Transform your smile with Invisalign: Benefits and experts insights from Dr.Brian Orcutt
Video Transcript
Hi, I’m Dr. Brian Orcutt, and I would like to take this opportunity to talk to you about Invisalign. Now, everybody likes to talk about Invisalign. It’s one of my favorite things that I can do for my patients. I’ve been doing it since 2006, and it’s a lot of fun to help people transform their smiles. The other thing it does great is it transforms their bite as well. Having a good bite is really important. And one of our mottoes here at Orcutt Family Dentistry is ‘Straight teeth last longer’. And so, yes, braces and Invisalign can help straighten the teeth. We’ll go over the differences in just a bit. Having straight teeth and a good bite is really important for the longevity of the teeth.
So, let’s talk about Invisalign and all the benefits that come with Invisalign. One of the most important things about Invisalign is that it’s invisible. You know, you can’t really see it when it’s in your mouth. You can speak with it very easily. It’s a lot more aesthetically pleasing than having metal braces. Another thing that you can do with Invisalign is you can take it out when you eat. So, basically, you can eat anything you want to when you have Invisalign, whereas with braces, you are pretty limited as to what you can eat. You can’t eat sticky foods and things like that but with Invisalign, you can do anything you want.
Another really nice thing about Invisalign is you can keep your teeth so much cleaner than you can if you have metal braces. With Invisalign, you just take the aligners out, you brush, floss, use a water pick, you clean the inside of the trays. You are able to keep your teeth so much cleaner. And people come out of Invisalign not really having a lot of cavities, whereas people with metal braces, they tend to get a lot of cavities after having worn the braces because it’s so hard to keep your teeth clean.
One of the other nicer things about Invisalign is that we encourage all of our patients to whiten while they are in Invisalign. We actually give our patients free whitening gel when they are in Invisalign. All they need to do is to drop a little bit of the gel and the whitening tray inside the Invisalign tray, pop it on their teeth and wear that for about half an hour, and it does an amazing job at whitening your teeth.
Invisalign is one of my favorite ways to straighten people’s teeth. It just gently moves the teeth and a lot of times it works a lot faster than metal braces do. So, if you have any questions about Invisalign, I’ve been doing it since 2006. I love doing this for people. It’s one of my favorite things to do. Reach out, call me if you have any questions. Just call, give us a call. Alright, take care, have a good day!</div>
Straight Teeth Last Longer
A Patient Guide From Orcutt Family Dentistry in Fair Oaks, California
A straighter smile can change the way you look, but the benefits of properly positioned teeth can extend far beyond appearance.
When teeth are crowded, rotated, overlapping, or positioned in a way that causes the bite to function poorly, certain teeth may receive more force than others. Over time, those forces may contribute to wear, chipping, cracking, difficulty keeping teeth clean, and other dental concerns. Having teeth that are unbalanced is much like driving on a set of tires that are unbalanced…eventually something is going to pop.
For many patients, Invisalign provides a comfortable and discreet way to improve the position of their teeth without traditional metal braces.
At Orcutt Family Dentistry, we often describe our philosophy with one simple phrase:
Straight teeth last longer.
The goal is not simply to create teeth that look straighter in a photograph, although that is very important to us and we want you to have a confident smile. We want to consider how your teeth fit together, how they function, how easy they are to keep clean, and how we can help protect your smile for years to come.
This guide explains what Invisalign is, how treatment works, who may benefit, what you can expect during treatment, and why orthodontic treatment can sometimes be an important part of comprehensive dental care.
thinking about straightening your teeth?
Have you ever looked at your smile and thought:
“I wish my teeth were a little straighter.”
“I had braces when I was younger, but my teeth moved back.”
“I would like straighter teeth, but I do not want metal braces.”
“My front teeth keep chipping.”
“My teeth seem to be wearing down.”
“My bite just does not feel right.”
“My teeth are getting harder to keep clean.”
If any of these sound familiar, you are certainly not alone.
Many adults are interested in improving their smiles but hesitate because they assume orthodontic treatment means years of metal brackets and wires.
Clear aligner treatment has changed that conversation.
Invisalign allows many orthodontic movements to be accomplished using a series of clear removable aligners that fit over the teeth and typically it’s faster than metal braces. Because the aligners are removable, patients can take them out for meals, brushing, and flossing.
