Clear Aligner Specialist in Santa Ana, CA

Clear aligners include a series of custom-fitted retainers that work to slowly straighten the teeth, correcting mild to moderate misalignment. Orthodontic treatment using clear aligners will typically include wearing the aligners for a minimum of 22 hours daily until the targeted teeth have shifted into proper alignment. They are typically made from a durable plastic and are removable to allow for increased comfort while eating, and drinking, or to ensure proper oral hygiene. The series of clear aligners often includes several different sets of clear aligners that are custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth, with each set continuing the incremental realignment of the teeth.

They are used to effectively treat the following dental conditions:

– Gapping between the teeth
– Overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites
– Crowding of the teeth
– Crooked teeth

Invisalign clear aligners work by applying pressure that is purposely included in the fitting of the aligners to the problem tooth or teeth, gradually causing them to shift position. Each set of clear aligners will typically be worn for one week before the next set is provided to continue the gradual straightening of the teeth, with each set of aligners needing to be worn a minimum of 22 hours daily to ensure that the teeth continue to shift at the appropriate rate. The movement of the affected teeth for each set of aligners will only be a fraction of a millimeter at a time to minimize discomfort and ensure the health of the surrounding gums and tissues.

The timeline of treatment using clear aligners will typically last for anywhere from 3 to 18 months, with most patients being able to achieve their final results within 6 months. To achieve the desired results within a shorter timeline, patients must wear their aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day. Once the final desired results have been achieved with the clear aligners, they will typically last a lifetime, making this a long-term orthodontic solution. To help maintain these results, it may be recommended that patients continue to wear a retainer at night, effectively preventing any shifting of the teeth to keep them in the desired positions.

One of the reasons patients will often consider having their teeth straightened through Invisalign clear aligners rather than other options available such as traditional braces is because clear aligners are far less conspicuous than the majority of other available options. Particularly for adults, a more discreet appearance for orthodontic appliances is highly preferred, with most other people not even noticing when clear aligners are being worn. The fact that Invisalign clear aligners are easily removable is also a significant benefit to this treatment, allowing patients to eat whatever they want without risking causing damage to the aligners, while also being able to remove them to regularly floss and brush the teeth, as well as properly clean the aligners, making it easy to maintain their oral hygiene throughout treatment. Invisalign clear aligners also tend to be far more comfortable than traditional metal braces as there are no stray wires or bulky brackets that tend to damage the surrounding gums and inside of the lips, unlike traditional braces.

While it is entirely possible to receive at least partial coverage for clear aligners, the answer to this question will vary case by case as it is entirely dependent on whether your health insurance provider offers coverage. Invisalign can be considered as a medically necessary treatment as it prevents future dental problems, but can also be considered a cosmetic procedure, with coverage typically only being offered for treatments that are considered to be medically necessary. To determine if your insurance provider offers any coverage for clear aligners, it is recommended that you reach out to your insurance provider directly to inquire about your personal insurance policy.

Clear aligners at Bay Dental Family Dentistry & Orthodontics offer a more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable treatment experience, improve dental hygiene, and lead to less discomfort than fixed orthodontic appliances. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3620 S. Bristol St. Suite #307, Santa Ana, CA 92704. We serve patients from Santa Ana CA, Orange CA, Anaheim CA, Irvine CA, Garden Grove CA, Westminster CA, Costa Mesa CA, Lakewood CA, and South Coast metro areas.