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23456 hawthorne Blvd #210 Torrance, CA 90505
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Invisalign Clear Braces – Torrance, CA

The Clear option for a Straighter Smile!

a patient holding her Invisalign aligner in Torrance

If you have misaligned teeth, it can be easy to feel stuck. On one hand, you’re tired of hiding your teeth in pictures and worrying about them whenever you meet somebody new, but on the other hand, you don’t want to deal with the annoyances and inconveniences of braces to get them straightened. Fortunately, you can now get a viable alternative that has all the benefits of braces with none of the drawbacks: Invisalign clear braces! Keep reading below to learn a little more about Invisalign or feel free to contact us today for additional assistance.

What Is Invisalign?

Clear Invisalign tray

Invisalign is a new kind of orthodontic treatment that can help patients with an overbite, underbite, or generally misaligned teeth bring them into a straighter and more comfortable orientation. It accomplishes this by using a series of clear plastic aligner trays that fit over your teeth. The trays are meant to be worn in a specific order, and each one is a different shape that gradually applies gentle pressure to straighten your teeth.

The individual trays are meant to be worn up to 22 hours a day for about 2 weeks before progressing to the next one. Treatment can take anywhere from 8 - 18 months depending on your degree of misalignment, which is still only a fraction of the time required by metal braces. Invisalign has advanced over the years to be able to address more and more complicated orthodontic issues, so if you’re looking to fix your crooked teeth, you are probably a good candidate for Invisalign.

 

The Invisalign Process

A young woman with a straight smile after going through the Invisalign Process

When preparing for Invisalign, you’ll probably want to know more about the process and how to get started with your clear aligners. We’re here to walk you through every step so that you can feel confident about committing to treatment!

Scheduling a Consultation

A young woman talking to her dentist about the Invisalign process

During your initial consultation, we will discuss your goals and what you hope to achieve with Invisalign. Apart from sharing your medical history, we will take the time to thoroughly examine your smile to determine if Invisalign is the right course of treatment for you. Depending on the severity of your individual problem (i.e., overcrowding, spaces between teeth, bite alignment), you may or may not be eligible, as some situations require traditional braces for desired results. After your examination, if we feel you are a qualified candidate for Invisalign, we will get you ready for the next step, which is digital impressions.

Capturing Impressions

A digital impression scanner

In order to ensure your aligners match up perfectly with your smile, it is necessary for us to take digital impressions. These will offer precise, clear images for the dental lab technicians to use when crafting your custom-made aligners. These images will also allow us to craft your smile’s sequence, which is the step-by-step process your smile will go through during treatment. You’ll be able to see how your smile progresses along the way until the desired results are achieved.

Getting Fitted for Treatment

A woman putting in an Invisalign aligner

Once your aligners are finished, we will have you come in to have your first set properly placed in your mouth. We’ll show you exactly how you need to wear them and explain how long you’ll wear each set before switching to the next in the series. During your fitting, we will make sure everything fits comfortably and there is no rubbing or irritation to the soft tissues of your mouth.

While treatment can last anywhere from 8 - 18 months, you’ll need to continue seeing us throughout your treatment to make sure everything is moving along as it should. These quick appointments should take up very little of your time, and before you know it, you’ll be done with Invisalign and on to wearing your retainer.

 

Who Can Invisalign Help?

Woman putting in a single aligner for Invisalign in Torrance, CA

There are many different types of alignment problems that Invisalign can help with. Once we have examined your mouth and gathered more information about the state of your teeth, we can determine what changes need to be made to your smile and whether Invisalign is a viable choice for making said changes. Below are some examples of orthodontic issues that Invisalign may be able to correct; if any of them sound familiar, feel free to reach out to us.

Crowded Teeth

Close-up of mouth with crowded teeth

Overcrowded teeth can take their toll on your confidence, but that’s far from the only problem they pose. Generally speaking, crowded teeth are more difficult to brush and floss properly, which can have serious consequences for your long-term oral health. They can also lead to discomfort in your jaw and make it harder to chew. With Invisalign, we can reposition your teeth so that there’s a sufficient amount of space between them.

Gaps Between Teeth

Illustration of gaps between teeth in lower arch

While crowded teeth can be a big problem, you also don’t want your teeth to be spaced too far apart. Bacteria tend to accumulate in gaps in your grin, putting you at a higher risk for gum disease and other oral health concerns. It’s often possible to close gaps in your smile with an Invisalign treatment.

Overbite

Illustration depicting a close-up of an overbite

If your upper teeth are too far in front of your lower teeth, you have what is known as an overbite. An uncorrected overbite can cause your teeth to wear down unusually quickly, interfere with your ability to speak clearly, and even contribute to jaw pain. In some cases, an overbite might even make it difficult to open and close your mouth. Fortunately, some cases of overbite can be corrected with Invisalign.

Underbite

Illustration depicting a close-up of an underbite

Having an underbite means that your lower arch of teeth is slightly in front of the top arch. This alignment issue can potentially restrict your airway in the upper nasal passages, which puts you at a higher risk for sleep apnea. Additionally, underbites can sometimes result in mouth breathing and make chewing more difficult. Our team can help you figure out whether Invisalign can be used to address your underbite.

Crossbite

Illustration of mouth with the right side showing a crossbite

A crossbite is a type of bite alignment issue where your upper teeth fit inside your lower teeth. It may be a result of genetics or baby teeth that fell out too early. An untreated crossbite can contribute to speech difficulties, headaches, and an increased risk of oral health problems like tooth decay. It should be noted that in order to correct a crossbite with Invisalign, it may be necessary to use accessories such as elastics.