For many adults, that makes treatment much easier to incorporate into everyday life.
What is invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic system that uses a sequence of clear custom made aligners to gradually and gently move teeth. Typically tooth movement with Invisalign is much less painful than with metal braces.
Each aligner is custom made and created to move specific teeth a small amount. As you progress through the sequence, your teeth gradually move toward the positions planned by Dr. Orcutt.
Instead of metal brackets and wires, the aligners fit over your teeth like a thin transparent tray.
Invisalign aligners are:
- Clear and discreet
- Removable
- Custom designed for your teeth
- Digitally planned
- Smooth and comfortable for most patients
- Removed for eating
- Removed for brushing and flossing
- Changed according to your prescribed treatment schedule
Clear aligners need to be worn consistently to work properly. Invisalign recommends approximately 22 hours of daily wear. The American Association of Orthodontists emphasizes that aligners must be worn most of the day for predictable tooth movement.
Invisalign is not simply a clear version of a mouthguard.
It is orthodontic treatment.
The movement of each tooth needs to be planned carefully, and the final bite needs to be considered as part of the treatment process.
Invisalign is about more than straight teeth and a confident smile
Many people first become interested in Invisalign because they want a more attractive smile.
That is completely understandable. But orthodontic treatment can have additional benefits.
Crowded or overlapping teeth can sometimes make brushing and flossing more difficult. Improving alignment may make certain areas easier to clean. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that properly aligned teeth can make oral hygiene easier and may help reduce dental problems associated with difficult to clean areas.Tooth position can also influence how teeth contact one another.
When a tooth repeatedly receives excessive force, it may show signs such as:
- Flattened areas (wear facets)
- Chipping
- Cracks
- Worn enamel
- Bone and gum recession
- Cold sensitivity
- Premature contact with opposing teeth
- Uneven wear
- Headaches
- Jaw soreness
- Facial pain
- Neck pain
Correcting tooth position may allow forces to be distributed more favorably.
This is one of the reasons we use the phrase:
Straight teeth last longer.
Straight teeth are not automatically healthy teeth, and orthodontics cannot prevent every dental problem. However, creating better alignment may make teeth easier to maintain and may help improve the way certain teeth function together. Over a lifetime, having teeth that touch properly saves a lot of time and cost.
Who may be a candidate for invisalign?
You may be asking yourself “am I a candidate for Invisalign?”
Invisalign can be used to address many common orthodontic concerns.
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Crowded teeth
- Space between your teeth
- Teeth that shifted after already having metal braces as a kid
- Rotated teeth
- Bite concerns
There are actually very few patients who are not candidates for Invisalign. Almost all cases can be treated with Invisalign clear aligners.
A consultation is necessary to determine whether Invisalign is appropriate for your particular situation.
Am I Too old for Invisalign?
Many people ask themselves the question: “Am I too old for Invisalign?”
The answer is absolutely not. Most of my Invisalign patients are adults who’ve had a relapse of their bite since they had braces.
At Orcutt Family Dentistry I have treated many adults between the ages of 60 to 80 years old. These patients understood how important it is to have teeth that touch properly and are in good alignment. Many of these older adults have had significant dental treatment done, including extractions, implants and surgeries because their teeth were not in proper alignment for many years and now they will do anything they can to prevent those things from happening again.
Some of these older adults never had orthodontic treatment when they were younger. Others had braces many years ago but experienced orthodontic relapse.
Some are preparing for cosmetic dentistry and want their teeth positioned correctly before veneers, bonding, or other treatment.
Others are less concerned about appearance and are more interested in improving function and preventing the bad things that happen when teeth are not balanced or aligned.
There is no single age at which someone becomes “too old” to straighten their teeth.
What matters much more is the health of the teeth, gums, supporting bone, and overall mouth.
Before beginning orthodontic treatment, we want to make sure your mouth is healthy enough to support tooth movement.
For some patients, periodontal treatment, restorative dentistry, or other care may need to be completed first.
How does Invisalign work?
At Orcutt Family Dentistry, Invisalign treatment begins with careful planning.
The process generally includes four major stages.
Your Invisalign consultation
The first step is understanding what you want to change.
Some patients want to straighten one tooth that has always bothered them.
Others are unhappy with crowding. Some are noticing wear or chipping.
Others are planning a larger cosmetic transformation and want orthodontics to create a better foundation.
