Invisalign® Dentist in Mission Viejo CA

Clear Aligners to Straighten Teeth Without Braces

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Are you interested in straightening crooked or misaligned teeth but do not like the idea of metal braces and lengthy treatment times? Invisalign clear aligners are a virtually invisible alternative to traditional braces that straighten teeth in less time.

Dr. Makhoul is a fully trained, experienced Invisalign® Dentist who treats patients throughout the Mission Viejo area. If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, call EM Makhoul DDS – Dentist of Mission Viejo Phone NumberEM Makhoul DDS - Dentist of Mission Viejo Phone Number (949) 364-3724 to schedule a consultation and see if Invisalign® is right for you.

How Does Invisalign Work?

The first step toward straighter teeth is a consultation with Invisalign specialist Dr. Makhoul. At your first appointment, ASSUMING YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR INVISALIGN, an impression is taken of your mouth. Our dental lab uses this impression to create a series of clear, thermoplastic aligners to guide your teeth into the proper position gently. The aligners are strong yet flexible, designed to be comfortable when worn for long periods.

Patients wear their aligners 22 hours a day to gently shift the teeth into their new positions. Every two weeks, you switch the current aligner for the next one in the series. Over a period of months, the aligners will slowly move teeth into place, making one minor adjustment at a time targeted to specific teeth. This helps your teeth to be comfortable as they are moved into THE PROPER position at a manageable pace.

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How Many Invisalign Trays Will I Go Through?

The number of clear aligners needed varies depending on WHAT YOU’RE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH, how crooked your teeth are and how quickly they move into proper alignment. IT COULD TAKE AS FEW AS 6 ALIGNERS AND AS MANY AS 40 ALIGNERS BUT Most patients use between 20 and 30 aligners during treatment, switching them every two weeks. As a certified Invisalign Dentist, Dr. Makhoul can accurately estimate how many trays you will need at your first appointment.

How Fast Can Invisalign Work?

It depends on the severity of your case. For most patients living in the Mission Viejo, CA, area, the procedure takes around twelve months. The exact timeframe will depend on your situation, and only our team can tell you how long they will need to be worn. Overall, the treatment time can be less than with metal braces. This is partly because you do not have to schedule appointments to keep your teeth moving. Simply pull out a new aligner.

How Expensive is Invisalign®?

The price of Invisalign is generally no more expensive than traditional metal braces. However, you will not need as many dental appointments with Invisalign, which is a great time saver for you. To get an accurate price for Invisalign, you will need an orthodontic consultation with our team. Your final cost will depend on the severity of your orthodontic needs.

Can I Get Invisalign if I’ve Already Had Braces?

Absolutely! Some patients who had metal braces as children discover their teeth have shifted as they’ve grown older. These patients are ideal candidates for clear aligners as adults. The aligners can gently correct any new problems with their teeth without going through the inconvenience and time commitment of metal braces.

Is There an Age Limit for Getting Invisalign®?

Teens and adults are ideal candidates for Invisalign. As long as all the permanent teeth have erupted, clear aligners can help. Invisalign is suitable for adults of all ages, as they are discreet, comfortable, and easy to wear without interfering with your daily life. Whether you are 20 or 80, clear aligners are the ideal way to straighten crooked teeth quickly and effectively.

Who Is Not a Candidate for Invisalign?

Although clear aligners are an excellent option for teens and adults with mild to moderate misalignment, some things may rule you out as a candidate, including cavities or active gum disease. Once these are treated, clear aligners can be considered. Some people have a severe overbite or misalignment that may respond better to more traditional orthodontic treatment. However, in most situations, your Invisalign Dentist can work for you even if you have TMJ issues or dental restorations. While treatment may be more COMPLEX, it can still be effective and convenient.

How will Invisalign® Impact My Life?

Unlike wearing traditional braces, Invisalign® will not significantly impact your quality of life. The clear aligners are not noticeable, with no effect on your appearance. Additionally, since they only need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day, they will not interfere with eating. You can eat your favorite plate of ribs, go out for a romantic date, or eat a caramel apple without worrying about something becoming stuck in your teeth or a wire being pulled out of place. You can also remove the aligner when having an important conversation or giving a presentation at work. Overall, this is a convenient way to straighten your teeth and provides maximum flexibility.

Some people are concerned about whether or not wearing an aligner will impact their speech. Most of our Mission Viejo patients tell us they get used to wearing aligners after the first couple of days. Sometimes, patients have a slight lisp which goes away once they become used to speaking while wearing them. This is standard with any orthodontic procedure, but fortunately, most people can speak normally within a few days.

If you are interested in straightening your teeth with Invisalign®, the first step is a consultation with our Invisalign specialist, Dr. Makhoul. Call our office at EM Makhoul DDS - Dentist of Mission Viejo Phone Number (949) 364-3724 to schedule your appointment and get one step closer to the straight teeth you’ve always wanted.