Category Archives: Invisalign

Top 6 Invisalign FAQs

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Today, Invisalign braces are one of the most popular orthodontics solutions for teeth straightening and improving the bite. The reason for the popularity of Invisalign is that it is almost invisible in your mouth. To help you learn more about Invisalign, we are discussing the top 6 Invisalign FAQs below.

Top 6 Invisalign FAQs

1. What Is the Difference Between Invisalign and Braces?

Invisalign is a teeth-straightening solution that comes in the form of clear plastic aligners. During the treatment, you will be given several sets of custom-made trays that work by strategically applying pressure to your teeth and shifting their position over time.

The big advantage of Invisalign is that it can be removed when eating and brushing your teeth, compared to braces. This means that Invisalign is easier to clean, and no dietary restrictions are needed. The average timeline of the whole treatment with Invisalign is from 10 to 18 months. Invisalign can be used for both teenagers and adults.

The principle of working with traditional braces is very similar to that of Invisalign. However, they can not be removed and are more noticeable on your teeth, as they consist of metal wires and brackets. On top of that, the cleaning process is more complicated, sometimes making dental hygiene routine quite a chore. Also, in many cases, you will have dietary restrictions when wearing braces.

2. Why Do I Need Treatment with Invisalign?

Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign can solve a variety of dental and general health issues. Straight teeth are not only more aesthetically pleasing, but also make oral hygiene much easier, leading to lower risk of tooth decay and gum disease. This will also have positive effects on the digestive system, and on the whole body as a result. Misaligned bite and teeth crowding can also lead to speech impediments, sinus congestion, back and neck pain.

3. Who Can Have Invisalign Treatment?

Typically, Invisalign treatment is effective for most people when treating spacing, crowding, and bite issues. However, there are several factors that can determine if this method will be effective for you.

General oral health.

If your teeth and gums are in fairly good condition and do not require a lot of treatment, you will most likely be able to start with Invisalign right away.

Severity of misalignment.

Even though Invisalign is a very effective solution for many orthodontics issues, there are severe cases when Invisalign will not work as well. In such situations braces are a preferred solution.

The ability to commit to the treatment.

It is great that Invisalign can be removed from your mouth if need be, but it also means that there is much more temptation to do so more often. It is especially tempting to take out the trays when your teeth hurt because of the pressure applied to them. But you will have to wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours a day for the treatment to work. If you think that you can not maintain this level of discipline, braces will be a better choice as they are bonded to your teeth and can not be removed at will.

4. Is Invisalign Comfortable to Wear?

Generally, Invisalign is considered to be a more comfortable option than metal braces. Often, braces can rub against your cheeks, creating sores. Invisalign is smooth and will be less likely to cause such inconvenience. As we mentioned before, Invisalign is also easier to clean than braces, making the hygiene routine more straightforward. On top of that, Invisalign treatment requires fewer visits to your dentist compared to braces, meaning that it will save you some time.

5. What Are the Disadvantages of Invisalign Treatment?

One of disadvantages is that invisalign can be less effective for treating complicated cases compared to traditional braces. Also, the time of treatment can be significantly prolonged, if the patient can not commit to wearing the trays for 20 to 22 hours a day. Other than that, Invisalign proves to be a highly effective and comfortable solution.

6. How Do I Get Invisalign?

Schedule an appointment at Samaritan Dental to have a checkup and consultation. Our qualified DTLA dentist will determine if Invisalign is suitable for you and if any prior treatment is needed. Then e-rays, scans, and digital modeling are done. Later, they will be sent to the laboratory and used to create a set of trays right and comfortable for you.

When you receive a custom-made set of aligners, all you have to do is to wear them diligently and to see how your teeth get straighter leading to a beautiful and healthy smile.

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Can Invisalign fix an overbite?

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Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment. It is an effective treatment and a great alternative to traditional braces. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is discreet as the aligners are clear. The treatment offers a variety of benefits and can treat a number of issues. You may wonder, can Invisalign fix an overbite? Below, you will find what Invisalign can address and why the treatment is right for you.

Can Invisalign fix an overbite?