During your consultation, I will evaluate your:
- Teeth
- Gum health
- Existing restorations
- Tooth alignment
- Bite
- Smile
- Dental history
- Treatment goals
This is an important part of treatment. Invisalign should not simply move teeth until they look straight from the front. I want to understand the entire dental picture before I begin.
Digital Records and Treatment planning
Digital technology allows me to create a three dimensional representation of your teeth and develop a customized orthodontic plan.
Your planned tooth movements can be reviewed digitally before treatment begins.
This allows me to evaluate where the teeth are starting, where they are expected to move, and how the final arrangement may look.
Modern Invisalign treatment planning software also allows Dr. Brian Orcutt to modify individual tooth positions, arch form, attachments, spacing, and areas where interproximal reduction may be considered.
This digital planning stage is one of the most important parts of treatment. The aligners are tools.
The treatment plan determines how those tools are used.
Wear Your Aligners
After your aligners are manufactured, you will begin wearing them according to your prescribed schedule.
Most patients are instructed to wear their Invisalign aligners approximately 20 to 22 hours each day. They are generally only removed for eating, brushing, flossing, and using the waterpik. Invisalign clear aligners need constant gentle pressure to move the teeth and if you take a long time to eat your meals, or you don’t wear them for social reasons, you may fall behind schedule.
You will move from one set of aligners to another according to the schedule provided by Dr. Orcutt.
Each aligner continues the movement created by the previous one, like a domino effect.
Protect Your new Smile
Finishing the final Invisalign tray does not mean orthodontic treatment is over forever.
Teeth have a natural tendency to move.
Retainers are used after treatment to help maintain the new tooth positions.
The team at Orcutt Family Dentistry will provide instructions for how and when your retainers should be worn.
What sets Dr. Orcutt apart from most orthodontic providers, is the extensive training he has when it comes down to how your bite is balanced and how he incorporates the use of a bite computer at the end of treatment. After wearing your retainers full-time for approximately 6 months, Dr. Orcutt will further evaluate your bite to determine if fine detailing needs to be done to ensure a balanced bite. It does not matter the orthodontic system used, whether it is metal braces or clear aligners, your teeth are never balanced to their best position after ortho, it just isn’t possible. The bite needs to be measured and evaluated by high-tech bite computers that most dentists and orthodontists just don’t have and are unwilling to learn how to use it. Dr. Orcutt has extensive training with the bite computer and always finishes his cases with it.
Retention is an essential part of protecting the time and investment you made in your smile. If you don’t wear your retainers, it is only a matter of time before your teeth move again.
Real Patients, Real Results At Orcutt Family Dentistry
- This patient came to me asking if I could give her straight teeth using Invisalign
- She had previously been told she was not a candidate for Invisalign.
- She was in Invisalign aligners for just over 1 year.
- This patient wanted to straighten her teeth because they were slowly becoming more crooked.
- You can see she has a much wider smile now than before.
- We also whiten teeth for free during Invisalign treatment; you can see the difference it made in this case.
- This patient is an airline pilot and wanted to straighten his teeth because he had gum surgery due to his bad bite and didn’t want to go through that again. He understands that you are less likely to have gum recession and need gum surgery if you have a good bite.
- You can see his before and after smiles are different. His new smile is much broader, and his teeth are much better aligned.
Before VIVOS
After VIVOS Before Invisalign
After Invisalign
This adolescent was diagnosed with sleep apnea when he was 12 years old, and he and his parents wanted him to have straight teeth. We decided to treat the sleep apnea first using a VIVOS sleep apnea appliance. For 12 months, this patient wore the VIVOS sleep apnea appliance in the evenings and overnight. Daytime use of the appliance is not necessary. The VIVOS sleep apnea appliance is the only sleep apnea appliance approved by the FDA to reverse sleep apnea. After finishing with the sleep apnea appliance, he started Invisalign. We were able to finish Invisalign with plenty of time to spare before his senior portraits.
- This patient asked me what we could do regarding his crooked teeth. He was also having problems breaking his back teeth.
- We discussed how a bad bite will cause teeth to chip and fracture as well as cause gum disease. I explained how straight teeth just last longer for people. Their teeth break less often, they have less gum disease, and they spend less time (and money) in a dental chair than someone with crooked teeth.
