Invisalign La Jolla

Invisalign treatment has revolutionized the world of orthodontics, offering a clear, comfortable, and discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. With its innovative technology, Invisalign has become the go-to solution for patients seeking a beautiful, confident, straight smile without the discomfort and appearance of metal braces.

Dr. Sabourin in La Jolla leads an exceptional dental team that specializes in bringing this modern solution to patients needing orthodontic treatment, making them experts in Invisalign treatment.

This comprehensive guide will discuss the ins and outs of Invisalign treatment in La Jolla, from the initial consultation with Dr. Sabourin to maintaining your new smile and dental care after treatment.

Invisalign with Dr. Sabourin in La Jolla: Your Path to a Beautiful Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

With more than 35 years of cosmetic dentistry experience in San Diego, Dr. Sabourin is a top Invisalign dentist who has helped countless patients achieve dream smiles.

The Invisalign treatments are customized for each patient by creating an individualized treatment plan based on their specific oral health requirements and objectives.

Dr. Sabourin offers patients a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. He ensures patients receive the highest quality care, preventing potential issues such as gum disease.

His dental practice offers various cosmetic dentistry services, including veneer placement, cosmetic bonding, whitening, and Invisalign, with many testimonials from happy patients.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign clear braces are an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment options and are ideal for straight teeth for most adults and teens. Invisalign braces enable straightening teeth with little interference with your lifestyle.

In addition to being more comfortable than metal braces, most people won’t even know you’re wearing braces because they’re so inconspicuous.

When you choose Invisalign, you’ll receive a series of 20–26 custom-made, clear, removable aligners created specifically for you. The aligner trays are smooth, comfortable, virtually invisible braces that fit snugly over your teeth.

Invisalign aligners are fabricated from a proprietary material called SmartTrack. This extremely durable and BPA-free clear plastic improves the quality and targeted control of tooth movement gradually and comfortably.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Below are just a few benefits of Invisalign.
  • Discreet orthodontic treatment
  • It doesn’t require any food limitations
  • Smooth and comfortable to wear
  • Greater self-confidence during treatment
  • Fits busy adult and teen lifestyles
  • Removable aligners allow proper brushing and flossing for good oral health

Invisalign Treatment: What to Expect

This treatment uses a series of clear, removable aligners that progressively straighten your teeth, offering a comfortable and discreet alternative to conventional braces.

Each aligner is designed to apply gentle pressure to specific teeth, guiding them into their desired positions, and should be worn for two to four weeks before transitioning to the next set in the series.

Most patients typically complete their treatment within a year, although some may achieve their desired straight smile in as little as six months.

Kickstart your Invisalign journey with a consultation and assessment by Dr. Sabourin, who will analyze your orthodontic needs and ascertain if Invisalign fits your requirements.

Once your treatment plan is in place, you will receive custom-made aligners designed to shift your teeth into the desired position gradually.

Steps Involved in the Invisalign Treatment Process

Consultation and Assessment

Initiating Invisalign treatment requires the following assessment steps:

Please book a consultation with Dr. Sabourin at his La Jolla dental clinic.

During the consultation, Dr. Sabourin will provide a complimentary cosmetic consultation and comprehensive dental evaluation, including imaging, to assess your smile.
Discuss the Invisalign treatment plan tailored for you. This step is critical in helping Dr. Sabourin understand your unique dental needs, preferences, and budget.

Decide if Invisalign is the most suitable transparent aligner system for orthodontic treatment.

Dr Sabourin Consultation
By thoroughly evaluating your orthodontic requirements and considering your needs and goals, Dr. Sabourin can ensure that the treatment will provide you with the best possible results.

Detailed Treatment Steps

Below are the basic Invisalign treatment steps that you will go through.

At your initial consultation, Dr.Sabourin will discuss your orthodontic needs and evaluate whether Invisalign is the right option. He believes in communication as transparent as the clear aligners you’ll receive, so he always tells you what to expect and discusses costs upfront.