Invisalign aligners are custom-made plastic trays that snugly fit around your teeth. Over time, they effectively move your teeth into the desired position. Common issues addressed by Invisalign include alignment, spacing, and overbites. An overbite involves your upper teeth extending further forward than your lower teeth. This can impact your speech and ability to properly chew. It can also negatively impact the appearance of your smile. Invisalign has been shown to successfully correct mild to moderate overbites. Your DTLA dentist can help determine the severity of your overbite. They can also provide you with a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your dental goals.

Invisalign Treatment

The first step in moving forward with treatment is scheduling a consultation. Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate, you can begin treatment. If there are any oral health issues that would impact your treatment, those issues are dealt with before you begin treatment. Common issues include tooth decay or gum disease.

Treatment involves wearing custom-made invisible trays. These slowly move your teeth into the desired position. The effectiveness of treatment depends on wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. Each tray is swapped out every one to two weeks. Each aligner is slightly different from the last to ensure consistent and gradual progress. Invisalign braces can take as little as six months to up to two years. The duration depends on the severity of your rural health issues and how consistent you are with treatment.

Benefits of Invisalign

Having a straight smile that you are proud of can boost your confidence, in addition to a number of other benefits. Consider the following benefits of Invisalign if you are unhappy with the look of your smile.

Aesthetic Benefits:

Invisalign can improve the appearance of your smile. It can close gaps, straighten crooked teeth, and address overbites or underbites. These are just a few of the ways Invisalign can enhance your smile.

Comfort:

For the most part, Invisalign aligners are comfortable. Traditional braces are bulky and can cut into areas of your mouth. This can be really uncomfortable. Aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and do not cause irritation. You may feel minor discomfort the first day you wear new aligners, but this subsides within a short time.

Discreet:

Invisalign aligners are clear, which makes them a discrete option as compared to traditional braces. This is a major benefit for professionals, as bulky braces can be distracting. Taking good care of your oral health and aligners can ensure they stay clear and discreet.

Easy Maintenance:

Unlike traditional braces, your aligners can be easily removed. This makes maintaining your oral health much easier. It’s also really convenient as you can clean your aligners while you care for your oral health. Despite wearing aligners, you should still brush your teeth at least twice a day. In addition, it’s necessary to floss each time before you put your aligners in. This can reduce your risk of decay and ensure your oral health stays in good shape.

Improved Oral Health:

Aligned teeth are beneficial for your oral health. In fact, it can reduce your risk of decay and other harmful oral health issues. This is because aligned teeth are easier to clean. There is also less risk of missing bacteria and leftover debris in the hard-to-reach places in your mouth. Aligners can effectively align your teeth, which improves your oral health in the long run.

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7 Signs You Are Ready for Invisalign

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Do you have misaligned, malformed, or broken teeth? Are you an adult who has never had braces but you are now invested in the overall health and wellness of your teeth? You might be the perfect candidate for Invisalign. Whether or not you believe you are a good fit, it might be worth visiting your dentist in Downtown LA to talk about it.

7 Signs You Are Ready for Invisalign

Below, we want to talk about some of the obvious and not-so-obvious ways that might make our dentists recommend this invisible aligner treatment for you. Take a look at these top 7 signs you are ready for Invisalign and give us a call today if you agree.

Your Teeth Are Misaligned

Misalignments are more than just an aesthetically displeasing condition. They can actually cause your teeth to become overcrowded or gapped, leaving plenty of room for infection. You can straighten your teeth for the betterment of your oral health by investing in Invisalign braces for a quick and painless treatment.

You Can’t Bite Down Correctly

If you have a misaligned bite, you might want to visit your dentist for orthodontic treatment. Most adults can become great candidates for Invisalign based on having a bottom-front bite or an overbite, which can both make it difficult to bite and chew over time. This can also lead to the development of TMJ.

Nose Misalignment

Your orthodontist may recommend Invisalign if your teeth aren’t lining up with your nose or lips. It’s important to maintain a perfect midline, which is the center point between your teeth. It should be pretty close to the middle of your face, although it may be severely misaligned for some folks. Whenever this is the case, it’s a good idea to get professional advice about what to do next.