- We used Invisalign to straighten his teeth and give him a better bite. It took us just under two years to finish his case.
- This patient is an airline pilot and wanted to straighten his teeth because he had gum surgery due to his bad bite and didn’t want to go through that again. He understands that you are less likely to have gum recession and need gum surgery if you have a good bite.
- You can see his before and after smiles are different. His new smile is much broader, and his teeth are much better aligned.
- This patient asked me to straighten his teeth because he didn’t like his teeth when he smiled.
- He asked if he was an Invisalign candidate, and I explained that pretty much everybody is an Invisalign candidate.
- I explained to him that Invisalign is much more gentle than braces, typically moves teeth faster, you can eat anything you want, you can brush and floss easier, and you can take them out for social occasions.
- He decided to use Invisalign over traditional metal braces, and within two years, he was done.
- This patient asked me what we could do regarding his crooked teeth. He was also having problems breaking his back teeth.
- We discussed how a bad bite will cause teeth to chip and fracture as well as cause gum disease. I explained how straight teeth just last longer for people. Their teeth break less often, they have less gum disease, and they spend less time (and money) in a dental chair than someone with crooked teeth.
- We used Invisalign to straighten his teeth and give him a better bite. It took us just under two years to finish his case.
What are invisalign attachments?
Some Invisalign cases require small tooth colored shapes called attachments.
Attachments are composite that is bonded temporarily to selected teeth.
They provide the aligner with additional surfaces to grip so that certain movements can occur more predictably.
Invisalign describes these attachments as small tooth colored shapes that give the aligner something to push against during specific tooth movements.
Not every patient needs the same number of attachments and some may need only a few while others may require attachments on several to many teeth.
Attachments are generally much less noticeable than traditional orthodontic brackets, but they may still be visible when you smile.
After Invisalign treatment is complete, the attachments are removed and teeth are polished. This does not hurt the enamel.
What is IPR?
During some Invisalign cases, Dr. Orcutt may recommend something called interproximal reduction.
Interproximal reduction is often abbreviated as IPR. It involves removing a very small, controlled amount of enamel between selected teeth and most cases need some IPR.
IPR does not increase the risk of cavities or tooth loss and it doesn’t hurt and you don’t need to be numb for it.
Why would IPR be necessary? Imagine several teeth that are crowded together because there is simply not enough room for them to align.
In certain cases, creating a small amount of additional space between selected teeth can allow those teeth to move into more favorable positions Dr. Orcutt to balance the bite.
IPR is not necessary for every Invisalign patient, but most need a small amount.
Whether it is appropriate depends on your tooth shape, amount of crowding, bite, treatment goals, and overall orthodontic plan.
Digital Invisalign treatment planning software specifically allows Dr. Orcutt to plan spacing and IPR when appropriate.
If IPR is recommended for you, Dr. Orcutt will explain where it is needed and why before it is performed.
How long does Invisalign Take?
One of the first questions patients ask is:
“How long will I have to wear Invisalign?”
The answer depends on your case. A patient who needs a small amount of movement may have a very different treatment time than someone with significant crowding or a complex bite.
Factors that influence treatment time include:
- Amount of crowding
- Number of teeth that need movement
- Types of movement required
- Bite correction
- Patient compliance
- How consistently aligners are worn
- How teeth respond biologically
- Whether refinement aligners are needed
Treatment does not necessarily end with the first series of aligners.
Sometimes additional digital records are taken near the end of treatment and another series of aligners is ordered to fine tune the result.
These are commonly called refinements.
The goal is not simply to reach the last numbered tray.
The goal is to finish with the best result reasonably possible for your individual case.
How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners?
Consistency matters. Clear aligners only move your teeth while they are being worn.
Most patients should expect to wear their aligners approximately 22 hours every day. That leaves enough time for meals, brushing, and flossing.
If aligners are repeatedly left out for long periods, tooth movement may fall behind the treatment plan.
That can cause the next aligner to fit poorly. Patients sometimes underestimate how quickly several short periods without aligners can add up. Breakfast, coffee, lunch, snacks, dinner, and an evening drink can easily turn into many hours without aligners. Eating your meals in a timely manner so that you can place your aligners back on your teeth is very important.
The easiest approach is to make wearing your aligners part of your normal daily routine. Remove them when necessary. Then put them back in as soon as reasonably possible.
Can I eat with Invisalign?
