Get a Straighter Smile
Invisalign in Point Loma
If you are located in Point Loma, Old Town, or Ocean Beach, and you are looking for an alternative to traditional braces, Dr. Amin can help with Invisalign treatment. At Lighthouse Dental, we offer Invisalign treatment to correct your smile without traditional braces. Contact us for an orthodontic consultation now to see if Invisalign is right for you.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Understanding the Basics
Invisalign is a method of correcting your smile using clear plastic aligners. These aligners, which look similar to a retainer or a night guard, are built to exert gentle, even pressure on your teeth and shift them into the proper alignment.
Unlike braces, Invisalign is removable, so there are no dietary restrictions and it’s easier to care for your teeth by brushing and flossing as usual. Invisalign is nearly undetectable as they are almost invisible and will not affect your speech. You can straighten your teeth discreetly and enjoy your smile even during treatment.
The treatment process begins with a consultation at Lighthouse Dental. If Dr. Amin thinks you’re a good candidate, he’ll work with Invisalign to create your treatment plan. Then, you’ll get your first several sets of aligners within about a month.
Each set of aligners must be worn for about 2 weeks for 20-22 hours per day. You will switch to a new set of aligners every 2 weeks. You will also usually come to our office for a brief checkup every 6 weeks. During this checkup, you’ll receive your next several sets of aligners.
Most patients require 20-24 sets of aligners to correct their smiles, so the average treatment time is about a year. However, this can vary based on your individual orthodontic needs. Your treatment time could be longer or shorter.
What Issues Can Be Treated
With Invisalign?
Invisalign is primarily intended to treat minor or moderate orthodontic issues. Problems like gaps in your smile, uneven teeth, crooked teeth and minor bite issues are all treatable with Invisalign. However, it’s usually not recommended for more serious orthodontic problems. Invisalign treatments cannot be used to correct extremely crooked teeth, major bite/jaw position issues. For these issues, traditional braces are typically recommended.
Which Is a Better Option?
Invisalign vs. Braces
Primarily, this depends on your orthodontic needs. If you want a comfortable, clear alternative to braces and you do not have serious orthodontic problems, Invisalign is definitely a great option. It’s convenient, often faster than braces, and is usually similar in price. However, braces are a better choice if you have a lot of orthodontic problems. Invisalign is not as versatile as traditional braces are, so braces may be a better option if you have very crooked teeth or other major orthodontic problems.
Setting Things Straight
At Lighthouse Dental
If your mouth is healthy and you do not have serious orthodontic problems, you will likely be a good candidate for treatment with Invisalign. To learn more about treatment options and get an estimate for your treatment length and cost, schedule a consultation with Dr. Amin today! Give us a call at (619) 224-2204 or stop by our office at 3625 Midway Drive, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92110.