommends, usually every two to three weeks.
Considering Invisalign in Santa Monica, CA?
If you would like expert advice on straightening your teeth with Invisalign, the dental team at Vision Dental is always ready to assist you! You can reach our office at (310) 260-2326.
Meet Our Doctors:
Dr. Nicole Cheng DDS, MS
Orthodontist
College : UCLA Biochemistry
Dental School : USC School of Dentistry
Graduate School : UCLA Section of Oral Biology
Orthodontic Residency : UCLA School of Dentistry, Section of Orthodontics
Dr. Nicole ...
Dr. Andrew Huynh DDS
Pediatric Dentist
College: UCSD Biochemistry and Psychology Dual Degree
Dental School: UCLA School of Dentistry
Pediatric Dental Residency: Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital
Dr. Andrew Huynh is a board-certified specialist ...
Dr. Will Cheng DDS, MS
General Dentist
College : UCLA Biology
Dental School : UCLA School of Dentistry
Graduate School : UCLA Section of Oral Biology
Dr. William J. Cheng is co-founder and president of Vision Dental. He ...
Dr. Rogelio Garcia DDS
General Dentist
College: UCLA Biology
Dental School: UCLA School of Dentistry
Dr. Rogelio “Roger” Garcia is the co-founder of Vision Dental. Dr. Garcia stays active and current in dentistry through his professional memberships ...
Dr. John Gonzalez DDS
Dentist
College: UCSB
Dental School: UCLA School of Dentistry
John Gonzalez, D.D.S., grew up in Malibu. He went to the University of California, Santa Barbara and dental school at the University of ...