No, you cannot eat with your aligners in your mouth. Generally, the only thing Dr. Orcutt recommends to ingest while you have your aligners in your mouth is water. You should normally remove your Invisalign aligners when eating.
One of the major advantages of removable aligners is that you generally do not have the food restrictions associated with traditional braces. You can remove the aligners, eat your meal, clean your teeth, and replace them afterward.
With traditional braces, certain hard or sticky foods can damage brackets and wires.
Because Invisalign aligners are removed for meals, patients can generally continue eating the foods they enjoy. That does not mean the aligners should become napkin decorations at restaurants.
They are surprisingly easy to throw away accidentally. Always place your aligners in their case when you remove them. They should either be in your face or in your case.
What can I drink while wearing Invisalign?
Water is the safest beverage to drink while your aligners are in place.
In general, Invisalign recommends removing the aligners when drinking beverages other than water.
Coffee, tea, wine, soda, and other beverages may stain aligners or allow sugar and acids to remain trapped against the teeth, thus increasing your risk of cavities and staining your teeth.
If you drink something other than water, remove the aligners.
Afterward, clean your mouth appropriately before replacing them whenever practical.
This is especially important with beverages containing sugar or acid.
Remember that aligners cover the tooth surface.
You do not want sugary or acidic liquids trapped underneath them for long periods.
How Do I Keep My Teeth Clean During Invisalign?
One of the advantages of removable orthodontic aligners is that you can take them out to brush, floss and Waterpik normally.
That can make oral hygiene easier than cleaning around fixed metal brackets and wires.
However, Invisalign still requires excellent home care. Food and plaque left on the teeth can become trapped beneath an aligner.
For that reason, brushing after meals whenever practical is a good habit before putting the aligners back in. Invisalign and orthodontic guidance both emphasize maintaining good oral hygiene throughout aligner treatment.
During treatment:
- Brush thoroughly
- Floss every day
- Keep your routine dental cleaning appointments
- Clean your aligners
- Avoid putting aligners over teeth covered in food debris
- Pay attention to areas around attachments
Straightening your teeth does not replace routine dental care.
Your teeth and gums need to remain healthy throughout orthodontic treatment.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
Clear aligners look best when they are kept clean. Rinse them regularly and follow the cleaning instructions provided by the team at Orcutt Family Dentistry..
Avoid exposing your aligners to very hot water. Heat can distort orthodontic plastics.
You should also avoid allowing plaque and debris to build up inside the aligners.
A clean aligner is more comfortable, looks clearer, and helps support a healthier oral environment.
When your aligners are not in your mouth, store them in their case (In your face or in your case).
Do not leave them loose in a pocket, purse, napkin, or on a countertop where they can be lost, damaged, or discovered by a curious pet.
Dogs seem to have an unusual appreciation for expensive dental appliances. Keep the case nearby.
Will Invisalign Hurt?
Invisalign moves teeth, so some pressure is normal, but the vast majority of patients who had braces as a child tell us that Invisalign is so much more comfortable than metal braces.
Many patients notice mild tightness or pressure when they switch to a new aligner. That feeling usually means the new tray is beginning the next planned stage of tooth movement.
Most patients describe the sensation as pressure rather than pain.
The teeth may feel slightly tender when biting for a short period after starting a new aligner.
If you experience severe pain, an aligner that will not seat, a sharp edge that cannot be managed comfortably, or another problem that concerns you, contact our office.
Can Invisalign Fix My Bite?
Invisalign can be used to address many bite relationships, but it depends on the case. As we stated before, it does not matter which technique is used to move teeth, whether it is Invisalign or metal braces, neither system can balance the bite 100%; they will get you about 95% of the way there. You absolutely need to use a bite computer to finish the bite.
Orthodontic treatment is not only about making the front six teeth look straight. The relationship between the upper and lower teeth matters.
During treatment planning, we evaluate how your teeth come together and how planned tooth movements may affect that relationship.
In some cases, Invisalign may help improve:
- Deep bite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Certain underbites
- Crowding
- Spacing
- Uneven tooth contacts
- Orthodontic relapse
However, the type and severity of the problem matter.
Not every orthodontic condition should be treated with Invisalign, and some cases may require other orthodontic techniques or referral to an orthodontic specialist.
The consultation helps determine the appropriate approach.
