Are your front teeth particularly prominent and cause you to feel self-conscious? Do you have crooked teeth that are getting you down? You aren’t alone. The positioning of our teeth is very unique, due primarily to the way in which they erupt. Coming through one at a time, they will take up whatever space is available to them, or twist or move to fit into undersized gaps. The problem with this, however, is that all too often, this causes misalignment issues. The teeth might not sit flush next to one another, nor meet properly when you close your mouth. Not only can this negatively affect the appearance of your teeth, causing patients to become self-conscious or even embarrassed about the way that their teeth look, but it is also bad for your oral health. This is because teeth that are misaligned are more likely to cause the patient to experience dental problems including cavities and gum disease. This occurs because there are small areas on and between the teeth that are nearly impossible to reach with a toothbrush, and these can develop decay which can lead to cavities and/or gum disease.

Fortunately, there are several solutions available to correct poorly aligned teeth and/or bite problems. One of the most effective is called Invisalign and we are proud to be a provider of Invisalign treatment.

What is Invisalign and how does it work?

Invisalign is an innovative new treatment for orthodontic dental issues that uses clear, plastic aligners to move the teeth into their new and improved position. Invisalign aligners are custom-designed and worn over the top of the teeth in the same manner as a mouthguard. They are supplied in a series, each that is slightly different and representative of a different stage in the treatment. This series of aligners are created using cutting-edge mapping technology which is able to use images of the teeth in their initial position and plan the journey in which the teeth and jaw would need to take in order to correct the alignment issues affecting that individual patient. This journey is translated into a treatment plan, with an aligner for each stage.

Invisalign aligners exert very gentle force over the teeth to propel them into their new position. However, they must be worn in the exact order provided and for the minimum 22 hours per day for the treatment to be successful.

Benefits of choosing Invisalign

Invisalign is quickly becoming the preferred orthodontic treatment for many patients thanks to the unique benefits it affords users, which include:

- An invisible appearance! No unsightly metal brackets and wires to worry about with these clear aligners!

- Greater comfort when compared to the metal material used in conventional braces.

- Improved cleanliness. This is possible because Invisalign can and should be removed for you to clean your teeth and you don’t have to negotiate around tricky brackets and wires with your toothbrush.

- Removability means that you eat what you want to without compromise.

- Less maintenance. Since there is nothing to break on your aligners, you will need fewer visits to our offices and you won’t need to worry so much about damage.

- Predictable results. With Invisalign, it is possible to see what your new smile will look like before you even start your treatment.

​​​​​​​What issues can Invisalign be used to treat?

Invisalign can be used to treat a wide variety of different orthodontic issues. These include teeth that are crooked, twisted, overlapping or gapped. Invisalign can also be used to correct bite problems, including:

- an overbite – which is where the upper teeth extend over the bottom teeth when you close your jaw.

- an underbite – which is where the lower teeth come in front of the upper teeth when you close your jaw.

- a crossbite – which is where some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside them.

- an open bite – where the upper and lower teeth don’t meet.

Some people have front teeth that don’t match their midline, which is the imaginary line down the middle of the face that divides it into two, near-symmetrical halves. Invisalign can be used to correct very minor midline discrepancies.

If you have misalignment issues with your teeth and would like more information about Invisalign, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Dr’s Ramona and Anahita Sabaghian in Marina del Rey today.