Invisalign

Orthodontic treatment can be one of the most important investments a patient can make in themselves (or a parent can make for their teen). With modern Invisalign in El Cajon, treating misaligned teeth is now subtle, easy, and convenient.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic solution that aligns the teeth through a series of transparent wearable trays. As you go through a series of trays, each new set further adjusts your teeth. Step by step, your teeth are pulled into proper, healthy alignment. The treatment is spread out over about 12 to 18 months for most patients, providing results and benefits that can last for years. Since the trays are transparent, no one should even notice you are in the middle of orthodontic treatment. Instead, they will only see your smile looking better with each new day.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

What Is the Process for Invisalign Treatment?

Step 1: The Consultation

First, Dr. Mansour consults with each patient and provides a dental exam. We want to ensure that Invisalign is a good fit for you before starting the treatment. Preparing for Invisalign may involve having some dental work if you currently have cavities.

Step 2:Taking Impressions

We take full 3D impressions of your teeth, which we then send to the lab. Our partnered lab will handle manufacturing your first set of trays according to these impressions.
A woman is placing a clear orthodontic aligner over her teeth, showcasing her smile .

Step 3:Starting Your First Trays

Once your trays are ready, you can come back to try them on. They will feel snug, and some pressure is normal. The trays work by continually exerting pressure on the teeth to move them into their new positions. You will then wear these trays day and night, taking them out only for eating or cleaning your teeth. Ideally, you will want to keep your trays in for at least 22–23 hours a day.

Step 4: Cycle Through New Trays

Each set of trays will last you about 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your treatment plan. At the end of a tray’s period, you will then start wearing the next in the sequence. Every 4 to 8 weeks, you will come into the office for Dr. Mansour to check on your treatment progress. These visits are quick and avoid the hassle that comes with braces checkups, which include tightening and other adjustments.
miling young woman with dimples wearing a straw sun hat and off-the-shoulder blue and white striped top in a field of dry grass.
Inverted comas icon
Having straighter teeth makes your smile look better, but it also can boost your oral health in multiple ways.

Is Invisalign Right for Me?

Modern advances in Invisalign now allow a wider range of patients to select it as their orthodontic treatment. However, it still has some limitations. While it can correct almost any type of tooth alignment issue, severely misaligned teeth may still require traditional braces. During your consultation with Dr. Mansour, we will work with you to determine if Invisalign is right for you.
Invisalign is best for patients who:
  • Can commit to wearing their trays 22-23 hours a day
  • Want a subtle treatment method
  • Have mild to moderate tooth alignment issues
  • Have current good dental health

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

A typical Invisalign treatment will take between 12 and 18 months. Minor misalignment can be corrected in as short as 6 months, while more notable tooth alignment issues can take 24 months or more to improve. Based on your exam, Dr. Mansour can provide you with an estimate of what your treatment timeline would look like. His experience in working with Invisalign patients over the years allows for accurate estimates so you can know what you are committing to when starting your treatment.

How Long Do Results Last

Invisalign can permanently improve tooth alignment for most patients. However, some teeth shifting can still occur over time. The amount of shifting varies between patients and depends on factors like gum health and jaw size. Some patients may need to wear a retainer at night to help preserve their new tooth alignment. Dr. Mansour can let you know before committing to treatment what results you can expect.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of a full treatment with Invisalign may range between $3000 and $8000 without insurance. The final price depends on the complexity of your issues, the length of your treatment, and the number of aligners and dental visits you require.

Invisalign can be effectively used to solve a wide range of orthodontic issues, such as:

  • Crooked or rotated teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Gaps between the teeth
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite 
  • Overbite

However, Invisalign is most effective for minor to mild cases. Often, patients with severe misalignment are recommended traditional braces instead of Invisalign, as their metal wires can apply and sustain more pressure to move teeth in complicated cases. 

Invisalign is generally considered more comfortable in daily use than traditional metal braces. For example, it can be taken off at will, which eliminates the need for dietary restrictions and makes brushing and flossing your teeth more straightforward. However, Invisalign is not always better than traditional braces and may be less effective for patients with severe or complex misalignment and bite issues.

Invisalign can fix a wide range of mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including:

  • Crooked or rotated teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Gaps between the teeth
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite 
  • Overbite

Generally, Invisalign is considered to cause significantly less discomfort than traditional braces. For example, it does not have metal parts that can rub and irritate the soft tissue in your mouth. Also, it can be removed when you eat, so you will have little to no dietary restrictions, unlike with traditional braces. However, orthodontic treatment, regardless of the method used, is bound to cause some discomfort and soreness. The reason for this lies in the processes of teeth straightening: constant pressure is applied to force them to move through the gums and the jawbone. Thus, you are likely to experience mild to moderate pain caused by tooth movement from time to time, especially in the beginning of your treatment and when you switch to a new set of aligners. 

Typically, you need to visit your dentist every 4 to 8 weeks during your Invisalign treatment to check on your progress and implement adjustments if necessary. In comparison, patients treated with traditional braces typically need to visit their orthodontist every 1 to 2 weeks.

For your teeth to move to the desired alignment, constant pressure must be applied to them. If you do not wear your aligners for the recommended 22 hours a day, your teeth will constantly strive to move back into their original positions. These shifts might not be noticeable immediately, but over time they will add up and lead to the treatment not going as planned and you needing additional aligners and longer overall treatment time.

To maintain your aligners, follow these tips:

  • Clean your aligners twice a day with lukewarm water, unscented soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Soak your aligners in a special cleaning solution every evening.
  • Never use hot water to clean or soak your aligners.
  • Always take your aligners off when eating and drinking anything except for clear cool water.
  • Rinse your aligners every time you take them off and before putting them back in your mouth.
  • When not wearing your aligners, always store them in a designated clean container.
  • Clean your aligner container every day.

Book Your Consultation

Dr. Mansour is proud to provide Invisalign in El Cajon to patients of all ages. Start with your consultation appointment to build an orthodontic treatment plan that will bring out the best in your smile. Call our dentist today or use our online form to set up your visit today.

We Can Fix the Most Complex Dental Problems
Book a consultation with our dental specialists today!
Book an Appointment

Accessibility Statement: Our office is committed to providing accessible care for all patients and strives to comply with ADA accessibility standards. If you need assistance or accommodations, please contact our office at (619) 333-5986 and we will be happy to help.

calendar iconRequest Appointment