Using the iTero digital scanning system, Dr. Sabourin takes 3D digital images of your teeth to create a precise treatment plan, including exact movements and estimating how long treatment will take. Invisalign ClinCheck software provides an algorithm to calculate just the right amount of force for every tooth movement.
Next, the impressions are sent to the Invisalign dental lab to create your customized trays using an advanced 3D printing process. Dr. Sabourin works closely with Invisalign on any adjustments that need to be made to ensure your aligners precisely match his specifications.

Next, the impressions are sent to the Invisalign dental lab to create your customized trays using an advanced 3D printing process. Dr. Sabourin works closely with Invisalign on any adjustments that need to be made to ensure your aligners precisely match his specifications.

When the last tray has been worn for the final two weeks, some patients still need minimal adjustments to achieve a perfect smile. If you require this, Dr. Sabourin will contact Invisalign to order “refinement” trays without any additional charge. As before, it may take up to a month for the Invisalign trays to be delivered to our practice.

After proper alignment, Dr. Sabourin recommends wearing the Invisalign Vivera retainer while you sleep to prevent teeth from shifting and moving. The retainer is custom fit to your smile, which ensures comfort and helps increase the likelihood of compliance.

For more information, see our Invisalign Treatment Process page.

Customized Treatment Plan

A customized treatment plan is an essential component of successful Invisalign treatment. Dr. Sabourin utilizes advanced 3D digital images of your teeth to create a precise cosmetic dentistry treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth and a projected treatment duration.

This personalized approach allows for greater control and precision in the treatment planning, resulting in more effective and customized Invisalign treatment.

Aligner Wear and Progression

Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you must consistently wear your aligners for two to four weeks before moving on to the next set. Wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily is essential; removing them only for eating, brushing, and flossing.

Regular checkup appointments will be scheduled every six weeks to monitor your progress and ensure you receive new aligners.

Invisalign Patient Results

Below are a few before and after Invisalign results from Dr. Sabourin’s practice. Check out the gorgeous straight white after smiles!

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Making the Right Choice

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry treatment, patients often wonder if Invisalign is the right choice, especially compared to traditional braces. Invisalign offers several advantages over traditional braces, including:
  • Improved aesthetics: Invisalign aligners are clear and virtually invisible, making them a more discreet option.
  • Comfort: Invisalign aligners are smooth plastic, eliminating the discomfort often associated with metal brackets and wires.
  • Potentially shorter treatment durations: In some cases, Invisalign treatment can be completed faster than traditional braces.
However, it is essential to weigh these benefits against the potential costs, as Invisalign treatment may be more expensive than traditional braces, depending on the complexity of your case.

Dr. Sabourin can help you weigh the pros and cons of both of these options so you make the right decision.

Aesthetics and Comfort

One of the primary benefits of Invisalign aligners is their discreet appearance. Made from clear plastic, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible when worn, allowing you to undergo orthodontic treatment without feeling self-conscious about your appearance.

This is a significant advantage over traditional braces and implants, which often involve metal brackets and wires that can be uncomfortable and noticeable in the mouth.

In addition to their aesthetic benefits, Invisalign aligners offer several advantages over traditional braces:

  • They are more comfortable to wear due to the smooth plastic material that does not irritate the mouth.
  • The gentle pressure applied to the teeth during treatment is often less discomforting than the pressure of metal braces.

Treatment Duration and Cost

Paying The Bills La JollaInvisalign treatment may be faster than traditional braces for some patients, with treatment durations typically ranging from 6 to 18 months, depending on the case’s complexity.

In comparison, traditional braces often require 18 to 24 months of treatment. This shorter treatment time can be a significant advantage for those who want to achieve their desired smile more quickly.

However, it’s essential to consider the cost of Invisalign treatment. In La Jolla, the typical cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $3,000 to $7,000.