Can Invisalign Help With Chipping or Tooth Wear?
Sometimes. Teeth can chip and wear for many reasons. It is also quite possible that the teeth are already worn so much that they will be prone to chipping even though you may have already aligned them. That is one of the main reasons why you should not wait to straighten and balance your teeth.
Grinding, clenching, tooth position, bite forces, habits, enamel structure, previous dental work, and other factors may all contribute.
If a tooth is positioned in a way that causes repeated unfavorable contact, changing that position may be one part of protecting the tooth.
For example, if a front tooth repeatedly hits another tooth during normal jaw movement, repositioning it may improve that relationship, but that does not mean Invisalign is a cure for every chipped or worn tooth.
Some patients may also require:
- Bonding
- Crowns
- Veneers
- Nighttime protection
- Bite evaluation
- Treatment for grinding or clenching
- Periodontal treatment
The advantage of comprehensive planning is that orthodontics can be coordinated with the rest of your dental care.
What About Invisalign and TMJ or Facial Pain?
A lot of patients ask if Invisalign can help them with their TMJ problems and facial pain.
The answer requires careful consideration.
Temporomandibular disorders are complex and can involve the jaw joints, muscles, nervous system, habits, inflammation, trauma, stress, tooth relationships, and other factors.
An unbalanced bite may contribute to symptoms in selected patients, but TMD is not caused by a single factor in every person.
For that reason, Invisalign should not be presented as a universal treatment for TMJ disorders.
However, when a patient’s tooth position or occlusion is contributing to an unfavorable functional relationship, orthodontic movement may sometimes be incorporated into a broader treatment plan.
At Orcutt Family Dentistry, patients with significant facial pain or TMJ symptoms may require a more detailed evaluation before orthodontic treatment is planned and sometimes that means they may need metal braces.
The goal is to understand the problem before deciding how the teeth should be moved.
Invisalign Before Cosmetic Dentistry
Sometimes the best cosmetic dentistry begins with orthodontics.
Imagine a front tooth that appears too small because it is rotated.
One option might be to add porcelain or composite material to make it appear straighter.
But another option may be to move the tooth into a better position first.
That can sometimes allow more conservative cosmetic treatment afterward.
Invisalign may be used before:
- Porcelain veneers
- Composite bonding
- Crowns
- Implant restoration
- Smile makeovers
- Whitening
This approach allows us to consider the position of the natural teeth before altering them with restorative materials.
For some patients, Invisalign alone creates enough improvement that they decide they no longer want extensive cosmetic treatment.
Others combine orthodontics with whitening, bonding, or veneers to create a more comprehensive smile transformation.
Invisalign Versus Traditional Braces
Both Invisalign and traditional braces can be excellent orthodontic tools.
The best choice depends on the patient and the orthodontic problem.
Invisalign Advantages Over Metal Braces
Potential advantages include:
- Clear appearance
- Removable aligners
- Easier brushing and flossing
- Ability to eat normal foods after removing aligners
- No metal brackets
- No orthodontic wires
- Digital treatment planning
- Comfortable smooth aligner material for many patients
Metal Braces Advantages Over Invisalign
Potential advantages include:
- Cannot lose them
- Cant take them off
- Complex movements more reliable
- May be better for patients with TMJ
The goal is choosing the treatment that best fits your needs.
What Are the Downsides of Invisalign?
Invisalign has many advantages, but no orthodontic treatment is perfect.
Patients should understand the responsibilities that come with clear aligner therapy.
You have to wear the aligners
This is the biggest issue.
If your aligners spend more time in their case than in your mouth, treatment cannot work as planned.
Attachments may be visible
Invisalign is discreet, but it is not always completely invisible.
Tooth colored attachments may be visible on certain teeth.
You have to remove the aligners for meals
Most patients adjust to this quickly, but it requires planning.
Some cases take longer than expected
Biology does not always follow a computer simulation perfectly.
Additional aligners may be necessary, but that’s frequently the case with metal braces too.
There may be temporary pressure
New trays may make teeth feel tender for a short time.
Retainers are required afterward
Orthodontic retention is not optional if you want to protect the result.
Invisalign may not be ideal for every case
Some orthodontic problems may be treated more effectively with traditional braces, other appliances, or specialty orthodontic care.
The right treatment is the treatment that appropriately addresses the problem.
What Happens If I Lose an Aligner?
