One of the primary concerns that often prevents people from seeking orthodontic care with traditional metal braces is the aesthetic impact of the treatment. At Dimitri Bizoumis, DDS, Inc., we offer the alternative of Invisalign® clear aligners as an inconspicuous way to straighten your smile. With this nearly invisible aligning system, Dr. Bizoumis can provide a convenient, customized treatment option to produce meaningful orthodontic results for patients in Huntington Beach and surrounding communities.
Dr. Bizoumis recommends this clear aligner system in many of the same situations where traditional braces would be used. However, as a metal-free and removable option, Invisalign® trays address mild orthodontic problems while offering patients improved visual appeal and convenience.
Here are some problems that are commonly corrected with Invisalign®:
Traditional dental braces, Invisalign® aligning trays, and dental veneers are three different ways to perfect the alignment of the teeth. There are many different considerations to make when deciding which treatment will be best, and each of these options works better in certain situations. Invisalign® differs from traditional braces in that the aligning trays are fully removable. This means that more discipline and commitment is required from the patient. This is not usually a problem since the trays are comfortable and nearly invisible.
Almost identical results can be obtained by using either treatment. Invisalign® is preferable to veneers in many cases because unlike veneers, Invisalign® actually straightens the teeth. Veneers are thin covers that the dentist permanently affixes to the teeth. Teeth must be etched beforehand, meaning that to remove dental veneers, an alternative covering must be constructed. In addition to being somewhat expensive, veneers can break and often last for less than 20 years.
First, the dentist needs to devise an initial treatment plan before creating the special aligning trays. Three-dimensional digital images are taken of the entire jaw using our special wand, the iTero Lumina intraoral scanner. This special scanner is smaller and more comfortable than other means of dental image collection, which means no messy trays or uncomfortable X-Rays for little mouths! The images taken by the scanner allow the dentist to move specific teeth on the screen, view the jaw from different angles, and also foresee what the face might look like in years to come. In essence, this technology can show how Invisalign® trays will change the facial aesthetics. Once planning is complete, a unique set of aligners is made. The total amount of aligners required varies with each individual case, but 20-29 sets per arch is typical.
Life with Invisalign® aligning trays may take several weeks to get used to. The trays should be worn constantly, except when eating and drinking. It is important to remove the trays when consuming food or drink because food can become trapped between the tray and the teeth, causing tooth decay. Usually, new trays are necessary every two weeks, and progress between appointments can be seen with the naked eye. There is no doubt that Invisalign® aligning trays have revolutionized orthodontics. Invisalign® is renowned for being both comfortable and effective. If you have questions about Invisalign®, please contact our office.
We genuinely hope our website is helpful to you in learning more about our practice, dental conditions and treatments, dental recommendations, and more. Please browse through our website and be sure to give us a call if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you and your family achieve your most authentic and beautifully healthy smiles.
Sincerely, Our Dental Team.