invisalign® in La Jolla, CA

Properly aligned, straight teeth are beautiful, healthier, and more comfortable. Crooked teeth or an improper bite can lead to long-term dental problems that may be expensive, painful, and time-consuming to fix. This is why cosmetic dentist Dr. Paul Dougherty is pleased to offer the Invisalign system at Dougherty Dental — removable, clear teeth aligners for his patients in La Jolla, CA. Made custom for your teeth and your specific aesthetic goals, Invisalign is more attractive and comfortable than standard metal orthodontics because they may be removed to make eating and cleaning your teeth easier. If you're curious about getting healthier teeth with the Invisalign system, schedule a consultation at Dougherty Dental to get more information from Dr. Dougherty.

There are multiple factors that can determine the alignment of your teeth, including genetics, childhood thumb-sucking, facial trauma, and the loss of a tooth or teeth. If your teeth are out of alignment, it can lead to other oral health concerns, such as dental malocclusion (a misaligned bite), abnormal enamel wear, jaw pain, difficulty speaking and chewing, and toothaches. If Dr. Dougherty finds any of these problems in your annual exam, he may suggest an orthodontic treatment, like Invisalign.

The Invisalign system is great for adults and teens who would like straighter teeth without the hassle or pain of typical braces. While the aligners should be worn for most of the day and night, Invisalign clear aligners can be removed for activities, such as cleaning your teeth and eating, or for special occasions and physical activities. They are more discreet than traditional braces that can poke and cut the inside of your mouth, and your family and friends will usually not even be able to tell that you're wearing your Invisalign aligners.

Your first set of Invisalign aligners will be created using digital impressions at Dougherty Dental. After your first set of aligner trays arrive at our office, you will come back to receive care instructions from Dr. Dougherty. You will need to keep your aligners in for at least 20 hours each day for the system to work, ideally removing them only for eating and cleaning. Periodically, you will progress to several new sets of aligners as they gently move your teeth into their proper position. You will need to schedule follow-up appointments every 4 – 6 weeks at Dougherty Dental to have your aligners checked and so your next set of trays can be made. The Invisalign treatment length will differ for each patient, but most patients wear Invisalign clear aligners for about a year.

After your bite is finally in alignment, it's important to keep your teeth from moving back to their original position. Invisalign's Vivera® retainers are made using the same comfortable materials as Invisalign to help keep your teeth in position after your treatment is complete. Each retainer is custom made at the Invisalign dental lab based on digital impressions taken once your treatment is finished. Dr. Dougherty will discuss how many hours a day you should wear your retainer, plus how to care for it once it arrives from the dental lab. Dr. Dougherty will keep watching the alignment of your teeth and bite during your annual exams to ensure your teeth stay in the correct place.

Many of our patients find that at least part of their Invisalign treatment cost is covered by their insurance. Our team can confirm your coverage and calculate any estimated out-of-pocket costs, and we offer many payment methods for the convenience of our patients. At your initial consultation, Dr. Dougherty will go over your estimated costs and ways to help to make your Invisalign treatment fit into your budget, including payment plans and medical financing if you don't have dental insurance.

If you or your child are interested in getting straighter, healthier teeth without the inconveniences of traditional braces, call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dougherty for more information on advanced teeth straightening with the Invisalign system. He will create your custom Invisalign treatment plan for you at Dougherty Dental and help you get started on your way to a healthy, beautiful smile.