Q&A About Invisalign

If you want to straighten your smile, then you’ll need to consider which orthodontic treatment is best for you. So, asking questions and gathering information (like Invisalign facts!) is the best place to start.

As a Master of the American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA), Dr. Mina Levi of California Dental Innovations isn’t just knowledgeable about Invisalign–she’s an expert. So, her patients can feel confident that she is using only the latest technology and the best quality materials.

Ready to take the leap with Invisalign? Schedule your consultation by calling 415-513-5066 or booking it online here. Need more Invisalign facts and information? Keep reading–we’ll give you everything you need to know!

How do I know if I’m a good Invisalign candidate?

Typically, Dr. Mina recommends Invisalign for patients with mild to moderate alignment issues. This may include patients with:

  • Slightly crooked teeth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Gaps in their smile
  • Overbites, underbites, or crossbites
  • Crowded teeth

However, some patients with severe alignment issues may be better suited for metal braces. Nevertheless, Dr. Mina uses non-invasive, modern digital-scanning technology to determine your Invisalign candidacy.

Does Invisalign treatment hurt?

Both clear aligners and metal braces may cause patients some discomfort. This is because they both require constant pressure on the teeth to shift them into proper alignment.

However, patients should not be in extreme discomfort. If you are experiencing severe pain, let Dr. Mina and her team know immediately. 

How long will it take to straighten my teeth with Invisalign?

Usually, Invisalign patients can expect to straighten their teeth in as little as 6 to 18 months. However, patients must wear their clear aligners for 22 hours a day to see those results. 

Patients who don’t wear their aligners for the prescribed amount of time will notice a lengthier treatment plan. So, patients must be committed to their treatment plan to see their desired results! 

Will I get a straight smile faster with Invisalign?

Typically, yes. This is usually because patients who require metal braces require more time and treatment planning to get their desired smile. However, Invisalign patients must follow their treatment plan closely to get a straight smile within a 6 to 18 month timeline. 

Will Invisalign cause white spots on my teeth?

Braces have a reputation for causing white spots on patients’ teeth. This is because the metal brackets on braces make teeth cleaning more difficult. Subsequently, bacterial growth around the brackets may cause unsightly tooth discoloration.

Because Invisalign is completely removable, patients can better clean their teeth and aligners. Therefore, patients with Invisalign do not risk getting white spots or discoloration on their teeth as much.

(Psst! If you have white spots on your teeth, Dr. Mina offers minimally-invasive, color-correcting dental bonding treatments!)

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of Invisalign depends on each patient’s unique treatment plan. However, other factors (such as insurance coverage and treatment adherence) will impact the overall cost of Invisalign. 

Nevertheless, Dr. Mina Levi offers flexible financing options. So, if cost is a concern, then let our team know. We are more than happy to discuss alternative solutions with you!

Is my child too young for Invisalign?

It is not uncommon for children’s permanent teeth to come in crooked, crowded, or misaligned. So, that’s why Invisalign First focuses on improving children’s smiles as they grow.

Invisalign First is best for little smiles between the ages of 6-12 years old. Correcting children’s smiles at this age helps prevent narrow dental arches, bite issues, and jaw pain as they get older.

What are some Invisalign facts that I should know about?

There are many interesting Invisalign facts, but here are just a few Invisalign facts to help you make a more informed decision.

You can see your new smile before you begin treatment.

It’s true! Dr. Mina uses cutting-edge dental technology (like Digital Smile Design) to expertly map your Invisalign treatment. So, patients can get a glimpse of their straightened smile before they commit to the Invisalign process.

Straight teeth may improve your oral, physical, and mental health.

Research suggests that straight teeth directly impact the health of your entire body. This may be because:

  • Straight teeth are easier to keep clean, which helps prevent cavities.
  • With fewer cavities, there are fewer harmful bacteria in the mouth to disrupt the good bacteria of the gut.
  • People with straight teeth feel more confident about their appearance, which improves their mental health.

You’ll spend less time in the dentist’s chair with Invisalign.

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign patients do not need to come into the office for manual adjustments. Instead, patients simply get a new set of aligners every two weeks in accordance with their treatment plan. Subsequently, Invisalign saves you valuable time and money.  

Invisalign in San Francisco, CA

Need more Invisalign facts and information? No problem! Dr. Mina Levi and her talented California Dental Innovations team are ready to answer all of your questions. Schedule your initial consultation today by calling 415-513-5066 or booking it online here.