Dental insurance coverage, flexible payment plans, and financing options can help make Invisalign treatment more affordable and accessible for patients.

See our Invisalign vs Braces page for more information.

Common Dental Concerns Addressed by Invisalign

As a flexible cosmetic dentistry solution, Invisalign can tackle various dental issues, making it a perfect choice for patients with diverse orthodontic requirements.

In general, clear braces in San Diego are a good option for treating the following tooth alignment issues and resolving most patients’ associated problems:

  • Crowding: When there isn’t enough room in your jaw for teeth to fit, teeth can bunch up, overlap, or twist, which can cause them to get pushed to the front or back. This makes it easier for plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria to build up, increasing your risk of tooth decay.
  • Crookedness: Crooked teeth can negatively impact your self-esteem, oral health, and general wellness, making it more difficult to brush and floss properly.
  • Gaps: Besides tooth gaps being cosmetically undesirable, teeth that don’t fit tightly together enable bacteria to flourish in the spaces, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Gaps can also cause speech problems.
  • Overbite: While an apparent cosmetic issue, upper teeth that jut out in front of your bottom teeth can cause breathing and speech problems, difficulty chewing, tooth decay, gum disease, and painful temporomandibular jaw (TMJ) dysfunction.
  • Underbite: If lower teeth protrude past your upper teeth, this can cause wear and tear on your front teeth, chewing difficulties, and sometimes speech problems.
  • Crossbite: If your upper and lower jaws don’t line up, this can lead to loosening teeth, gum recession, enamel wear and tear, tooth decay, and TMJ-related pain.
  • Open bite: When your top and bottom teeth don’t meet, biting into certain foods can be extremely difficult and cause speech problems.

Maintaining Your Smile After Invisalign Treatment

Post-Invisalign treatment, it’s imperative to sustain your new smile by adhering to good oral hygiene practices and using a retainer as instructed.

With proper dental care and following your dentist’s instructions, you can ensure that your beautiful, straight smile lasts a lifetime.

Oral Hygiene and Dental Care Practices

Maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine is essential for keeping your smile healthy and attractive after Invisalign treatment. This includes:
  • Brushing your teeth at least twice daily
  • Flossing daily
  • Use an interdental brush or water flosser for hard-to-reach areas
  • It’s also important to schedule regular dental checkups every four to six weeks to monitor your oral health and address any potential issues before they become more serious.
With the support of our dedicated dental team, you can achieve optimal oral health.

Retainer Use

Following your Invisalign treatment, it’s essential to wear a retainer as your dentist prescribes to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Retainers help maintain the alignment of your teeth and ensure that your smile remains straight and beautiful.

Your dentist will recommend the appropriate type of retainer for your specific needs. It’s essential to follow your dentist’s instructions regarding retainer wear for the prescribed duration and adequately care for it by cleaning it regularly and storing it safely when not in use.

Invisalign for Teens: A Discreet Alternative to Braces

Invisalign Teen is a dedicated treatment program tailored for adolescents, encompassing all the benefits of the Invisalign program for adult patients, supplemented with additional features for assured patient treatment success.

The aligners are equipped with blue dots that fade with wear, helping to track compliance with the treatment plan, and the program includes six additional aligners at no extra cost.

This discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces is an excellent choice for teens who want to achieve a straight smile without the appearance or discomfort of metal braces.

Invisalign Teen allows adolescents to maintain their everyday activities and oral hygiene routines, making it an ideal solution for their unique orthodontic needs.

Financing Options for Invisalign Treatment

While the cost of Invisalign treatment may concern various patients, available financing options can help make the treatment more budget-friendly and accessible.

In the following sections, we will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about the financial aspects of your orthodontic care.

Dental Insurance Coverage

Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for Invisalign treatment similarly to traditional braces, paying for a portion of the treatment cost, ranging from 25% to 50%.

