Invisalign Clear Aligners – San Ramon, CA
A Clear Path to a Straighter Smile
Metal braces may not be what you envision for yourself, especially if you have a job that’s client-facing. Fortunately, traditional orthodontics are no longer the only option. Invisalign delivers the same gorgeous results with clear, barely noticeable aligners. If you are interested in learning more about this orthodontic treatment, including if you’re a good candidate, then call us today to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Gale Ranch Family Dental Group for Invisalign Clear Aligners?
- No-Mess Digital Impressions
- Financing is Available
- Tailor-Made Treatment Plans
How Invisalign Works
Instead of using metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear, barely noticeable aligners. You’ll wear each one for 20-22 hours each day. Then, every 1-2 weeks, you’ll progress to the next set in the series so your teeth can continue to move. This process will continue until you’ve worked your way through every pair. Oftentimes, this only takes 12-18 months, too, which is a considerable improvement over traditional braces.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
If you’re interested in straightening your teeth, but you don’t want to deal with “metal mouth,” we have good news: Invisalign is an option for many patients! In fact, the clear aligners have effectively corrected a wide range of orthodontic problems – from slight overbites to more considerable overcrowding. To learn more, read on or schedule a consultation with us!
Crowded Teeth
When too many teeth exist inside the mouth, it can make eating, speaking, and smiling more difficult. Don’t worry – Invisalign can help to create additional space so that teeth no longer rest on top of each other but instead side by side, creating a healthier environment. Sometimes, additional treatments are needed as well, like a tooth extraction. If that’s the case, we will work that into your treatment plan so the final result is a healthy and beautiful smile.
Gaps Between Teeth
Unfortunately, too much space can be equally as dangerous since bacteria and food particles can easily become trapped when eating. That’s why we recommend scheduling a consultation with us to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. If you are, then we will create a custom series of trays to bring your teeth closer together. Over the course of your treatment, the gaps will close, and you’ll see a more balanced and beautiful smile appear.
Overbite
Although your upper teeth should sit in front of your lower ones, they shouldn’t protrude far beyond them. If they do, then you likely have an overbite, which can lead to everything from chronic jaw pain to trouble chewing properly. Fortunately, Invisalign is usually an option for patients with mild to moderate cases. So, don’t just assume your only choice is metal braces; there’s a good chance that clear aligners can give you the healthy bite you deserve!
Underbite
Do you have an underbite? Decades prior, there was only one option: traditional braces. That’s no longer the case! Now, we can correct cases that aren’t too severe with clear aligners. So, if you are an image-conscious teen, you’re in a profession where your smile is front-and-center, or you simply don’t want to deal with metal brackets and wires, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. The sooner you do, the sooner we can see if you’re a candidate for Invisalign.
Crossbite
If some of your top teeth sit in front of your bottom teeth, and some of your bottom teeth sit in front of your top teeth, there’s a good chance that you have a crossbite. This bite problem can lead to several serious issues, including premature wear and tear on your teeth. That’s why we recommend getting the orthodontic treatment you need quickly. If you’re a candidate for Invisalign, then the process of bringing your bite into proper alignment won’t require any metal at all!
Open Bite
Unfortunately, open bites, no matter how minor, can lead to enamel wear and tear as well as chronic jaw pain if left untreated. With Invisalign, though, the aligners can work to move your bite so that it aligns more beautifully, creating a more harmonious movement between the upper and lower arches of teeth.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign in San Ramon offers immense benefits that cannot be attained with traditional braces. That’s why it’s so loved! Over the last two decades, millions of patients around the world have chosen this orthodontic treatment because:
Greater Comfort
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign does not have protruding brackets and wires. Instead, the aligners are crafted from smooth, low-profile plastic. Plus, they are custom-made to ensure they fit snuggly against your teeth without digging into your gums or irritating the inside of your cheeks.
Tip: If one of your aligners has a rough or sharp edge, bring it to our office so we can carefully file it down.
Basically Invisible Aligners
Do you want to straighten your teeth without drawing unwanted attention to your smile? If so, you’ll love Invisalign. After all, there is no spotlight to shine on your orthodontic treatment because the aligners are completely see-through. So, unless someone is extremely close or you choose to disclose your treatment, they likely won’t notice that you’re wearing your trays.
You Can Eat All of Your Favorite Foods
With traditional braces, patients are given a list of foods to avoid. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, that’s not necessary. Just take them off, rinse them with clean water, and store them properly. Then, you can enjoy the foods you love without worrying about food getting stuck underneath brackets and wires. Just make sure that you don’t overindulge on sugary treats since the development of a cavity will bring your treatment plan to a temporary stop.
It’s Easy to Maintain a Healthy Smile
Speaking of food getting stuck underneath the brackets and wires, it’s difficult to keep metal braces clean. In fact, many patients end up needing special tools, like interproximal toothbrushes, for that very reason. That’s another reason Invisalign is great: you don’t need to adopt an extensive oral hygiene regimen or buy special cleaning products. All you need to do is remove your aligners. Then, you can brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash like usual.
