6333 Telegraph, Suite 205
Oakland, CA 94609

Phone (510) 658-1996
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What is Invisalign?

The Invisalign system is, “the clear alternative to braces”. Using a series of clear, and practically invisible, removable tooth aligners, which resemble tooth-whitening trays, the Invisalign system straightens teeth gradually through the controlled force of each aligner. Each aligner is worn for approximately two weeks before being replaced by the next aligner in the series. Your progress with Invisalign is monitored by your dentist approximately every 6 weeks until the final position of your teeth is achieved.

What types of problems does Invisalign Correct?

Invisalign aligners work to correct the following problems of tooth alignment: Spaces between teeth; Crowded teeth; Open Bite; Overbite (Deep Bite); Anterior Crossbite and Narrow Archs.

Invisalign Advantages vs. Braces

• Clear Invisalign aligners are far more difficult to detect than metal, white ceramic or even clear braces because Invisalign aligners are clear and therefore virtually invisible.
• The irritation of braces on your lips and cheeks is avoided with Invisalign aligners because they are smooth and less bulky than braces.
• Invisalign is more comfortable than braces because aligners apply less force per week to your teeth.
• There are no wires or brackets with Invisalign, so you will not be forced to remove food that becomes stuck between your teeth and braces when you eat or worry about tooth decay that can occur around braces if the tooth surfaces around and between the braces are not carefully cleaned.
• Brushing and flossing your teeth is faster and easier with Invisalign because there are no braces or wires to clean under and around.
• Invisalign allows you to view a computerized simulation of your planned tooth movement from your initial tooth position to the final expected result before you start along with the anticipated treatment time.
• The average treatment time for Invisalign is 12 months as opposed to 18 – 24 months for braces.

Disadvantages of Invisalign vs. Braces

• Certain corrections are problematic or not possible for Invisalign as opposed to braces.
• Invisalign aligners must be removed for eating, therefore care must be taken not to lose them.
• Tooth grinding and clenching can damage the aligners. Aligners are changed approximately every two weeks so this is not usually a serious problem.
• Lost or damaged aligners may be replaced when necessary at additional cost.
• Because the aligners are removable, the aligners may not be worn as required. Failure to wear the aligners as directed can cause treatment to go “off track” requiring a mid-course correction via fabrication of new aligners at additional cost.

How Do You Get Started with Invisalign Treatment?

Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your treatment goals and find out if Invisalign is appropriate for you. If you decide to proceed, dental impressions, x-rays and photographs of you and your teeth will be taken to produce a 3-D computerized model of your teeth which will be used to plan your treatment. Once your dentist completes a plan that matches your stated goals your dentist will review the plan with you and your anticipated treatment time. Once you approve the plan your Invisalign aligners will be custom made using a clear thermoplastic material (USP Class IV medical grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resin which does not contain Bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticizers).

How Does Invisalign Treatment Progress?

At your first appointment you will receive your first set of three aligners. Clear Invisilign aligners are to be worn for 20 – 22 hours daily. They are to be removed for eating and drinking anything other than water and for brushing and flossing your teeth. You will visit your dentist approximately every six weeks to check your progress and receive the next set of aligners in your series. You will need to clean your aligners by brushing and rinsing them using lukewarm water. Smoking will discolor your clear aligners therefore smoking is discouraged if you intend to keep them virtually invisible during use. If your plan requires them, tooth colored “attachments” and reshaping of the enamel “reproximation” between the teeth may performed to reach your treatment goal during treatment.

What Care is Required to Maintain Treatment Results?

In general a retainer must be worn in order to maintain the results of any orthodontic treatment. The amount of time required varies for each person.

What is the Cost of Invisalign and is it Covered by Insurance?

The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending upon your current condition, your treatment goals, the treatment you need to achieve your goals and how long it will take to complete your treatment. In general, the cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to that of braces. Your specific treatment cost will be quoted at the time you review your treatment plan with us. With regard to insurance, if you have orthodontic coverage on your insurance policy, Invisalign treatment is usually covered to the same extent as braces. We will contact your insurance company to confirm this for you. In addition many employers offer Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA’s) which allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified healthcare expenses. After incurring eligible costs, you may submit your receipt to your employer for reimbursement from your FSA. Consult your employer’s benefits department about FSAs. Another financing option available to help make the cost of Invisalign treatment affordable is CareCredit. CareCredit is a third party financing company that offers a number of convenient monthly payment options. You may apply for instant CareCredit financing approval in our office or online at www.carecredit.com/apply.

Make an appointment today to find out if Invisalign is appropriate for you.

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Straighten teeth with clear invisible aligners instead of braces. Smile with confidence – you can get Invisalign in Berkeley from Dr. Sharon Albright.

Dr Sharon Albright,
Certified Invisalign Dentist Berkeley / Oakland, CA.
Also serving Emeryville, Alameda, San Leandro, Piedmont, the Rockridge and Montclair Districts and the surrounding San Francisco East Bay, CA areas.