Orthodontic technology has come a long way since most adults today were kids and many decided they didn’t want to wear the full set of metal braces and wires for two or three years. Now, they’re somewhat embarrassed by their crooked smiles and may not be aware there are options that are almost invisible and ways to dramatically speed up the process. Everyone has a unique case and only a Berkeley orthodontist such as Dr. Song has the training and experience to diagnose yours properly and recommend the appropriate treatment. Those who have less appreciation for the challenges may not even be aware of what needs to be done.
The good news is that the revolutionary Invisalign technology can be effective for a majority of teen and adult patients with moderate bite problems, which can include buck teeth, overlapping teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, crowding, and gaps. This has many advantages over traditional braces. First, depending on the complexity of the individual’s misalignment, straightening teeth may take as little as three months up to 18 months, especially if we can apply our Accelerdent micropulsing technology to speed up the process.
Second, Invisalign’s clear plastic trays, known as aligners, are almost transparent. No one will even know you are being treated unless you tell them. Invisalign’s aligners that fit over your teeth and gently move them towards their ideal positions to create your new smile. You will need to have a checkup every 4-6 weeks to make sure progress is being made and to receive new aligners as required (checkups are also required for braces to adjust them, of course).
Third, there are no wires involved with Invisalign, so nothing will poke your gums or cheeks, causing pain and even bleeding, and no tightening of braces, which can be very uncomfortable (though new aligners may feel tight at first).
Fourth, there are no dietary restrictions for Invisalign patients, unlike with braces, which require avoiding foods that are sticky, crunchy, or hard, like candy and gum, so that the braces are not damaged. You just remove the Invisalign trays before you eat and place them back over the teeth when you finish. You also remove them to brush and floss as you normally would (the aligners should be worn while you sleep, as well as when you are not eating). It’s no wonder six million people are smiling happily thanks to Invisalign.
To know whether Invisalign is the right treatment for you requires a full examination by Dr. Song. This will include taking a three-dimensional image of your mouth with a special scanner, then using that and special software to create a personalized plan that will very accurately show how long it will take to create your new smile. The next step is to design your first aligners. Call today for an appointment, we also serve the surrounding areas and communities in El Cerrito.
