19 FAQ's on Invisalign Woodland Hills

Part One: Covering the Basics

When the camera comes out, does your smile go into hiding? Teeth that aren’t straight, that are too crowded, or that are too widely spaced can make you feel self-conscious about your smile when you’re in pictures, when you’re meeting new people, and when you’re dealing with clients and co-workers. Many people resign themselves to living with these tooth placement issues—or what your dentist would call malocclusions—because they assume that the only way to fix them is to get braces.

If that sounds like you, then there is good news: Invisalign. It's an alternative to braces that uses clear, plastic aligners, rather than metal brackets and wires, to shift your teeth to a healthier and more aesthetically-pleasing position. That means that you can get the smile you’ve always wanted without dealing with braces that are obvious to everyone and that can make your teeth feel sore and achy. Do you want to know more about how Invisalign could change your smile? Here are the answers to some of the questions that patients commonly ask about when they want to learn the basics about this treatment option.

What are the benefits clear braces and how does it work?

For many people, the most important benefit is that the aligners are clear, so no one will know that you are wearing them. Patients of all ages appreciate this aspect of Invisalign treatment, but adults are especially receptive to the idea of fixing orthodontic issues without having to wear obvious braces. For people who have been avoiding treatment because they were worried about braces affecting their careers or relationships, Invisalign is a great solution.

There is a long list of other benefits of Invisalign, but some of the most popular are:

• You remove the aligners to eat, brush, and floss, so you don’t have to change your diet or oral hygiene routine.
• You can usually get results faster than with traditional braces.
• Because the aligners are removable, they don’t get in the way when you’re playing instruments or wearing a mouthguard to play sports.

Invisalign works using a series of aligners that gently and gradually move your teeth to a position you and your dentist have decided on together. Each aligner moves your teeth a little more, until you get the exact results you want. Then, you can wear a retainer to ensure your teeth don’t shift back.

How many treatments do I have to go through?

Treatment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Your dentist will work with you to devise a treatment plan, so that you know what to expect throughout the process. Although the number of treatments that are necessary varies from patient to patient, most people get results much faster than with traditional braces.

How long would I have to wear it?

Aligners are removable, but you should wear them for as long as possible each day. Generally, you should get at least 22 hours of wearing time per day to keep your treatment plan on track.

Each aligner set should be worn for about two weeks. However, your dentist will tell you exactly how long you need to wear your aligners, based on your specific needs.

How do I care for it?

Caring for your aligners is easy. Rinsing your aligners will help to get rid of saliva and plaque from the surfaces. You should also gently brush them using your toothbrush. Your dentist can recommend a soak that you can use for extra cleaning as well, but don’t use a standard mouthwash or any other product without clearing with your dentist to avoid damaging your aligners.

Caring for your aligners also means caring for your teeth. You should brush and floss as you normally do to ensure that you’re putting your aligners over clean teeth.

Is it painful, or do I need anesthesia to get fitted for Invisalign?

Another benefit of Invisalign is that getting fitted is completely painless. There is no anesthesia necessary. Your dentist will take pictures and a mold of your mouth and then use a special software program to map out your treatment plan. You shouldn’t experience any discomfort at all.

Sometimes, a new set of aligners can make your mouth feel a little sore, since they will fit snugly on your teeth. This feeling is usually mild and will pass within a day or two. The process of getting a new aligner is much more comfortable than the process of getting braces tightened.

What is the difference between Invisalign and braces?

Invisalign and braces both do the same job, but they do it very differently. Invisalign’s removable aligners are not noticeable to anyone when you’re wearing them, and you don’t have to change your diet or your oral hygiene routine while you are in treatment.

Braces straighten your teeth using a system of metal wires and brackets. The wires are tightened periodically to shift the teeth. Invisalign makes these shifts through a series of custom-made aligners that are swapped about every two weeks.

Can my child get Invisalign?

Invisalign is approved for treating kids and adults. The best way to find out if it is right for your child is to make an appointment with his or her dentist for a consultation.

I think I’m ready for Invisalign. What’s next?

The next step is to make an appointment with Pearl Zadeh. She can help you decide if Invisalign is the best choice for you and can help you get started on a treatment plan.  3rd party financing options are available through care credit and lending club.

Pearl Zadeh DDS offers comprehensive general and cosmetic dental care as well as holistic and biomimetic dentistry. Find out more today by calling our dental office in Woodland Hills at (818) 716-6722. We’re accepting new patients and can help you get set up for an personal consultation.

PART 2

PART 3