Orthodontics can treat cosmetic concerns, bite problems, and dental health issues. Most patients with mild to moderate problems can find effective treatment with clear aligners. Invisalign® is a popular alternative to braces. Dr. Jason Baldwin is a Lake Tahoe area Invisalign provider conveniently located in Truckee, CA. He can work with you to straighten your smile and improve your overall dental health.
Invisalign is less noticeable than braces because they do not use metal brackets, wires, and colorful elastics. In addition, Invisalign provides quicker treatment than braces. Because Invisalign uses removable aligners, you can conveniently clean your aligners and your smile.
What Problems Can Invisalign Treat?
Dr. Baldwin may recommend invisible braces as part of a smile makeover or cosmetic treatment plan or to address:
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Tooth gaps
- Spaces between teeth
In about a year, most patients can complete treatment and enjoy a beautiful new smile and improved dental health. Patients also enjoy several key benefits with Invisalign clear braces:
- Treatment is easy to plan with comfortable digital impressions
- Easy, convenient aligners are removable for daily oral hygiene, eating, and dental care
- Clear aligners are made from a comfortable material that will not irritate the gums and soft tissues of the mouth
Straightening your teeth will not only improve the look of your smile but will also improve your dental health in many ways. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss daily and will not contribute to bite problems down the road.
Who is a Candidate For Invisalign?
Before Invisalign treatment, we will examine your teeth and gums. Our office will take dental X-rays to understand your bite alignment. We recommend Invisalign treatment for teens and adults. Invisalign is best for patients who have a fully developed jaw and palate. Patients with mild to moderate orthodontic problems, including tooth gaps, spacing issues, or crooked teeth, are also good candidates.
We may not recommend Invisalign if you have severe bruxism. Severe teeth clenching and grinding can damage and even break the aligners.
Invisalign Treatment in Truckee, CA
Your treatment begins with easy, digital impressions. Dr. Baldwin takes these impressions with iTero, a handheld chairside device. iTero shows images of your teeth on a computer. We send these digital images to the Invisalign lab to create your custom aligners. These images can also show you what your smile will look like by the end of your treatment.
A lab create aligners are created with a soft-hard clear plastic, ultra-thin, and durable material. They are transparent and designed to fit securely against your teeth. This makes them virtually invisible to others. The soft plastic material helps reduce irritation of the lips, tongue, and gums.
Once your aligners are ready, Dr. Baldwin will provide instructions on when and for how long to wear each pair of aligners. The aligners will gradually move your teeth into a straighter position. Your detailed treatment plan will give you a new set of clear aligners every two weeks. The final aligner will serve as a retainer to maintain your tooth position.
At first, you will constantly wear your retainer as you would your clear aligners. Over time, once you are used to the retainer, we recommend that you wear them at night. Please let us know if you damage or lose your retainer. We can create a replacement to prevent your teeth from shifting out of their straight position.
Invisalign FAQs
Learn more about Invisalign in our Truckee, CA office as we answer these commonly asked questions:
How much does Invisalign cost?
Many patients are surprised to learn how affordable Invisalign can be compared to traditional metal braces. The total cost of your treatment will depend on the severity of your issue. It will also depend on how many aligners you need to straighten your teeth.
On average, Invisalign treatment costs from $3,500 to $8,000. The national average is $5,000 per case. A minor treatment case, such as an adult with an orthodontic relapse, may cost as little as $2,000. Dr. Baldwin will evaluate your dental health and let you know how much it will cost to treat your concerns.
Will dental insurance cover invisible aligners?
Insurance does not typically cover Invisalign. Dr. Baldwin will help you with billing and paperwork to maximize your dental insurance benefits. We also offer third-party financing and payment plans for patients concerned about the cost of Invisalign treatment.
What should I do with my Invisalign while eating?
Remove your aligners before eating. Most people have a case where they always store their appliances while eating. Clean your teeth and Invisalign aligners after eating. We do not recommend wrapping your aligners in a paper towel or napkin, as you can lose them. Please keep them in their case while you eat.
What can I eat and drink while wearing Invisalign?
Many people drink coffee and other drinks with Invisalign. This is not a good idea. Drinks can discolor your Invisalign aligners, making it look like you’re wearing a yellow appliance instead of a clear one.
You can drink water while wearing an Invisalign, but that is the only drink you should have with your aligners. Avoid sodas, tea, coffee, and any drink other than water. In addition, avoid hot water, as this can damage your aligners.
Is Invisalign painful?
Invisalign can cause discomfort when wearing your new aligners. The aligners are working to shift your teeth into their new positions. However, most patients describe it as a feeling of pressure rather than pain.
This discomfort typically fades after a few days as your mouth adjusts to each new aligner. If you have persistent pain, check in with your orthodontist.
How soon do you see Invisalign results?
You should start noticing changes in your teeth within a few weeks. However, results vary from patient to patient. The total treatment time typically ranges from six to twelve months. Regular visits with your orthodontist will help track your progress.
Straighten Crooked Teeth Today
Do you need Invisalign in Lake Tahoe, CA, or Truckee, CA? Call Dr. Baldwin for treatment today at (530) 206-0392 or schedule a dental appointment online. If you have questions about Invisalign, please let us know. We will be glad to answer your treatment questions at your next visit.