Invisalign Orthodontics

Contrary to popular belief, orthodontic treatment is not always cosmetic.  The human teeth were meant to fit together in a certain way in order to operate to their full potential, but due to our lifestyles and life experiences, many of us have teeth that do not work as they were intended.  When the teeth do not fit together properly, they cannot function properly.  This is known as malocclusion.  Malocclusion can cause a number of different dental and health related problems as time goes on.  Namely, caries (cavities) can develop between the teeth when they are not in the proper natural position.  Hygiene is hindered, aggravating existing or creating new health conditions from oral infection causing periodontal disease which always reaches the blood stream, affecting the heart.

By adulthood, most people do not want to go through traditional orthodontics and wear the metal braces associated with adolescence.  Invisalign® is the clear alternative to traditional metal braces.  Also known as adult braces or invisible braces, Invisalign has over 730,000 patients in treatment worldwide.  The most obvious advantage to Invisalign® is that it offers comprehensive orthodontic treatment and is nearly undetectible.  Invisalign® treatments have commonly been known to be quicker than traditional braces as well, so they are the most popular choice by adults.  The clear trays can be removed when eating, brushing, and flossing, so oral hygiene is much easier to maintain while in treatment, and foods that sometimes need to be avoided while in metal braces, do not need to be avoided while in Invisalign®.

So  how does it work?

• Dr. Collins will evaluate you during your comprehensive oral examination to determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign®, and what kind of treatment you would need. 
• Once you have come to a determination with the doctor how you will proceed, impressions are taken of your teeth and sent off to Invisalign®. 
• A model is created of your exact teeth, and Dr. Collins works directly with Align Technology to come up with a perfect step-by-step process for the movement of your teeth.
• When the doctor is satisfied with the process the treatment plan is approved and the aligner trays are shipped to our office.
• Tiny white attachments are placed on your teeth in indicated places where anchored movement is needed, and your trays are then fitted into your mouth.
• Every two weeks you will change your trays to a new set, and/or visit our office to have changes made to your attachments, etc.
• When your treatment has been completed, retainers are delivered, which you wear regularly as you did your aligner trays until the tissue around the roots of your teeth stabilizes their position.

Call us today at 714-887-0444 for your Invisalign® evaluation exam!