You Don’t Want Braces

If you are aware that you need orthodontic assistance but you dread the thought of wearing metal braces for several years, you’re in luck, because Invisalign is just the opposite. The nearly invisible aligners can be removed when you are eating or brushing your teeth, making them so much easier to camouflage in photos or when you are out with your friends. What’s more, Invisalign treatment times are often shorter than those of traditional metal braces.

You Can’t Floss

You are trying your best to maintain the best daily oral health routine by brushing and flossing. However, when you try to floss, you just can’t seem to get the floss all the way in between your teeth. They may be too close together, which means that your teeth are overcrowding. This leads to a number of dental issues such as bacteria buildup and gum infections that can easily get out of hand. Invisalign can realign your teeth, spacing them apart more evenly so you can make future flossing endeavors a breeze.

You Have Other Dental Health Issues

Besides misalignments, overcrowding, and trouble flossing, have you been visiting the dentist for a number of other reasons as well? You might not just be prone to bad dental luck. Your issues with overcrowding might be causing you to have other health conditions because it can be harder for you to brush and floss. Get in touch with your trusted dentist today to find out what options are available to you ASAP.

You Don’t Like Your Teeth

You just simply might not like how your teeth look. Maybe you think they look crooked, and although they don’t cause any major dental health issues, they just keep letting you down. You can easily restore both your dental health and your confidence with top-notch Invisalign aligners, which are customized to fit the shape and structure of your teeth.

Learn more about how you can start your own personalized treatment of Invisalign in Downtown Los Angeles when you contact us at Samaritan Dental arts today!

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6 Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Invisalign

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Orthodontics may be an option if you have crooked or misaligned teeth. But, a lot of people don’t want to deal with metal in their mouths. With Invisalign, individuals can have a more beautiful smile in a shorter time. The Invisalign system works by gradually shifting your teeth using a series of removable aligners. Invisalign is quickly becoming a popular choice for patients of all ages. Here are the top questions to ask your dentist about Invisalign.

6 Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Invisalign

Most of our LA patients want to know whether this procedure is safe and effective. Our dentist in downtown Los Angeles will show you the most important questions to ask your dentist about Invisalign before you invest in the procedure.

Is Invisalign Safe?

Both adults and adolescents can have straighter teeth with Invisalign. You can wear these aligners comfortably at home and in daily activities. If patients are required to wear mouthguards while competing in high-impact sports like boxing and wrestling, they should take off their aligners. Although this decision is not always easy for everyone, many parents decide to not give their children braces or removable aligners. They are likely to damage or lose them. Plus, their teeth may not yet be fully grown in.

How Do They Work?

Invisalign uses flexible and removable aligner trays, rather than traditional braces, which use wires to pull teeth down into the correct alignment. To be effective, Invisalign aligners must be worn for between 20 and 22 hours per day. Just because you can remove them doesn’t mean they should be left off. If you want good results, you should only remove them when you eat and when you clean them during your dental hygiene routine.

What Are the Most Common Dental Problems that Invisalign Can Treat?

Invisalign can solve many common issues. These include issues such as underbite or overbite. Invisalign is also able to straighten your crooked teeth, remove crowded areas, or close gaps between teeth. If you require any major tooth movement after severe misalignment or injury, you may require metal braces to assist you after an Invisalign treatment.

Can Invisalign Allow Me To Eat While Wearing the Aligners?

Remember that you must remove Invisalign aligners before you start to eat. This is because food can cause damage to the aligners and slow down the process of straightening your teeth. The more damage you get, the less effective the overall Invisalign treatment will be. Make sure to clean your trays before and after you eat, and every day before you replace them.

What Is the Best Thing to Drink with Invisalign?

Patients should really only drink water while actively wearing Invisalign. Because hot beverages like tea and coffee can cause alignment warping and staining, it’s best not to touch them. Sugary drinks like Gatorade, juice, and soda can also stick into the space between your teeth. When wearing your trays, this sugar will end up stuck and advance the production of decay. It remains important to reach out to your dentist right away when this problem comes up.

What Is the Typical Duration of Invisalign Treatment?

Many patients are curious to know how long a usual Invisalign treatment will last. Invisalign aligners should be consistently used for 9-12 months. Patients may need more time, particularly if the aligners are broken or not being worn correctly. If you are curious about whether or not you are a likely candidate for Invisalign treatment, reach out to our LA dentist right away.

