It wasn’t long ago that heavy metal was a rite of passage for many teens. Not the head-banging variety, but the elaborate metalwork that adolescents flashed with each awkward smile. But now clear plastic systems created by Invisalign have changed all of that for orthodontic patients of any age.
Each clear plastic “aligner” is custom made by skilled San Diego dentist Dr. Jennifer Santoro to gradually move crooked teeth into place. Computer-assisted design makes it possible for a comfortable, nearly invisible retainer to do the work of the old metal-plus-bonding-cement approach, and do it more quickly. And each is easily removable for eating and social occasions.
A Clear Choice
The first step in the smile-enhancing process is to take photos of your teeth and bite as well as take a scan of all of your teeth. This allows Dr. Santoro to work with Invisalign to generate a digital 3D image of your mouth, which provides a baseline used to create your first aligner. After that, she will provide you with a new clear Invisalign tray every week and monitor your progress with regular appointments. (New studies just came out allowing each tray to only be worn one week rather than two weeks!) With this advanced technology, your goals can normally be achieved within 6-18 months.
With Invisalign, it is required to use clear composite attachments to help with rotational forces of tooth movement. These small attachments give the aligner additional surface area to grip. The clear attachments blend with the color of your teeth, and will not affect the comfort of the tray. After your orthodontic goals have been reached, the attachments will be removed and a retainer will be made for you. It is absolutely essential to wear a retainer at night for life after orthodontic movement so that the teeth do not shift.
These innovative aligners offer so many obvious benefits, including better comfort, greater freedom, and less time receiving adjustments at the dentist’s office. Unless you’re a fan of the retro look of metal braces, or admire the intricate engineering of the old rubber-band system, Invisalign represents a dramatic improvement in orthodontic treatment. Sometimes however, the clear option is not always adequate for cases in which there is severe tooth misalignment or severe gaps, and in that case we would refer you to one of the wonderful orthodontists we work with.
To schedule your appointment, or to discuss Invisalign or other orthodontic options, call Dr. Santoro at (858) 566-8510, or email Village Center Dentistry in Scripps Ranch today.
