Invisalign®

More than 12 million Americans have achieved healthier and more symmetrical smiles thanks to Invisalign®. If you have crooked or crowded teeth, you can benefit. At his self-titled practice, general and family dentist Jason Ray, DDS, and the team use Invisalign clear aligners to improve the health of the teeth and gums. To make an appointment, call the office in Santa Monica, California, or book online today.

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment. It uses plastic aligners to improve the position of your teeth and jaw. That enhances your smile’s appearance and makes your teeth easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

If you’ve considered orthodontics in the past, but put it off because you didn’t want to wear braces, consider Invisalign. After an oral exam and a discussion of your goals, Dr. Ray can make treatment recommendations.

What types of alignment issues does Invisalign treat?

Dr. Ray and the team use Invisalign to treat various alignment issues, including:

• Crossbite
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Spaces between teeth

You might also benefit from Invisalign treatment if you have a malpositioned jaw.

What does Invisalign treatment involve?

Before recommending Invisalign, Dr. Ray reviews your dental records, performs an oral exam, and takes a series of oral X-rays. If you have mild or moderate alignment issues –– like crowded or overlapping teeth –– you qualify for treatment.

Dr. Ray takes digital scans of your mouth and uploads them to a computer design program. He uses the program to develop a custom orthodontic care plan that maps out the gradual movements of your teeth and jaw.

After finalizing the treatment plan, Dr. Ray sends your scans to an Invisalign lab. The lab manufactures a pair of Invisalign aligners that fit snugly over your teeth.

During treatment, you visit Dr. Ray every three weeks. At each orthodontic checkup, Dr. Ray monitors your progress and has you change into a new pair of aligners. Each new pair places mild pressure on your teeth and jaw, slowly improving their alignment and position.

How long does orthodontics with Invisalign take?

The time that orthodontics with Invisalign takes depends on various factors, including the severity of your alignment issues and your commitment to Dr. Ray’s care plan. Some people finish treatment in 12 months* but it may take 18 months or longer. Be patient and wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day, only removing them to eat or brush your teeth.

To see if you can benefit from Invisalign, make an appointment at the practice of Jason Ray, DDS, by calling the office or booking online today.

*Individual results may vary.