It’s essential to consult your specific insurance plan to understand the details of your coverage and any limitations that may apply.

By understanding your insurance coverage for Invisalign treatment, you can make an informed decision about your cosmetic dentistry care and ensure that you maximize your insurance plan’s benefits.

Payment Plans and Financing

In addition to dental insurance coverage, payment plans, and financing options can help make Invisalign treatment more affordable for patients.

Dr. Sabourin’s dental practice in La Jolla offers payment plans for Invisalign treatment, allowing patients to divide the cost of treatment into manageable monthly payments.

By taking advantage of payment plans and financing options, you can make Invisalign treatment more accessible and budget-friendly, allowing you to achieve your dream smile without breaking the bank.

Summary

Invisalign treatment offers a modern and discreet alternative to traditional braces, providing patients with a comfortable and effective solution for achieving a straight, beautiful smile.

Whether you are considering Invisalign for yourself or your teenager, understanding the treatment process, costs, and maintenance requirements will help you make an informed decision about your dental care.

With Dr. Sabourin and his team in the office in La Jolla, you can trust that you are in good hands and on your way to achieving the smile you’ve always wanted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Invisalign Cause Any Side Effects?
Invisalign works by applying gentle, constant force to move teeth. Some patients feel temporary discomfort and may experience a slight lisp the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners.

The feeling of “pressure” is normal and a sign Invisalign clear aligners are working and transforming your beautiful smile again, while the lisp will disappear quickly.

Is Invisalign Comfortable to Wear in Daily Life?
Invisalign aligners are similar to a mouthguard with smooth edges, making them far more comfortable than traditional braces with virtually no impact on your daily activities.
Can Invisalign Be Worn During Sports?
Invisalign can be worn for low-impact sports, but you must remove them and wear a sports mouthguard for any contact sports. Aligners can easily break or come loose if you experience a blow to the face.
Is $6,000 Average for Invisalign?
Based on the average costs of Invisalign treatment in the United States, $6,000 is acceptable.
How Much is Invisalign on Average in California?
In California, the average cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $3,500 to $8,000. Factors like the number of teeth aligned and individual patient needs may influence the final price.
Can I Get Invisalign if I Have Crowns or Veneers?
If you’re looking to undergo orthodontic treatment, doctors say it’s important to mention any prior cosmetic dentistry procedures you had. During your first visit with Dr. Sabourin, he’ll evaluate whether Invisalign is viable for you.
Can I Get Invisalign After Wearing Traditional Braces?
Sometimes, when metal braces are removed, teeth can shift back slightly. Many patients who previously wore metal braces choose Invisalign to improve their smile after shifting has occurred.
How Long Does an Invisalign Retainer Last?
An Invisalign retainer typically lasts a few years, but the duration can vary depending on individual usage and care. The initial period after treatment usually requires wearing the retainer for 22 hours a day for 3 to 6 months to ensure your teeth stay in place.

After about 12 months, you can reduce the wear to 3-5 nights each week. With proper care, some retainers can last up to 10 years.

However, it is recommended that they be replaced over time. Each retainer set at the treatment’s end can last three to five years.

In the case of Vivera retainers by Invisalign, these are designed to be up to 30% more durable than other clear retainers, with a set of four intended to last for several years.

Is Getting Invisalign Cheaper Than Braces?
The cost of getting Invisalign is generally comparable to the cost of braces, as per multiple sources. The average cost of braces ranges from $1,800 to $5,500, while the average cost of Invisalign treatments ranges from $3,000 to $5,000.

However, some sources suggest that Invisalign can be more expensive, with costs reaching up to $9,000 in some cases.

The exact price can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the specific treatment plan. It’s also worth noting that both braces and Invisalign are often covered by dental insurance to some extent.

Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today

Interested in finding out if Invisalign is an excellent option to achieve straight teeth? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sabourin to assess your smile and determine if you’re a good candidate for virtually invisible Invisalign.

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