Find the Best Dental Treatment for You Today!

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we invest in the highest-quality treatment for all of our patients. We want you to get the most out of an innovative solution for invisible braces in Los Angeles. Contact our orthodontic specialists today to see the benefits of Invisalign for yourself!

Invisalign tray suspended in clear water solution in glass

How to Clean Invisalign Trays

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There are many benefits and perks of having Invisalign aligners in comparison to traditional metal braces. But if you don’t spend time properly cleaning out your Invisalign trays, they won’t make all the necessary changes to your teeth, and your investment in Invisalign may end up being a waste. Knowing how to clean Invisalign trays is crucial.

Prevent wasting your time and money by taking good care of your Invisalign trays. Cleaning them is easy, but it is important to clean them regularly. Below, our downtown Los Angeles Samaritan Dental Arts pros highlight the best ways to clean your Invisalign aligners, giving you the full extent of benefits that these miraculous clear aligners can bring.

Clean Your Invisalign in the Morning – and the Evening

Get into the habit of cleaning your Invisalign trays first thing in the morning. During the night, while you sleep, bacteria love to build up on the surface of your teeth – even if you are actively wearing your aligners. This is the same reason it’s a good idea to brush your teeth first thing in the morning – wipe away that layer of bacteria so it can’t cause an infection!

Clean your aligners in the morning by rinsing them with water. The Invisalign website recommends cleaning your aligners and your trays thoroughly each morning and evening. You can use water and a soft brush to scrub them gently, or you can use recommended anti-bacterial soap in addition to water.

Never soak your Invisalign trays in mouthwash. The chemicals may damage the tray and the aligners and distort them so they no longer fit.

Soak Once Per Day – And Brush Your Teeth

You should always brush and floss your teeth while your aligners are out. When you soak your aligners, which you should do once a day, you should also be caring for your natural teeth.

We recommend soaking your aligners in a denture cleaner or the Invisalign crystals that you will receive when you are fitted for your Invisalign aligners. It’s essential to soak your trays once per day to prevent the buildup of bacteria that can come from leftover food particles in your mouth.

Never leave your Invisalign trays out. Make sure to store them in their proper case when they aren’t being used; again, this is to prevent a buildup of bacteria.

One more thing – when using a soft toothbrush to clean your aligners, make sure it is not the same toothbrush that you use on your teeth.

Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners – What NOT To Do

Learning the proper way to clean your aligners is easy, but you also need to know what not to do to keep your teeth healthy and clean.

Make sure never to use scented soaps when cleaning your trays, for the same reason you don’t want to use mouthwash. There could be too many chemicals involved that ruin the shape or structure of your aligners.

You also shouldn’t eat or drink when your Invisalign aligners are in your mouth. They aren’t meant to be used that way and could get damaged easily. Not to mention, it’s too easy to get bacteria and food particles stuck in the aligners. These can stain them or prevent them from working properly.

Get Fitted for Invisalign Today!

Invisalign braces are wildly popular, and for a good reason. Not only do they look and feel better than traditional braces, but they are also easier to wear. You can remove them while you eat and brush your teeth with simple instructions for how to clean them. Our orthodontists at Samaritan Dental Arts are happy to provide you with more information about Invisalign during your next consultation. To learn more, contact us online or give us a call at (213) 986-2933.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

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Invisalign

The decision to get braces, for you or your children, is an expensive one. Whether an adult or a child, nobody wants a mouth full of metal but nobody wants teeth growing out of their ears either. However, technology has now given another option to traditional braces: Invisalign. But is this option the best, or should you stick with tradition braces? Read on for the pros and cons of both.

 

For more information about the benefits of Invisalign, contact the top dentist in Los Angeles, Samaritan Dental Arts.

The Facts about Tradition Braces

Traditional braces are made with metal brackets that are glued to the teeth and tied together by wires and tiny rubber bands. There are options to get brackets that more closely match a normal enamel color, or if you want to be bold, you can get colored brackets and rubber bands.

