Questions About Invisalign®

Serving San Diego, La Jolla, and Coronado

What conditions are treatable with Invisalign?

Invisalign has proven an effective treatment for teeth alignment issues and bite conditions including spaced teeth, crowded teeth, crossbite, underbite and overbite. Invisalign is not for everyone, and Dr. Rod Strober, an Invisalign Premier Provider who has successfully treated more than 300 individual cases without the use of metal braces, can tell you if Invisalign is right for your individual condition.

How do Invisalign aligners work?

The Invisalign process uses a series of custom-made plastic aligners. Each set of aligners makes slight adjustments to the position of your teeth according to the treatment plan outlined by Dr. Strober. The aligners gradually shift your teeth to the desired position and are changed approximately every two weeks.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

The duration of treatment depends on the severity of your individual condition. In most adult cases, the desired results are achieved in about 12 months of daily use of 20 to 22 hours per day.

Is Invisalign painful?

Although some people experience minor, temporary discomfort when each new set of aligners is inserted, Invisalign straightens your teeth without the pain associated with metal braces and their corresponding tightening sessions.

Are there food and drink restrictions with Invisalign?

No. Because you remove your aligners to eat and drink, you can enjoy your favorite foods and beverages during the Invisalign treatment process. However, it is important to brush your teeth after each meal before replacing your aligners to maintain good oral health and clean aligners.

Is Invisalign plastic safe?

Yes. Invisalign aligners do not contain Bisphenol-A (BPA) or phthalate. The aligners are made of medical-grade polyurethane resins and have been cleared by the FDA after numerous clinical tests for biocompatibility.

Are Invisalign aligners difficult to clean?

No. The aligners can be removed for easy cleaning with the Invisalign Cleaning Kit or by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

Will I need a retainer after completing Invisalign treatment?

Individual cases vary, and Dr. Strober will determine if you require a post-treatment retainer or positioner.

How often do I have to see my doctor during Invisalign treatment?

Follow-up visits are typically scheduled every four to six weeks and are geared toward monitoring the progress of your treatment. There are no painful tightenings or adjustments as required with metal braces.

What are the advantages of Invisalign?

The benefits of Invisalign over metal braces are many: the aligners are removable and virtually invisible; there are no metal brackets or wires that could irritate the inside of your mouth; Invisalign requires fewer doctor visits; in many cases Invisalign treatment achieves the same results as metal braces with fewer hassles for a comparable cost.

Are there age restrictions for Invisalign?

Depending on your specific condition, Invisalign is suitable for both adults and teenagers who have lost all of their baby teeth and have second molars at least partially protruding.

If you live in the San Diego, La Jolla or Coronado, California, areas and have additional questions about Invisalign or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact Strober Dental.