Open Bite

Illustration of an open bite viewed at an angle

Do your top teeth not touch your bottom teeth when your mouth is fully closed? This is known as an open bite, and it’s known to interfere with speech while also excessively wearing down the enamel protecting your teeth. Fortunately, Invisalign can be used to correct the positions of the top and bottom teeth so that they come together in the right spots.

 

Invisalign VS. Traditional Braces

Smiling woman holding Invisalign tray

Invisalign helps patients undergo orthodontic treatment discreetly and easily. It has a number of advantages when compared to metal braces, such as

  • The clear plastic makes the aligners practically invisible when worn.
  • The trays are removable, which allows a patient to eat and care for their teeth as they would normally.
  • The smooth plastic fits comfortably with your lips and gums and doesn’t cause irritation like metal braces.
  • The trays often work faster to correct issues than traditional braces.
  • Invisalign requires less frequent visits to the dentist’s office and never has to be adjusted like braces.

 

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

dental team member shaking hands with a patient

Invisalign is known for its safety, effectiveness, and popularity, but it is the price tag you will need to know before moving forward with treatment. When it comes to determining the cost of Invisalign in Torrance, you can expect your dentist to consider various factors before providing a definitive cost estimate. Because each patient is different, you can expect your experience and financial responsibility to differ from another patient. Fortunately, our team is here to help you navigate insurance and other available payment options.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

man at a consultation for Invisalign in Torrance

During your initial consultation, a member of our dental team will fully examine your smile and deliver an approximate estimate for the cost of treatment. Many factors are considered, including:

  • The number of clear aligners you will need throughout your treatment.
  • The severity of your orthodontic problem.
  • Any dental work that must be completed beforehand (i.e., tooth extraction, periodontal therapy).
  • The timeline for your treatment.
  • The number of teeth that need to be straightened.

Invisalign VS. Smile Direct Club™: A Cost Comparison

several clear aligners in front of a red background

If you’re looking for a “quick fix” for a few slightly crooked teeth, you may have looked into Smile Direct Club or other mail-order clear aligner kits. While Invisalign treatment tends to cost between $3,000 and $8,000, these DIY aligner systems very rarely cost more than $2,000. Keep in mind, though, that when it comes to your smile, cheaper is NOT always better.

Although Smile Direct Club has a lower price tag, it also comes with very little, if any, supervision from a dental professional. Instead, you alone are responsible for taking accurate impressions of your teeth and carefully following the treatment instructions. It’s all too easy for something to go wrong and cause a dental issue that would have to get treated by a dentist anyway.

By investing in Invisalign from the start, you can save yourself a great deal of time and money. Our dentists will be with you every step of the way to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned. You can expect high-quality impressions, precise aligners, and a smoother treatment process overall. 

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

dental insurance benefits claim form

At Blue Coast Dental, we are pleased to be in-network with Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, and Delta PPOs, as well as many others. Most  dental insurance  plans will cover your Invisalign treatment much in the same way they will cover traditional orthodontics (up to 50%), but it is best if you contact a representative you’re your insurance company to find out how much your out-of-pocket expenses will be. If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you may be able to apply these funds toward your Invisalign treatment as well.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

dentist holding two Invisalign aligners in the shape of a heart

Even if you are uninsured or need help paying the remaining balance after filing your insurance, you can apply for CareCredit, which is a third-party financier that offers low-to-no-interest payment plans. Right now, you can pay as little as $169 per month for Invisalign when applying (and being approved) for 24-month financing with 0% APR through CareCredit! 

Invisalign FAQs

Woman holding clear aligner

Many people have questions about Invisalign clear braces and the treatment process because it is a newer orthodontic service than traditional braces. That’s why we’ve included some of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign in Torrance as well as their answers for your convenience. Now you can get the information that you need without even stepping into our dental office. Read on to learn more about Invisalign treatment and  contact us today  if you have any further questions or want to schedule an appointment.

Why Should I Feel Confident About Invisalign Treatment?

Over 6 million people and counting have used Invisalign clear braces to receive the smile of their dreams. Unlike mail-order aligners, Invisalign treatment will be conducted under the supervision of one of our expert dentists to make sure that you enjoy an easy and beneficial process. You will visit our dental office every 6 to 8 weeks to ensure the success of your treatment.

What If I’ve Had Braces or Other Types of Dental Work?

Invisalign treatment can be done even if you’ve already had other orthodontic work. It is common for patients to use braces as a way to correct more serious bite issues and then switch to Invisalign to shift their teeth into alignment. Many times, teeth can shift after orthodontic treatment, which makes Invisalign clear braces a comfortable and discreet option for correcting your smile.

How Will Invisalign Treatment Affect My Life?

The best part of Invisalign treatment is that it doesn’t dramatically affect your life. Unlike traditional braces that make you self-conscious to smile and alter your diet, Invisalign offers discreet and removable aligning trays. You can eat all of your favorite foods and navigate through your professional and personal lives with confidence. While they’re removable, you should still wear them 20 to 22 hours a day to keep your treatment on track.

How Do I Take Care of My Aligners?

You can clean your aligners with the Invisalign Cleaning System, but you can also brush them with a non-abrasive brush and lukewarm water. It’s important to avoid using hot water because it can warp the plastic. You should also brush your teeth after eating and before putting your aligners back in. Foods like pasta sauce, blueberries, and wine can permanently stain your aligners, making them not so discreet after all.

What Happens When I’m Down with Invisalign Treatment?

Once you’re done with Invisalign treatment, we will give you a retainer to wear, which prevents your teeth from gradually shifting back into place. This ensures the success of your treatment to give you a beautifully straight smile for the future.

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