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Invisalign

Invisalign

You may be somewhat familiar with how the Invisalign® treatment works, but we’d like to take you through each step of the treatment process, from consultation to confident smile. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or someone else, knowing more about the entire process can help you be more confident in your decision to choose Invisalign and enjoy a better smile every day.

The Procedure

  1. Consultation with your Invisalign Preferred Provider
    At Pasadena Family, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry, Dr. Karimyan is an “Invisalign Preferred Provider”During the consultation, you and your doctor will discuss your case in detail to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Invisalign now addresses many cases, from simple to more complex. Your doctor will determine if Invisalign is right for you
  2. A Customized Treatment Plan is Created for You
    Your doctor will take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth, which Invisalign will use to create a digital 3-D image of them. From these images your doctor will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth, and tell you the approximate length of treatment. Using the same technology your doctor will be able to show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will move with each stage of treatment.  While every case is unique to each patient, treatment typically takes approximately a year for adults. For teens the length of treatments is comparable to that of braces.
  3. Receive Your Custom Aligners Based On Your Personalized Treatment Plan
    Based on your individual treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners is then created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that won’t irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do. Simply wear them throughout the day, and remove them when you eat or to brush and floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. And because they’re virtually invisible, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
  4. Wear a New Aligner Every Two Weeks
    Approximately every two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, advancing you to the next stage of your treatment. To monitor your progress, you will also have occasional checkups with your doctor, usually only every six weeks or so. For best results and a timely outcome, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, throughout your entire treatment. At every stage, you will be able to see how much closer you are to having the smile that reflects the real you.
  5. Reveal Your New Smile & Keep It Looking Great
    Congratulations! This is the time when you celebrate. You have reached the end of treatment and you will be smiling more than ever.

Once your treatment is complete, protect the beautiful new smile you have invested in. Your dentist will let you know if you will need retainers to keep your teeth in their new position

What are the primary benefits of invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. No one may even notice that you’re wearing them, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle.Invisalign aligners are removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. There are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, an advantage over traditional braces. Plus, since your office visits during treatment don’t involve metal or wire adjustments, you’ll likely spend less time in the doctor’s chair. Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straightened teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Instead of imagining how much better it can be, you’ll be able to see it for yourself.

Will invisalign treatment be painful?

While Invisalign moves your teeth without the pain and anxiety metal braces can cause, some people experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It’s also a sign that Invisalign is working, as it moves your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.

Can I just wear my aligners while I sleep?

No. The aligners must be in place a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day for the treatment to be effective.

Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?

Similar to other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.

Are there restrictions as to what I can eat while in treatment?

No. Thanks to the removable nature of the aligners, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment. In fact, you’re required to remove your aligners to eat and drink. So, unlike when undergoing traditional treatment using wires and brackets, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks unless you are instructed otherwise by your doctor. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to reinserting your aligners to maintain fresh breath and proper hygiene.

Will smoking stain the aligners?

We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discolored.

Can I drink alcohol with the aligners in?

Because of the high sugar content in alcohol, a moderate amount would be fine to consume, as long as care is taken to clean the teeth and the aligners soon after so as not to trap sugar between them. The same applies for any sugary beverage.

Can I chew gum while wearing my aligners?

No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.

How often must I see my Invisalign doctor?

Your doctor will schedule regular appointments usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

Since having my braces removed, my teeth have shifted. Can Invisalign fix this?

A number of Invisalign patients have undergone a previous treatment involving braces at some point in their past, often during their youth. Adults can usually have the shifting that occurs after braces corrected, without having to go through the trauma and social awkwardness of wearing metal braces.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Straighten Teeth Without Braces | Clear Teeth Aligners | Invisalign

Braces vs. Invisalign Teen: My Switch!


invisalign pasadena
pediatric dentistry pasadena

  • Patient Testimonials

    yelp Dr. K explained everything in detail and was very friendly and funny.  Before she started anything, she sat down and talked to me about my goals and concerns.  When she started working,  Dr K was very gentle and she kept reminding me to tell her if I was in pain... read more

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  • Patient Testimonials

    yelpI was looking for a local dentist and checked on Yelps..I saw that Dr. K had good reviews and it was so close to work..thought I'd try it... I was so pleased when I came in the staff was super friendly and I felt very comfortable..Dr. K was also very informative and pleasant.  I will be going back to get my work done in a few days and am sure that I will be just as pleased.  

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  • Patient Testimonials

    yelp Pasadena's family and Cosmtic is simply  a welcoming environment. My consultation with Edwin was great. Dr. Altina was absolutely wonderful. During my procedure, she was actually calming and informative during my nerve wracking procedure, which is rare.  Thanks for the amazing service 🙂 ... read more

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  • Patient Testimonials

    yelp I had to find a dentist in a hurry, and they were great at accepting me last minute while communicating with my insurance. I had some nervous fears going in to get my crown and veneer done, but Dr. Kim Loan Dao was amazing. She was patient, gentle, and attune to my anxiety ... read more

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