 

Once glued to the teeth, traditional braces cannot be moved and are worn all day, every day for an average of two years but it all depends on the needs of the patient. Depending on the severity of the dental work that needs to be done, they cost anywhere from $1800 to $5500. Those choosing traditional braces must brush the brackets and wires regularly and might find a water pick helpful to remove food from those tight spaces. Patients must also return to the dentist typically once a month for maintenance.

 

There are some advantages to using traditional braces. For complex dental issues, they can be very effective. And if you have children who are forgetful or don’t have a lot of self discipline, they might be the best option because they can’t forget to wear them. They are also fairly low maintenance assuming the wearer brushes and flosses regularly.

 

Disadvantages include pain, sores and general jaw discomfort from the brackets and wires and the movement of the teeth. It also might be hard to eat certain foods that are sticky or particularly hard. And after removal, patients may find tooth discoloration or even breakage.

The Facts about Invisalign

Invisalign aligner trays are made of smooth, BPA-free clear plastic and are worn over the teeth to provide a more subtle way to gently move the teeth. Dental professionals use X-rays, pictures and impressions to create a very precise 3-D image of the teeth in order to create accurate aligner trays.

 

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign are clear and invisible so you don’t have to have that mouth full of metal. Patients wear them for 22 to 24 hours per day for six to 18 months, depending on the severity of the patient need. They cost an average of $5000, which can be more expensive than traditional braces. There is a specific Invisalign cleaning system that can be used or you can brush and rinse the aligner trays in warm water. Patients are advised to change the aligner trays every two weeks and check-ups typically happen every four to six weeks.

 

Invisalign provides a much more discreet option to straighten teeth, they are removable, unlike traditional braces, and there are typically no issues with food getting caught in them. Patients usually don’t have any difficulty eating and there are no sores or discomfort.

 

However, patients might experience some discomfort as the teeth realign and patients must remove the trays before eating or drinking anything but water. They also must brush after all meals to avoid staining the aligner trays. Anyone with bridgework, back tooth bite issues, or anyone needing to rotate canine teeth or premolars or the need to move teeth vertically should avoid Invisalign.

Dentist in Los Angeles

If you have been considering Invisalign, contact the professionals at Samaritan Dental Arts. We are open on Saturdays and you can make an appointment online. You can also fill out the necessary forms, meet our team of professionals and view a complete list of services. Don’t take your dental health for granted and don’t live another day with crooked teeth, visit the top dentist in Los Angeles today.

Top 3 Reasons to Use Invisalign

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Many people, especially adults, may have given up their hopes for a straighter smile because they don’t want to be wearing traditional metal braces. For the past decade, there has been an alternative method of straightening teeth, called Invisalign. Now most people associate these teeth liners as an expensive chore but this article will shed light on the reasons why you should consider Invisalign as your go-to procedure for straighter teeth.

Cosmetics

Cosmetics is a major factor as to why people choose to wear Invisalign. People are drawn to Invisalign because of the cosmetic factor. The clear, custom aligners can straighten teeth and can improve the look of a person’s smile. The aligners are barely noticeable, and it can give teens and adults more confidence knowing that people will not be distracted by their teeth straightening system. Additionally, the aligners can easily be removed for special occasions.

Comfort

The smooth, plastic custom aligners cause less pain and discomfort than metal wires and brackets. Metal braces put a lot of pressure on teeth, gums, and the jaw. Once the person gets used to wearing the aligners, they are usually painless. Choosing Invisalign also means fewer trips to the dentist. Traditionally, with metal braces, it is a trip to the dentist every four to six weeks. With Invisalign, it is the patient who can change their device every two weeks or so. Of course, if the patient is unsure how well they can complete this they are recommended to schedule an appointment with their orthodontist.

Oral Health

The Invisalign trays are removable. The trays can be taken out to eat, floss, and brush teeth without compromising the outcome of straightening. With metal braces, a person needs to be strict with their oral care habits since food particles can become attached to the brackets and wires. Another plus is that a person does not have to give up their favorite foods when they opt for Invisalign.

How Do I Get Invisalign Today?

Selecting Invisalign to straighten your teeth is an important decision and that is why we would like you to take the time to become familiar with our system. Make the call to our Invisalign specialist to have all of your questions answered and say goodbye to crooked teeth for good.