Invisalign® Clear Teeth Aligners
Each year, millions of Americans get braces, and thousands of school pictures will feature a child or teen with a shiny silver smile. If you did not get braces as a child; you may be too embarrassed to get them now, because older teens and adults are typically not seen with metal or ceramic braces. Fortunately, there is a solution. Los Angeles dentist , Ebi Nikjoo, DDS, can fit you for invisalign Aligner's.
Your Teeth Straightening Process
Invisalign® clear teeth aligners are clear, plastic trays that fit over your teeth. Like traditional metal braces, they slowly straighten your teeth until they are in their proper place. At your initial visit, Dr. Nikjoo will take impressions of your teeth. From there, you will have your aligners custom made for you. You will then receive a series of trays, which you will replace about every two weeks with the next in the series.
Occasionally you will come in for follow ups to make sure everything is going smoothly and have a new set made from updated impressions of your teeth. Each set of clear aligners will be slightly modified to gradually move your teeth to their optimal position. This process will continue until your teeth are fully corrected and you and Dr. Nikjoo are satisfied with the results.
Advantages of the Invisalign® System
Invisalign retainers have several distinct advantages over traditional ceramic or metal braces. Perhaps the greatest advantage is that they are transparent. This makes them far less noticeable than traditional braces. A casual observer is unlikely to notice the aligners at all. In addition, patients prefer aligners over braces because they are removable. You can remove them to eat, clean your teeth, or to play a high impact sport. The fact that they are removable also makes oral care much easier. You will not need flossing devices or special toothbrushes to clean your teeth. You can also eat all of your favorite foods, including barbecue ribs, whole apples, and corn on the cob without worrying about food getting stuck or damaging your braces. They also remove the need for adjusting, replacing broken wires, and other common problems people have with braces.
Invisalign® aligners are a breakthrough for many patients, but they aren’t for everyone. Pre-teens and younger children may be prone to losing or breaking the aligners. Some patients who are in need of extensive correction may require traditional metal or ceramic braces, because braces are more effective in moving severely misplaced teeth. Dr. Nikjoo often only recommends invisible aligners for all ages.
After you are done with your treatment, you will generally wear a night time retainer to help keep your teeth in place. In fact, some patients with minor straightening issues may find this is all they need in lieu of Invisalign®.
How Much Does It Cost?
We are hesitant to say upfront what the cost of Invisalign® are, due to the variables of each case. Treatments can range from about $2,000 to $9,000 dollars. The average is closer to $3,000 to $5000. Dr. Nikjoo offers financing for all of his treatments, and Invisalign® is no exception.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Nikjoo will perform a comprehensive examination and he will be better able to estimate the costs of your treatment. He will also take into consideration your personal needs and goals, and adjust the price and length of treatment accordingly. The length of treatment will often be the main indicator of how much any given treatment may cost.
Are There Alternatives?
In addition to Invisalign® treatments, Dr. Nikjoo can create removable retainers that can be worn only at night for correction of minor misalignment of teeth. Keeping your teeth straightened is not only important to maintaining an attractive, but healthy smile as well. In recent years, dentists, orthodontists, and other health practitioners have noted that crooked teeth and malocclusion is cause for numerous oral health issues, including tooth decay as the surfaces of crooked teeth may be difficult to brush and floss. Straight teeth are not only aesthetically appealing, but they are good for your dental health.
Dr. Nikjoo can help you decide if Invisalign® or night time retainers are right for you. Call his office today at (310) 208-8551 to make an appointment for a FREE consultation.