Invisalign® in Palo Alto, CA

Your Local Invisalign® Provider in Palo Alto, CA: Take The First Step To A New Smile!

Everyone wants to be confident in their smile. But many dental problems prevent some from having the smile they desire. Invisalign^® offers people a solution to straighten their teeth conveniently and affordably. Dr. Yoo and the Palo Alto Orthodontics staff proudly offer Invisalign^® treatment to our patients.

What is Invisalign^®?

Invisalign^® is a virtually invisible set of clear aligner trays that fit over your teeth to gradually shift them into proper alignment. It helps fix dental problems such as overcrowding, crookedness, overbite, crossbite, underbite, and spaces between teeth. The aligners are made up of multiple layers of thin plastic materials for a design that is flexible, gentle, and durable. The round edges are smooth so as not to irritate the mouth tissues.

Over 10 million patients have a new smile and newfound confidence because of Invisalign^®, which is available for adults and teens.

Palo Alto Invisalign®: How It Works

During a consultation with your orthodontist to determine if Invisalign^® is right for you, a 3D model of your teeth is made using an iTero scanner. We will walk you through the entire process, including a demonstration to show you how your teeth will shift and what your teeth will look like throughout the treatment. The model of your teeth helps the orthodontist create a special set of aligner trays specifically for your teeth.

You should wear the aligners for 22 hours every day for maximum efficiency and performance. Failure to do so could delay your progress. You will receive a new set of aligner trays every two weeks. Each set represents the next stage of shifting your teeth into place. This is a gradual process that takes around 6 to 24 months to complete.

Unlike traditional braces that can be uncomfortable, you can remove Invisalign^® before every meal and maintain your normal diet without any eating restrictions. Cleaning the aligners is easy as well. Simply use a soft toothbrush and gently scrub your aligners inside and out to wipe away any buildup you may see. You can also clean the aligners by using Invisalign^® cleaning crystals or a variety of other aligner cleaners on the market.

Also unlike braces, you won’t need to visit the orthodontist as many times throughout treatment. An appointment every eight to ten weeks to evaluate your progress is enough. Upon completion of your treatment, you’ll have to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their old positions. However, you will only have to wear it at night after a short period.

Cost of Invisalign^® in Palo Alto

Available payment plans and insurance coverage make Invisalign^® a more affordable and accessible treatment option than ever before. The average cost of treatment is between $3,000 to $9,000 depending on what kind of treatment you need. Every case is different and some are more complicated than others. Dr. Yoo will be able to inform you of the price of your treatment after the examination is complete. We provide a breakdown of the fees and will gladly file claims to your insurance provider on your behalf if your provider covers Invisalign^®. It would be best to talk to your insurance provider ahead of time to ask about coverage.  Palo Alto Orthodontics also offers flexible in-house payment plans to make treatment more affordable for you. We will work with your budget and there are no hidden fees.

Do’s And Don’ts

Part of receiving Invisalign^® treatment is knowing what to do and what not to do. Your orthodontist will explain the process to you during the consultation and examination phase as you prepare to get your custom aligners.

While you can eat whatever you want during treatment, you must remove your aligners before you eat. Certain hard foods could damage the trays and sticky foods could make a mess that makes cleaning more difficult. Besides, removing your aligners to eat is the perfect opportunity to clean them. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth after you eat so that food particles don’t get stuck on your aligners when you put them back in your mouth.

You shouldn’t smoke while wearing your aligners because smoking can discolor or stain them. One of the reasons you likely chose Invisalign^® is because it is discreet. An aligner with stains is noticeable to others.

Don’t use your aligners as a mouthguard when playing sports. Invisalign^® is made to straighten your teeth, not protect them on the field of play. Always remove your aligners and replace them with a suitable mouthguard for sports. Be sure to store your aligners in their case where you can find them and wear them after you are done playing.

Is Invisalign^® right for me?

Invisalign^® treatment is not for everyone. Every case is different, and whether this treatment is right for you is a determination that can only be made by your orthodontist. People with dental implants, bridges, and jaw joint disorders are not good candidates for Invisalign. In addition, people whose teeth are smaller than normal, misshapen, or eroding may not qualify either.

Patients also must be able to exercise a good amount of responsibility and commitment to their treatment. Unlike traditional braces that are bonded to your teeth, clear aligners are removable and must be worn for at least 22 hours every day to work effectively. If you don’t think you can handle this kind of responsibility, braces may be a better option because they stay in place for the duration of treatment, albeit with some dietary and other restrictions. How noticeable your braces are can be alleviated by choosing lingual braces that are bonded to the back of your teeth instead of the front.

Our Invisalign® Promise at Palo Alto Orthodontics

We want you to have the smile you have been dreaming of. That’s why if Invisalign^® is not working for you, we can easily switch you to braces. Either way, Palo Alto Orthodontics is here to help you make the best decision for your teeth and will be there to assist you every step of the way. So, take the first step. To make an appointment, please call or text our office at 650-327-2310.