Invisalign in Santa Monica, CA

 

Your orthodontist is a certified Platinum Invisalign® provider, a distinction earned by demonstrating extensive experience in treating Invisalign cases. We are proud to have achieved this status, but numbers are not a main concern of ours.

We place the utmost importance on the quality of your results and your well-being. We are passionate about achieving positive results for you.

Dr. Cheng actively attends Invisalign courses to stay on top of the latest techniques and advances. We implement these proven strategies so that your experience is predictable, comfortable, and efficient.

How Do I Get Started with Invisalign?

Once you are ready to begin, we will take photos and x-rays and scan your teeth. We are pleased to offer you the latest in digital scanning with the iTero® Element.

In the past, impressions, or molds, of your teeth were taken which were then mailed to Invisalign. It would take over one week before your orthodontist could start planning your tooth movements.

Now you can say goodbye to those gooey, messy impressions. A digital model of your teeth is immediately uploaded onto the Invisalign site, and your orthodontist can start planning your treatment right away.

Your doctor will work with Invisalign technicians over the next several days to carefully plan your tooth movements, keeping your best interests in mind. If there is anything specific about your teeth you want to fix, please feel free to us know. We are here to accommodate you and want you to be completely happy with your results.

The turnaround time to start your Invisalign treatment is now faster and more efficient than ever before. You can start wearing your Invisalign trays within a couple of weeks.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Invisalign is a series of clear, removable BPA-free plastic trays. You will wear each set of trays for about 1-2 weeks before moving onto the next set. Your teeth straighten out slightly each time you switch to a new set of trays.

It is perfectly normal to experience mild discomfort as you progress through the trays. This is actually a good sign that your teeth are moving along. You may take over-the-counter pain relievers, only as needed. 

It is recommended to wear your aligners all day and night, only removing them to eat and drink. You are aiming for about 20-22 hours per day of wear to achieve the most ideal results.

The total number of trays needed varies from as few as 10 up to as many as 40, depending on the complexity of your case. You will come in to see us once every few months so that we can check to make sure your teeth are progressing as planned.

Differences Between Invisalign and Braces

  Invisalign Braces
Compliance Trays are removable and rely on your compliance Brackets are cemented and working 24/7
Diet Changes No dietary restrictions Avoid hard and sticky foods
During Meals Remove trays when eating and drinking No need for removal
Flossing Floss normally Floss threader and/or water floss needed
Comfort Trays and attachments are slightly more comfortable Wires and brackets are slightly less comfortable 
Finances Fees typically slightly higher Fees typically more cost-effective

Invisalign Teen in Santa Monica

If you or your child are self-conscious about wearing braces, Invisalign Teen can give you a more discrete alternative. These clear, plastic trays are virtually invisible so that you can straighten your teeth with confidence. Invisalign Teen works in the same way as regular Invisalign treatment with a few additions to help our teenagers out.

 

How Do I Know If I Am Wearing It Correctly?

Each Invisalign Teen tray has a blue food dye indicator, which fades over time so that compliance can be more easily tracked.

When you have worn your tray 20-22 hours a day for 2 weeks, the indicator should change from a dark blue to a clear color, letting you know that you are ready to move onto the next tray.

What Do I Do If I Lose Trays?

If you are concerned that you or your child may accidentally lose aligners, do not worry. Invisalign Teen comes with six free replacement aligners.

What If I Still Have Some Adult Teeth Not Fully In Yet?

Invisalign Teen has an added feature that maintains room in the trays to anticipate adult teeth to erupt and fully come into your mouth.

How Will It Affect My Lifestyle?

Unlike braces, which are cemented on your teeth, you will need to remember to wear the trays at all times, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. There are no diet restrictions, so you can still enjoy all the foods you love.

Invisalign Teen can be easier on your lifestyle if you are active in playing wind instruments or contact sports. The aligners can be easier to adapt to when playing the trumpet or clarinet, and there is less risk for injury when playing sports.