
At West LA Orthodontics, Dr. J utilizes the latest orthodontic technology to offer the most efficient treatment and achieve the best outcomes for his patients.
Clear Aligners can straighten your teeth and correct malocclusions (jaw misalignments) using a system of clear plastic trays. A revolutionary alternative to traditional metal braces, the aligners can give you a beautiful smile without brackets, wires or frequent tightening. Typically, aligners are worn for 22 hours a day and are only removed to eat and drink (except for water), and to clean and floss your teeth. The treatment plan usually includes switching to a new set of aligners every two weeks to maintain your progress. You will receive several sets of aligners at each checkup, which are scheduled every 2 ½ to 3 months. Each new set will slightly adjust your teeth. With each new set of aligners, you are one step closer to your perfect smile.
Dr. J offers two different types of aligners:
Clear aligners are, effectively, removable braces and have a number of advantages over traditional metal braces, such as:
Clear plastic aligners are snug fitting and don’t feel bulky and uncomfortable inside your mouth as braces sometimes do. We use our state-of-the-art iTero® Element™ digital scanner to custom-make your aligners so they fit perfectly!
You don't need any special tools to keep your teeth clean during clear aligner treatment. It's just a matter of removing your aligners, brushing, flossing, and popping them back into your mouth again. Easy!
Clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible, unlike traditional braces which can be quite noticeable. Your friends won’t even know you are wearing them!
Dr. J begins your Invisalign process by taking a digital scan of your teeth with our state-of-the-art iTero® Element™ scanner, which uses a small intraoral camera to take a series of digital pictures of your bite, smile and the inside of your mouth.
Next, he uses the digital images and a specialized pre-planning software program to create a virtual model of your teeth, and maps out all of the “steps” necessary to get your smile from its current alignment to your target alignment. He sends this information to a lab that creates a series of clear plastic aligners modeled after each of these steps.
You wear these aligners over your teeth and they exert a small amount of pressure, slowly shifting your teeth towards the next "step" in your orthodontic journey. Invisalign aligners are worn all the time for 22 hours a day except when you brush, floss, eat or drink (except for water). Your aligners are changed every two weeks until your teeth and jaw are aligned properly and your dream smile is achieved.
The speed at which Invisalign works is one of its most important benefits. You'll start seeing progress just a few weeks after starting treatment, which typically takes between 12 and 18 months. Don’t wait to get the smile you’ve always wanted! Schedule your Invisalign appointment today by calling the West LA Orthodontics office or request an appointment below.
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm