Invisalign® as a primary or secondary treatment in five steps

Invisalign^® and other clear aligner therapies may be ubiquitous, but make no mistake, they remain a true medical treatment “prescribed” for orthodontic conditions and imbalances whose effects transcend the cosmetic (crowded, crooked, gapped teeth). Misaligned teeth and jaws can affect everything from how you chew your food to how often you experience headaches and facial pain.

Led by holistic/biological dentists, Drs. Al A. Fallah and Sergio Juca, Dentistry for San Diego, serves the Carlsbad, California community with extensive neuromuscular dentistry and orthodontics expertise. We are also certified providers of appliances, like the Daytime Nighttime Appliance™ (DNA), Myobrace(R) system, and Invisalign^®. So, you can trust that the course of treatment recommended for you is sound due to our extensive and broad-based capabilities. Our team has provided an overview of what to expect as an Invisalign^® patient at our practice.

No. 1: Invisalign® may be combined with the DNA Appliance™ system.

All treatments begin with a thorough evaluation. Depending on your needs, we may recommend using a DNA Appliance™ before embarking on Invisalign^®. You may be an appropriate candidate for such therapy if expansion of the upper jaw or maxilla is required. Unlike other appliances, the DNA device reshapes the arch or top of the mouth to widen the maxilla. Once this gradual process is completed, patients report they experience less severe and less frequent TMD symptoms (such as chronic pain, migraines, earaches, and jaw locking). This appliance therapy also helps to support healthy and uninterrupted breathing among patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), such as obstructive sleep apnea. 

No. 2: Invisalign® may also be combined with the Myobrace® system.

Characterized as an early intervention, Myobrace^® involves wearing a series of special appliances and special exercises or “physical therapy for the oral muscles.” The former component of treatment requires removable devices, which slide in and out of the mouth comfortably. They should be worn each day as instructed by Drs. Fallah or Juca. When worn properly, they help to resolve the breathing and myofunctional habits that often complicate orthodontic treatment. These appliances may further be complemented by “trainer” exercises to help establish healthy behaviors and habits; for instance, these activities encourage proper sealing of the lips, nasal instead of mouth breathing, good tongue posture and placement, and healthy swallowing function. While Myobrace^® may be appropriate for pediatric patients aged 5 to 15, the “sweet spot” for treatment is largely between the ages of 6 to 10, as children’s faces and mouths are still growing. This age range is also ideal because children are generally mature enough to wear the appliances and perform the exercises properly and consistently.

No. 3: Designing your Invisalign® appliances

All Invisalign^® treatment plans, whether a primary course of action or secondary to other therapy (like the DNA Appliance™ and Myobrace^®), involve the use of special devices or aligner trays. These aligners are made from a transparent and flexible advanced plastic. We use sophisticated software to customize these appliances. So, they should fit your mouth precisely yet comfortably. During your first appointment, we will provide you with the initial set of aligner trays and advise on ways to wear and care for them.

No. 4: Wear your aligners every day (and night)

Unlike braces that are fixed to the teeth and cannot be removed, Invisalign^® aligners may be taken out easily for comfortable and hassle-free chewing, brushing, and flossing. This feature helps to support a pleasant and satisfying experience, proper nutrition, and decay-fighting oral care throughout treatment. Patient compliance is essential to ensure that your treatment stays on track. The aligners place consistent pressure on the teeth to guide them, little by little, into their proper/healthiest positions. So, only keep the aligners out of your mouth when enjoying meals and cleaning your mouth. Of course, we can also advise on ways to clean the aligners safely and effectively. Clean aligners and proper “maintenance” promote a healthy, disease-free mouth and keep unsightly staining and warping/damage at bay. At a minimum, your aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily.

No. 5: Wear your aligners in the correct order

While all of the aligners provided to you may look the same, there are slight nuances in their design. These nuances account for different stages in treatment, as each aligner tray has been specially made to correspond with unique steps in the process. The aligners are marked, so ensure you wear them in the correct, numbered sequence. Each aligner is also marked with a “U” or an “L.” That way, you know if it is an upper or lower tray. Generally, each aligner should be worn as directed by your dentist (for around one to two weeks). The total number of aligners worn during treatment depends on factors such as the nature of your teeth misalignment or bite imbalances and the severity of this malocclusion. Some patients with more modest cosmetic needs may wear fewer aligners to get their goal smile in around six months. Others with more complex needs and requirements for bite correction may complete treatment in around 24 months. The average treatment time spans 12 to 18 months.

Of course, we will also advise on periodic follow-ups at Dentistry for San Diego and the use of Vivera™ retainer to prevent orthodontic relapse. Call (760) 730-1600 to start the process today at our office in Carlsbad, CA.