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Invisalign Q & A

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment designed to improve the position of your teeth and jaw. Instead of placing pressure on your teeth with metal wires and brackets like traditional braces, Invisalign uses a series of see-through aligners. 

The aligners are made of a thermoplastic called SmartTrack®. SmartTrack doesn’t contain ingredients like BPA, gluten, or latex, so it’s safe for everyone, including pregnant people and individuals with allergies. 

What types of issues can Invisalign correct?

The team at Los Gatos Dental uses Invisalign to correct various alignment issues, including:

  • Crowding
  • Crooked teeth
  • Overlapping teeth
  • Crossbite
  • Underbite
  • Overbite

The team also uses Invisalign treatment to close gaps between teeth.

What does orthodontic treatment with Invisalign involve?

At Los Gatos Dental, Invisalign treatment begins with an oral exam and X-rays. Your dentist uses that information to assess the alignment of your teeth and jaw. If your provider identifies any alignment issues, they scan your mouth digitally and upload your scan to a computer.

Your provider uses the scan to develop a custom orthodontic treatment plan. After finalizing the plan, the team at Los Gatos Dental sends the information to a laboratory. Invisalign technicians use the information to design and manufacture your first set of custom aligners.

Over the course of Invisalign treatment, you visit Los Gatos Dental every few weeks. At each visit, you transition into a new set of Invisalign aligners. Each new set of aligners places slightly different pressure on your teeth and jaw, improving their position.

How long does orthodontic treatment with Invisalign take?

The length of time that orthodontic treatment with Invisalign takes depends on a variety of factors, including the alignment issues addressed, your commitment to the treatment plan, and how often you wear your aligners. 

To ensure a positive outcome, the team at Los Gatos Dental recommends wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours each day, only removing them to brush and floss or eat. In addition, make sure to attend each appointment and follow your provider’s instructions carefully.

By following these guidelines, you can complete treatment in between 12-18* months and sometimes even sooner.

To see if you’re a candidate for orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, book an appointment at Los Gatos Dental by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool today. 

*Individual results may vary.