Your Guide to Invisalign®
A Convenient Alternative to Braces
While traditional braces have been a reliable treatment option for many years, some patients are hesitant to wear them. They may be embarrassed by the metal wires or frustrated with the the difficulty of keeping them clean.
Thankfully, advancements in technology have created a more convenient solution. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth for a healthy smile. Explore our guide to learn more.
Invisalign vs. Braces
Invisalign offers several advantages over traditional braces, including:
- Discreet — The clear aligners are nearly invisible.
- Removable — Invisalign aligners are easily removable, allowing you to take them out before meals and enjoy all your favorite foods.
- Fast — The total treatment time is up to two times faster than metal braces.
- Comfortable — Each set of aligners is customized to fit your teeth perfectly and you won’t have to worry about painful bracket adjustments.
- Predictable — Our iTero® technology predicts the final results of your treatment with stunning accuracy.
The Invisalign Process
During your initial consultation, Dr. Cooper will use our iTero Element scanner to create a 3D model of your smile. This data is sent to a laboratory, where your aligners will be custom-designed to match the unique shape of your bite.
After you receive your aligners, you’ll swap them out for a new pair roughly every two weeks. Each set is designed to only act on certain teeth, subtly shifting them until your desired results are achieved.
Depending on your case, the whole treatment can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Invisalign hurt?
Since they’re individually trimmed to fit your teeth, Invisalign aligners are far more comfortable than traditional braces. You may experience mild discomfort at first, but this should fade within a few days. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about metal wires poking your gums.
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans offer the same coverage for Invisalign that they do for braces. It’s unlikely that your treatment will be fully covered, but insurance should at least help to reduce your total cost.
How do you clean and maintain your aligners?
Invisalign aligners are easy to maintain — just brush them every morning when you wake up and every night before you go to sleep. It’s also important to brush and floss after meals before re-applying your aligners. This prevents food crumbs and bacteria from getting trapped under your trays.
Can I remove my braces and get Invisalign?
Many patients ask if they can switch from braces to Invisalign. In most cases, the answer is yes. However, Dr. Cooper will need to examine your teeth in order to determine the best treatment for you.
Visit Visit Contemporary Dental Arts for Invisalign
If you want a fast and discreet alternative to metal braces, Invisalign is the solution you’ve been looking for. Call our office in San Jose at (408) 253-4150 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Cooper today.
