Invisalign San Diego, CA
Invisalign® is a popular alternative to conventional metal braces. This orthodontic treatment straightens teeth without the use of brackets or wires. It is a great option for people who want straighter teeth without disrupting their appearance with a visible orthodontic appliance.
We provide Invisalign at 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental in San Diego and the surrounding area. Our team can help you with your orthodontic needs. Call us today at (619) 677-6133 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
An Alternative to Traditional Braces
Invisalign uses clear tray aligners instead of metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth. The aligners are constructed of a solid piece of plastic strong enough to shift the teeth and move them into the correct position. Every one or two weeks, the patient receives a new tray with an updated aligner. Each tray will feel slightly different as it shifts and moves the teeth.
The idea of using removable aligners to adjust the teeth is not a new concept. The idea was first introduced in the 1940s. Additional improvements were made through the decades, though the technology did not improve until the 1990s. The creators of Invisalign developed their mass-market system in 1999.
“Invisalign uses clear tray aligners instead of metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth.”
Three Steps to Transform a Smile
The process to get Invisalign aligners involves three simple steps. The first step includes examining the patient before taking records of their current teeth and bite. Our team will need to take photographs, scans, and X-rays to create an accurate model of their mouth and teeth. Once we collect this information, the next step is to send this information to the Invisalign laboratory.
Technicians will perform a digital scan of the patient's dental impressions and use the data to create a 3-D model before developing a proposed treatment plan. Our team will review the plan and make any necessary changes before approving it. During the last step, the Invisalign laboratory will manufacture and mail out the entire series of aligners. When the aligners are ready, the patient will return to our office to check the fit. The process of getting Invisalign typically takes about four to six weeks.
“The process of getting Invisalign typically takes about four to six weeks.”
The Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Invisalign is not without its pros and cons. Thanks to the fact that they are next-to-invisible, both teens and adults can avoid the discomfort and self-consciousness of traditional metal braces. Many patients also appreciate that they can take Invisalign aligners out to eat, brush and floss, or for social situations.
However, since they are removable, they are more likely to be lost or broken. Patients also need to be careful about what they drink when their aligners are in. Anything but water should be avoided. Liquids can seep into the plastic and stay there until the aligner is removed. This can lead to staining of the aligner and even tooth decay.
“Thanks to the fact that they are next-to-invisible, both teens and adults can avoid the discomfort and self-consciousness that comes with traditional metal braces.”
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Taking Care of Invisalign Aligners
It is essential to use and care for Invisalign aligners appropriately to have a good orthodontic outcome. For Invisalign to work, the aligners have to be worn for the recommended number of hours a day. Patients should try to limit the number of times they remove the aligners since it will not take long to exceed the time they can be left off.
Cleaning the Aligners
Patients should always rinse the aligners when they are removed. Bacteria and plaque can easily attach to them, which can cause an unpleasant odor and sticky feeling on the teeth. Aligners should be cleaned with a clear and unscented antibacterial soap. If patients use toothpaste to clean the aligners, they should make sure that it is not a brand with whitening agents, as these can wear away the plastic.
Invisalign aligners need to be stored in a case when not being worn. Leaving them out in the open exposes them to germs that can then be transferred to the mouth.
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is essential at any time, but it is a bit easier when using Invisalign versus traditional braces. Food and plaque can get trapped in conventional braces' metal brackets and can be tough to brush. Since Invisalign aligners can be removed, it is simple to brush and floss and replace the aligners when finished.
Make sure to brush and floss after meals before putting the aligners back in the mouth. This helps keep food particles from getting stuck in the aligners, leading to bacteria growth and bad breath.
“It is essential to use and care for Invisalign aligners appropriately to have a good orthodontic outcome.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the pros and cons of Invisalign?
Q. How do I use and care for Invisalign aligners?
Q. What is the process of getting Invisalign?
Q. What is the duration of Invisalign treatment?
People Also Ask
Q. What age groups use Invisalign?
Q. How often do I need to wear my clear aligners?
Q. Are braces or Invisalign aligners more effective?
Treatment Length
The treatment length will depend on various factors, such as the case complexity and how often the patient wears their aligners. Our team will determine how long each patient's treatment will take based on their specific needs and goals. We will provide patients with a more precise duration estimate during their consultation.
The average length of Invisalign treatment is 12 to 18 months. However, people will be able to start seeing changes within a matter of weeks. An article in Progress in Orthodontics concluded that Invisalign might treat mild non-extraction cases more quickly but that more complicated cases require more time than fixed appliance treatment.
“The average length of Invisalign treatment is 12 to 18 months.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Invisalign hurt?
A. Invisalign treatment is not painful, but it can cause teeth to feel sore. When patients switch out their trays, it is normal to experience some discomfort due to the pressure exerted on teeth. This is a sign that the treatment is progressing and teeth are moving into alignment.
Q. How often will I return for appointments during Invisalign treatment?
A. Invisalign treatment can save patients time coming to the office. While other orthodontic treatments typically require patients to return for adjustment appointments about every three or four weeks, Invisalign patients do not need checkups as often. Patients will need to visit our office about once every four to six weeks to ensure that the treatment progresses as planned.
Q. What are Invisalign attachments?
A. Invisalign attachments are small button-like attachments that are temporarily attached to teeth. We place these attachments at specific locations to help the aligners grip teeth as they are moving them into alignment. Not every patient will need Invisalign attachments. Our team will determine whether they are necessary.
Q. Is it normal for my teeth to feel loose after removing my Invisalign aligners?
A. It is normal for patients to feel like their teeth are loose after removing aligners. This is because their teeth are shifting. As aligners gradually move teeth into their proper position, the gums are also re-forming around each tooth.
Q. Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
A. Any orthodontic appliance has the potential to affect a person's speech. Invisalign is not likely to cause any speech problems. Patients may notice a slight lisp when speaking, but it should disappear as the tongue gets used to the aligners.
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Invisalign® Terminology
Learn More About Invisalign
For many patients, Invisalign is a practical alternative to traditional braces. If you are interested in finding out whether this treatment is right for you, call 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental in San Diego at 619-677-6133 to learn more about whether or not you are a candidate.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- Invisalign®. How Invisalign Works. 2025
- Invisalign®. Take the Smile Assessment. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business, license, and website security
- 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental was established in 2000.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: San Diego, Chula Vista, Bonita, National City, Spring Valley, La Mesa, Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, and Mission Valley
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