First, do not panic. Second, contact our office. It’s not a big deal if you lose an aligner.
What you should do next depends on where you are in your aligner sequence and how long you wore the lost tray.
Sometimes the appropriate solution may be to move forward.
Sometimes it may be better to return temporarily to the previous aligner.
In other situations, a replacement may be necessary.
Do not make major changes to your aligner sequence without contacting us.
Also, avoid wrapping aligners in napkins.
Restaurants are one of the natural predators of clear orthodontic aligners.
Use your case.
What If My Aligner Does Not Fit?
A properly progressing aligner should generally fit closely against the teeth.
If there is a noticeable gap between the aligner and a tooth, it may indicate that the tooth is not tracking according to the planned movement.
This can occur if:
- Aligners were not worn enough
- A tooth did not move as expected
- An attachment came off
- The aligner was damaged
- Treatment biology differed from the digital plan
Do not simply continue through several trays that are fitting progressively worse.
Contact us if they stop fitting like a glove.
Sometimes small problems are easier to correct when they are identified early.
What Are Refinements?
Patients are sometimes surprised when they finish their first series of aligners and learn that treatment may not be completely finished.
This is normal. Orthodontic treatment occurs in living tissue and teeth do not always respond exactly as predicted by a computer model.
Near the end of your initial aligner sequence, we evaluate the actual result.
If additional movement is needed, new digital records may be taken and another set of aligners may be ordered, but there is no additional cost for this.
These additional aligners are commonly referred to as refinements.
Refinements allow us to fine tune tooth position and work toward the planned result.
Think of the first aligner series as a major part of the journey rather than a guarantee that the last numbered tray automatically represents the final result.
Why Do I Need a Retainer?
Because teeth are constantly moving and shifting.
Even after orthodontic treatment is complete, the tissues surrounding your teeth continue to adapt.
Without retention, teeth may gradually shift. That is why someone who had braces twenty years ago may eventually notice crowding again.
The American Association of Orthodontists and Invisalign both emphasize retention as an important part of maintaining orthodontic results.
Your retention schedule will depend on your situation.
Some patients initially wear retainers for longer periods each day and eventually transition to nighttime wear according to their doctor’s instructions.
The key point is simple:
If you want straight teeth to stay straight, wear your retainers.
What If I Had Braces Before?
You are one of the most common types of adult Invisalign patients.
Many adults wore braces when they were younger but gradually stopped wearing retainers.
Over time, the teeth moved. Sometimes the relapse is minor. Sometimes it is significant.
Invisalign may be an excellent option for correcting previous orthodontic relapse because many adults need targeted tooth movement rather than an entirely new orthodontic experience.
Dr. Brian Orcutt will evaluate where your teeth are now and determine what needs to change.
There is no judgment about the retainer you stopped wearing in 1997.
We simply start from where you are today.
Will Invisalign Change My Speech?
Some patients notice a temporary change in speech when they first begin wearing clear aligners.
Your tongue needs a little time to adjust to having the trays over your teeth.
Most patients adapt within a day.
Reading out loud, speaking normally, and simply giving yourself a little time usually helps.
The more consistently you wear your aligners, the faster they tend to feel like part of your normal routine.
Can I Remove Invisalign for Special Events?
Yes.
One advantage of removable aligners is that they can be taken out temporarily.
Invisalign specifically notes that patients can remove aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, and special occasions.
However, remember the daily wear goal.
Removing them for an occasional photograph or important event is different from leaving them out for several hours every day.
Consistency still matters.
Can I Whiten My Teeth During Invisalign?
Many patients are interested in whitening while straightening their teeth.
Most of our patients whiten the whole time during treatment and their teeth look wonderful when we are finished. The Invisalign clear aligners are perfect whitening trays.
Whether whitening should be performed during or after treatment depends on your individual situation, attachments, sensitivity, restorations, and cosmetic goals.
For some patients, whitening is easiest to coordinate near the completion of Invisalign.
Others may be able to whiten during treatment.
We can discuss the timing as part of your overall smile plan.
If you are considering veneers, bonding, or crowns after Invisalign, whitening is especially important to plan before final restorative shades are selected.
Can I Have Dental Work While Wearing Invisalign?
Routine dental care should continue during Invisalign treatment.
You should continue your regular dental examinations and professional cleanings.
