Ryan Senft, DDS, proudly provides Invisalign services in Cupertino, CA. Call 408-996-8595 to learn more or schedule your appointment.

For more than a century, metal braces were the treatment of choice for straightening teeth. While braces remain popular today, dentists and patients are increasingly choosing Invisalign, billed as “the clear alternative to braces.” Rather than metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear, smooth, medical grade aligners to gently shift the teeth.

Invisalign’s removable, fully customized aligners are designed to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day, as directed. Depending on your treatment plan, you will wear each set for approximately two weeks and then switch to the next set at home. You will visit us just once every four to six weeks for progress monitoring. Invisalign treatment generally lasts for 6 to 12 months; your specific treatment plan will depend on your unique needs.

The first step is to use digital impressions and scans to create a 3D digital model of your current smile. We will then morph the model to show you what to expect at each stage of treatment, and how your teeth will look when you’re finished. When we are all happy with your projected new smile, we will use the model to create your personalized aligners.

Although everyone hates to admit it, first impressions matter. Whether you are interviewing for jobs, posing for prom pictures, or going out on a first date, you may not want to flash a smile filled with metal. Invisalign’s clear aligners are nearly invisible, allowing you to smile and laugh with confidence.

Invisalign is also far more comfortable than traditional braces. There are no sharp edges or wires to cut and scratch your tongue, cheeks, or gums. Rather than undergoing harsh adjustments, you will simply slip in a new set of aligners at designated intervals, gently shifting your teeth.

Braces put your dentist in control. We place them, make all adjustments, and remove them. If you have an emergency, such as a popped wire or a loose bracket, you will need an emergency appointment. Certain foods, such as popcorn and whole apples, are off-limits, and you will need to learn a complex routine to care for your braces and teeth.

Invisalign puts you in control. After we place attachments on your teeth and show you how to insert and remove your aligners, you are in charge. You will change aligners at home. You can take them out to eat and perform oral hygiene. We will keep track of your treatment progression, but your day to day treatment is in your own hands.

Until recently, Invisalign was much more expensive than braces, but this is quickly changing. Cosmetic upgrades, such as clear or colored metal brackets, raise the base price of braces, as do all fees for adjustments and emergency appointments. Invisalign uses an easy to understand pricing model that includes all aligners and office visits.

Dental insurance can be confusing. Some policies cover both braces and Invisalign, some cover only braces, and some do not include any orthodontic coverage at all. Our friendly, knowledgeable front office team will help you understand your coverage and the out-of-pocket costs for both options.

Call 408-996-8595 to learn more or schedule your appointment.

Yes, Invisalign is absolutely worth getting. While most patients are interested in Invisalign because they want straighter teeth, an improved bite, and a beautiful smile, from a dental perspective, Invisalign also improves your oral health. Straight teeth are easier to clean, making them less prone to cavities, and a proper bite protects your teeth from abnormal wear and damage.

You should always remove your aligners before eating and drinking anything other than water. One of the advantages of the Invisalign system is that you can remove your aligners and continue to eat all of your favorite foods!

Invisalign isn’t painful at all, although when you first start wearing your aligners and sometimes when you switch to a new set of aligners, you’ll feel some tightness and discomfort. This simply means your aligners are doing their job by exerting gentle pressure on your teeth to shift them into their correct positions.

According to Invisalign, the average treatment time is 12 to 18 months, but it is possible to be done with treatment sooner if you comply with the program and you have only minor misalignments to correct.

Just like any orthodontic treatment, your teeth can shift after Invisalign if you don’t wear your retainers as directed. Luckily, Invisalign’s Vivera retainers are clear and comfortable, just like their aligners, so most patients don’t have any issues wearing them each night to maintain their results.