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.
Everything you need to know about Invisalign
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?
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?
Benefits of Invisalign versus traditional braces
Practically invisible
Magnitudes more comfortable
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.