Invisalign Santa Monica CA | Clear Braces

Invisalign® An Overview

“I want to straighten my crooked teeth but do not want the embarrassment or hassle of metal braces.”
Invisalign® is a discreet, effective, and minimally invasive way to straighten teeth for teens and adults that will make little to no impact on their daily lives. Ideal for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, Invisalign can correct crooked teeth and malocclusion. Invisalign uses 3-D digital technology to specially design and fabricate a series of aligners. The series of aligners are worn in succession and comfortably and gradually realign crooked teeth.

Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?

When people want to straighten crooked teeth, it’s usually because they don’t like the look of them. It can make you insecure about your smile. You should have a smile that you’re proud to show off, not hide. But crooked teeth aren’t just an aesthetic issue. They actually have a large impact on your oral health.

When teeth are crooked, they come together at odd angles and are often cramped and jumbled. It can be difficult for even our specialized dental tools to clean every spot on your teeth properly. Even if you’re taking care of your mouth properly, plaque and tartar still build up in the areas that can’t be cleaned. You’re still at risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

When our bite comes together, the pressure from the bite is supposed to be evenly distributed across all of our teeth. When our teeth are crooked, the pressure isn’t even. Some of our teeth take on more pressure than others. These teeth wear down faster than the others and are more prone to chip or break. Restorative dentistry may be needed to ensure that you can keep using your teeth.

Uneven bites are one of the biggest causes of TMJ disorders, too. Your jawbone doesn’t track properly, and the muscles that move your jaw can become tight and strained. The longer you let things go, the worse the consequences may be. You may experience pain throughout your jaw, face, and head. Your jaw can start popping and clicking, and you may experience trouble opening and closing your mouth.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign has changed the way dentists straighten teeth. An effective alternative to traditional metal braces, Invisalign treatment offers a range of added benefits.

Clear Aligners: The aligners are made of clear plastic and are designed to fit securely to the surface of the teeth. The aligners are barely visible to others, and most people will not notice the aligners at all. When properly secured in the mouth, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible. Patients are able to perform professionally and socially without much interruption.
Provide Optimal Comfort: Made of a hard-soft plastic, Invisalign aligners cause less damage to the soft tissue and enamel of the teeth. The plastic is smooth and will not irritate or damage the gums the way metal brackets can. Because patients are able to perform their normal daily oral hygiene, patients also experience less color and enamel damage often associated with metal braces.
Removable Aligners: Removable aligners provide several advantages. Patients are able to remove the aligners for oral hygiene and for eating. Patients are able to enjoy a diet without restriction and can brush and floss normally. Teeth can also be cleaned professionally during the duration of the Invisalign treatment reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Invisalign can effectively and comfortably straighten crooked teeth. It is never too late to straighten crooked teeth. Patients enjoy a more confident and beautiful smile after treatment. They also enjoy the long-term benefits of having a stable and secure oral foundation.

Dr Fabrizio D has such a great sense of humor that you forget your having a major surgery if he's your Doctor... So u end up not knowing what happens through the process of your treatment. :) He's the best…Maggie J.

I have had several AMAZING experiences with Doctor Fabrizio Dall'Olmo and his staff. They're all truly so wonderful, kind, friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and just the BEST of the best. I have yet to encounter a group like this, so grateful…Jessica M.

I have had many bad experiences in many dental Offices. I am elated to say those experiences Are now in the past, and I am thrilled to know Dr. Dall'Olmo, Brenda, and his staff will be my Trusted dental office…Dale C.

Invisalign® What to Expect

Invisalign is a discreet way for adult and teen patients to realign their teeth without feeling self-conscious about wearing braces. Dr. Dall’Olmo will provide a thorough oral health analysis and consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign clear braces. Invisalign is for mild to moderate orthodontic concerns and is only used for patients it will benefit.

If more in-depth orthodontic treatment is necessary to properly restore the function and health of your bite, Dr. Dall’Olmo may refer you to a local orthodontist.

Dr. Dall’Olmo will use digital imaging to map your teeth and gums. These images will be used to design your custom series of aligners. The “blueprints” will be sent out to an Invisalign lab, where they will be fabricated. Patients receive their aligner series with specific instructions for use to provide optimal results. Invisalign eliminates the need for extra visits to the dentist office for tightening.

The aligners are designed to be worn in about 2-week increments to gradually shift teeth into alignment. Aligners are worn for about the duration of 1 year. However, the exact length of treatment will be dependent on the personal orthodontic needs of each patient and will be determined by your dentist.

Taking Care of Your Invisalign Aligners

You have to take care of your aligners properly if you want to have a successful treatment process. Get in the habit of rinsing your aligners every time you take them out of your mouth. This gets rid of debris and helps prevent plaque buildup in the aligners. Clean them in the morning and evening with a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste to keep them virtually invisible.

Never drink or eat anything but water when you have your aligners in. If you drink things like coffee when they’re in, you can stain the aligners so they’re no longer invisible in your mouth when you wear them. You can damage the aligners when you’re trying to eat with them, too. This can compromise your treatment and make it take longer.

Brush and floss as much as possible when you remove your aligners. If you’re taking them out to eat in public, try to floss in the bathroom before you put them back in. At the very least, rinse your mouth out with water to try and eliminate some of the debris hiding in the nooks and crannies of your mouth.

Keep your Invisalign aligners in a specific storage case whenever you take them out. You want to ensure that you don’t lose them when you’re taking them out in public. It’s easy to put them in a napkin while you’re eating, only for you to forget and throw that napkin away later. Make sure you know where they are at all times when they’re out of your mouth.

In addition to offering Invisalign clear braces, Dr. Dall’Olmo provides numerous dental services in Santa Monica, California.

Invisalign® FAQs

What can I expect in my first consultation before undergoing an Invisalign treatment?: During the first consultation, your dentist will discuss your teeth and straightening objectives and inspect your oral health to assess your requirements. Your dentist may also suggest scheduling a dental exam and cleaning to ensure that your teeth and gums are in optimal condition to minimize unnecessary risks.
Is Invisalign the appropriate therapy for me?: The ideal candidates for Invisalign treatment are those with relatively straightforward crowding or biting conditions. Since these aligners are transparent, they are an option for anyone who might feel self-conscious wearing conventional braces.
How often should I remove my Invisalign trays?: There is no fixed period for wearing Invisalign, and the time varies from person to person depending on specific oral conditions. However, dentists usually recommend wearing them for 6-12 months for less than 20-22 hours daily.
What is the best way to clean my aligners?: The most effective method for cleaning your aligners is brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water while using Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or special cleaning tablets. Before reinserting your aligners after each meal, brush and floss your teeth to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Are braces as efficient as Invisalign?: Both Invisalign and braces can be used to attain a beautiful smile. Invisalign is an excellent option for moderately crowded teeth. Braces, on the other hand, provide a significant transition with misaligned teeth.
Is Invisalign painful?: No. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign doesn’t cause pain. Nevertheless, individuals using it for the first time might feel mild discomfort due to the pressure exerted on the teeth and gums.