The Average Treatment Timeline Is Shorter
While traditional braces often take two or more years, the average treatment timeline with Invisalign is only 12-18 months. During your consultation, we can provide you with a more precise estimate. Not only that, but we will share what you should do to avoid falling off-track and adding weeks (or months) onto the backend of your treatment.
There Aren’t Monthly Adjustment Appointments
Many of our patients are busy with kids, school, and work, and, as a result, aren’t able to commit to monthly adjustment appointments. Since Invisalign allows you to progress through portions of your treatment plan at home, you won’t have to commit to such frequent visits. Usually, patients come in for a visit with Dr. Bailey, our dedicated orthodontist, every 6-8 weeks instead!
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Like many other patients, you may have trouble finding an estimate of the cost of Invisalign in San Ramon. The reason for this is simple: there isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment plan! In order to provide you with an accurate estimate of the price, we need to learn about your unique dental history, needs, and goals. In the meantime, however, you can read on to learn some general information on the topic.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Here are a few things we need to consider when creating your custom treatment plan:
- If any preliminary treatments are needed, like a dental filling
- If single-arch treatment is possible
- How many aligners need to be made
- If rubber bands or any other orthodontic accessories are needed
Once we have all of this information, we can solidify the details and provide you with an estimate of the cost. We will also discuss what you can do to avoid additional fees down the line, like wearing your aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day, every day.
Invisalign Vs. Mail-Order Aligners: Which Costs More?
Usually, mail-order aligners cost less. Before you let that tempt you, it’s important to consider why that is. Oftentimes, it’s because these companies bypass the initial exam, rely on DIY impressions, and don’t hire licensed dental professionals to oversee the teeth-straightening process. While that does make the upfront price lower, it also dramatically increases the chances of worsened misalignment and dental damage. So, it’s ultimately not worth your valuable time and money.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Fortunately, many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit. So, it’s worth taking the time to read through the fine print on yours. If you need any help, get in touch with us! We’re proud to work with several popular providers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna. Not only that, but we’d be happy to help you understand and utilize your available benefits to make the process smooth and seamless.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
What if you don’t have dental insurance? If that’s the case, you should consider CareCredit. This trusted third-party financier offers convenient payment plans so you can break up the total cost of your orthodontic treatment into smaller, more manageable chunks. All you need to do is look through their payment plans and select the option that suits your budget the best!
If you have any lingering questions about the cost, including how to sign up for flexible financing, get in touch with our team at Gale Ranch Family Dental! That way, we can provide you with the answers you’re looking for.
Invisalign FAQs
Can I Still Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
Yes, there is a “but” though: you need to remove your aligners beforehand. This is important for a few reasons, starting with the fact that keeping them on while drinking dark-colored beverages like coffee can quickly cause them to discolor. It’s also worth mentioning that hot drinks can warp your aligners considerably, which can lead to treatment plan delays. So, to keep your trays discreet and effective, get in the habit of taking them off before drinking anything other than water.
How Long Will I Need to Wear My Aligners Each Day?
The general rule of thumb is 20-22 hours a day. However, the more you can wear them, the better! If you’re having trouble fitting three meals a day, a few snacks, and your oral hygiene regimen into your aligner-free time, then try creating a schedule with the help of the stopwatch on your phone. For example, dedicate 40 minutes to each meal and 10 minutes to brushing and flossing throughout the day. If you aren’t already, try multi-tasking as well. For instance, drink your morning coffee with your breakfast instead of separately.
How Do I Take Off My Invisalign Trays?
At your first official Invisalign appointment, we will cover a lot of ground, including showing you how to put your aligners on and take them off. That said, it’s normal to have a little bit of trouble getting used to maneuvering the trays, especially when they are tight.
The first step is using clean, dry hands to unhook the aligner from your molars. Steadily work your way forward until it comes loose. Then, gently pull down, take them off, rinse them with clean, cool water, and place them in their designated case. Don’t worry – this gets easier with practice. Plus, if you’re getting frustrated, you can always purchase the PulTool or an OrthoKey.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
This is hands-down one of the most asked questions about Invisalign. If you’ve been asking yourself the same thing, then you’ll be happy to know that the answer is “no!” Although you will feel some pressure from time to time as the aligners work to move your teeth, you won’t feel any pain. That’s because there aren’t any metal components, and the trays are designed to place a gentle, consistent pressure.
Note: If your teeth feel sore, avoid crunchy foods entirely and take OTC pain medication as directed. You might also find it helpful to rinse periodically with warm saltwater and use a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time
Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign?
Yes! If you don’t wear a retainer following your orthodontic treatment, then there’s a good chance that your teeth will move out of position in a matter of weeks. So, make wearing yours a priority! If yours chip, crack, or get damaged some other way throughout the years, contact us right away so we can repair or replace it.