Affordable Invisalign in Chula Vista, CA​

An alternative way to straighten teeth for teenagers and adults

Eastlake Family Dentistry provides affordable Invisalign in Chula Vista, CA. Our patients love the benefits
of clear aligners that straighten teeth without metal braces. Find answers to the most commonly asked
questions about Invisalign or request an appointment today.

affordable invisalign in chula vista ca

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Most people have heard of Invisalign, but there’s still a lot of confusion over what it is and how it works. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that’s been made extremely popular for being nearly invisible. Patients who opt for Invisalign use a series of clear aligners to straighten their teeth instead of traditional metal braces. This has a number of benefits.
Perhaps Invisalign’s biggest claim to fame is that their clear aligners are far less obtrusive than traditional metal braces. While this appeals to many teenagers, adults in particular are drawn to the fact that clear aligners are subtle and far less noticeable than a mouth full of metal and rubber bands. But low visibility isn’t the only benefit that makes Invisalign an attractive choice.

Invisalign clear aligners are easy to take in and out, giving them a big advantage over traditional braces when it comes to eating and brushing.

There’s also comfort to think about. Invisalign clear aligners are custom-fit and made of a smooth plastic material; in other words, no sharp edges. Many find clear aligners to be a more comfortable option than the aforementioned braces.

How Invisalign works?

Invisalign straightens teeth by gradually shifting them into position using a series of custom-fit aligners. Traditional braces work similarly, except that braces are semi-permanent; the braces you start treatment with are the ones you’ll finish with. However, braces require regularly checkups and adjustments.

That’s where the similarities end. Invisalign aligners come in a series, each slightly different from the next. Each aligner is worn for a period of time, usually a few weeks. Patients then move to the next aligner in the series, each doing its part to straighten your smile over time.

Aligners are designed to be worn for at about 22 hours per day. This takes into account time for them to be removed for eating, brushing your teeth, and cleaning the aligners themselves. On average, Invisalign treatment takes between 9 and 15 months to complete.

However, your mileage may vary. How fast of slow treatment goes primarily depends on the omplexity of your case and how well you stick to the proscribed treatment plan.

If you are considering Invisalign treatment, it is important to carefully follow your orthodontist’s instructions and attend all scheduled appointments. Proper care and maintenance of your aligners will help ensure the best possible results.

What to expect from treatment?

Treatment begins with a scheduled visit to your family dentistry for a consultation (that’s us). Our orthodontist then examines your teeth before developing a proposed treatment plan. Like the aligners themselves, this plan takes into account your specific orthodontic needs. Our orthodontist will also take impressions or digital scans of your teeth; these are what we later used to have your custom-fit aligners made.
Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable plastic material that fit you specifically. In other words, there are no off-the-shelf varieties. These aligners gradually shift your teeth into the desired position over the course of treatment – usually somewhere between 9 and 12 months. Expect to wear each aligner for a few weeks before replacing it with the next aligner in the series.

Benefits of Invisalign versus traditional braces

It can feel like the choice between Invisalign and traditional braces is an impossible one to make. We’ve already explored the main differences; but what makes Invisalign more attractive to many when compared to traditional braces?
invisalign versus traditional braces in chula vista ca

Practically invisible

Appearance is the first and most obvious difference between Invisalign and metal braces. Making use of clear, removable aligners means that Invisalign is easy to overlook if you don’t already know someone is wearing it. In fact, Invisalign’s greatest advertisement is that most people never notice them. On the other hand, traditional braces are made of metal brackets that are cemented to the teeth with wires and elastic bands. While traditional braces are considered a rite of passage for many, they’re generally associated with teenagers. For this reason, adults in particular tend to prefer the discreetness nature Invisalign. However, Invisalign can and does work for all age groups, teens included.

Magnitudes more comfortable

Traditional braces have hard, sometimes sharp edges and tight elastic bands. This is one of the biggest complaints patients have; while you get used to them, braces aren’t exactly anyone’s idea of comfortable. On the other hand, Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable plastic material and do not have any metal components whatsoever.

Way easier to eat with

Invisalign is a lot easier to eat with than traditional braces – mainly because they’re not meant to be eaten with at all. In fact, they’re designed to be removed before eating. This means you can continue to eat all of your favorite foods. That’s not exactly possible with braces; with them, it’s sometimes better to avoid certain foods altogether, particularly those that are sticky, chewy, or hard enough to damage the brackets and wire. Patients using Invisalign tend to be able to eat as they normally do, provided they brush before replacing their clear aligners.

Much easier to keep clean

Just as with eating, Invisalign shines when it comes to oral hygiene because the aligners are designed to be removed for brushing. This makes it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean, along with your aligners. Cleaning traditional braces (and the teeth and gums beneath them) is difficult, tedious, and at times frustrating. It can be a real challenge to effectively clean around the brackets and wires, especially if you’ve eaten something remotely sticky.

Ultimately, the decision between traditional braces and Invisalign really boils down to personal preferences, specific orthodontic goals, and lifestyle. That all said, the best way to know for sure if Invisalign is right for you is to consult with an orthodontist.

Frequently asked questions about Invisalign

Invisalign varies in price, with the total cost depending on the complexity of your case, your orthodontic goals, the treatment plan outlined, and how long treatment takes. That said, the average cost of Invisalign treatment in Chula Vista, CA (and the surrounding area) is anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. However, prices may be higher or lower depending on individual circumstances.

Would-be patients should know that Invisalign is not typically covered by dental insurance. However, some insurance plans may provide partial coverage. Give us a call if you’re unsure and we’ll be happy to check on your behalf. Many patients also like to discuss financing options or payment plans, which can help make treatment more affordable.

For those considering Invisalign, we strongly recommend setting up a first consultation with our orthodontist. This is the best and most accurate way to get an estimate for treatment. Our team will also work with you to help you understand your payment options.

In general, Invisalign treatment takes somewhere in the ballpark of 9 to 15 months. However, treatment time can be shorter or longer. Ultimately, how long your specific Invisalign treatment takes depending on how complex your case is, and what your specific goals are.

You should expect to wear your custom-made aligners at least 22 hours per day. This accounts for time when they are removed, including eating, brushing, and cleaning your aligners. Another factor in how long your treatment takes is how closely you follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Proper care and maintenance of your aligners will also help to ensure that treatment is completed on schedule.

An orthodontist will be able to determine the estimated length of treatment and to create a personalized treatment plan. The orthodontist will be able to provide you with more specific information based on your specific needs and goals.

First, we’ll set you up with an appointment to see our orthodontist. At this point we’ll discuss your treatment goals, followed by an exam of your teeth and mouth. If our orthodontist agrees that Invisalign is a match for your orthodontic goals, we will then provide you with a treatment plan. This will include an estimated timeline for how long your treatment should take.

As with any dental treatment, it is important to carefully follow all your orthodontist’s instructions and attend all scheduled appointments. Proper care and maintenance of your aligners will help ensure the best possible results.

Schedule a consultation for Invisalign in Chula Vista, CA

Ready to take the next step and learn more about Invisalign? Call us to schedule a consultation, during which we’ll discuss a treatment plan and financial options for your clear aligners.