If you need a filling, crown, or other dental treatment during Invisalign, let us know.
Changes to tooth shape can affect aligner fit, so restorative treatment sometimes needs to be coordinated with the orthodontic plan.
This is one advantage of receiving Invisalign treatment in a comprehensive dental practice.
We are considering your orthodontics as one part of your total dental health.
How Do I Know If Invisalign Is Right for Me?
The best way to know is through an evaluation.
We consider:
- What bothers you about your smile
- Tooth alignment
- Bite
- Gum health
- Bone support
- Existing crowns and restorations
- Missing teeth
- Tooth wear
- Your dental history
- Your willingness to wear aligners consistently
- Your long term dental goals
Some patients are excellent Invisalign candidates.
Others may benefit from another approach.
The goal of the consultation is not to convince everyone to start Invisalign.
The goal is to determine whether Invisalign makes sense for you.
Common Invisalign Questions
Is Invisalign noticeable?
The aligners are clear and much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Attachments may be visible on certain teeth, so Invisalign is better described as discreet rather than completely invisible.Can I take Invisalign out?
Yes. The aligners are removable. They should normally be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.How often do I change aligners?
Your schedule will be prescribed based on your treatment plan, but it is typical to change them weekly. Do not change trays faster simply because you want treatment to finish sooner because that won’t work, your biology won’t allow for that.Do I have to wear Invisalign at night?
Yes. Nighttime wear is part of achieving the recommended daily wear time.What happens if I do not wear my aligners enough?
Your teeth may not move according to the treatment plan, and future aligners may stop fitting correctly.Can Invisalign close gaps?
In many cases, yes. That is one of the things it is great at. Whether Invisalign can close your particular spaces depends on why the spaces exist and how large they are.Can Invisalign fix crowded teeth?
Crowding is one of the common reasons patients seek clear aligner treatment. The treatment strategy depends on how much room is needed.Will I need attachments?
Possibly. Actually, most likely. Attachments are commonly used to help achieve specific tooth movements.Will I need IPR?
Possibly. IPR may be recommended when small amounts of additional space are needed.Will I need retainers?
Yes. Retainers help maintain the positions achieved through orthodontic treatment.Can adults get Invisalign?
Absolutely. Adults commonly pursue orthodontic treatment for cosmetic, functional, restorative, and periodontal reasons.Why Choose Orcutt Family Dentistry for Invisalign?
Invisalign is not simply about ordering clear trays.
The value is in the diagnosis, planning, monitoring, and integration with your overall dental health.
At Orcutt Family Dentistry, we look beyond whether the teeth appear straight.
We consider:
- Your smile
- Your bite
- Tooth wear
- Existing dental work
- Future cosmetic treatment
- Your goals
We also use modern digital technology to help plan treatment and allow patients to better understand what may be possible before beginning.
The goal is not just a smile that looks great in a photograph, but one that will last a lifetime.
Dr. Orcutt finishes the cases with a bite computer, also known as the T-scan. This is what sets him apart from most providers, is extensive training and use of technology that will help to get a smile that functions, one that will reduce your risk of tooth fracture, gum disease, bone and gum recession as well as supports your long term dental health
Dr. Brian Orcutt has been providing Invisalign to his patients for 20 years and is proud to serve patients in Fair Oaks, Carmichael, Orangevale, Citrus Heights, Gold River, Roseville, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento.
Straight Teeth Last Longer
That phrase represents the larger philosophy behind Invisalign treatment at Orcutt Family Dentistry.
We want your teeth to look great, but appearance is only part of the story.
Teeth also need to function. They need to be easily cleaned. They need to fit together and touch the right way.
They need to withstand thousands of chewing cycles every day for decades.
Improving tooth position can sometimes help create a healthier environment for the teeth and gums and can make daily hygiene easier.
For some patients, Invisalign is primarily cosmetic. For others, it is functional. For many, it is both.
Ready to Find Out What Your Smile Could Look Like?
The first step is a conversation.
Every smile is different.
We will evaluate your teeth, your bite, your jaw bones and jaw joints, your oral health, and your goals.
Then we can explain what Invisalign may be able to accomplish for you and whether it is the right treatment option.
No guessing.
No pressure.
Just information and a personalized plan.
You can begin by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Brian Orcutt at Orcutt Family Dentistry in Fair Oaks, California.