Invisalign - Orthodontics in Santa Monica

Santa Monica Advanced Orthodontics

         

 

Comprehensive Orthodontic Services

Cost starts at $3,500 and depends on the amount of treatment required.

 

 

Invisalign offers a nearly invisible and removable solution for straightening your teeth.

Ideal for teens and adults, Invisalign aligners are custom-made, comfortable, and allow for better hygiene throughout treatment.

 

At Richard Haber DDS Orthodontic office, Santa Monica Advanced Orthodontics, we offer Invisalign clear aligners.

Invisalign clear aligners are a modern, virtually invisible way to straighten teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. Custom-made for comfort and precision, Invisalign uses a series of removable, clear trays to gradually shift your teeth into alignment. This popular orthodontic treatment is ideal for teens and adults seeking a discreet, convenient option for improving their smile. With Invisalign aligners, you can eat, brush, and floss with ease, making it a flexible choice for busy lifestyles. Whether you're correcting crowded teeth, gaps, or bite issues, Invisalign offers an effective and aesthetically pleasing solution.

 

3 simple steps. 1 great smile.       

Step one

Meet with your Invisalign dentist

Your Invisalign provider will use an intra oralo scanner or Invisalign SmileView simulator, so you can take a sneak peek at what your smile could look like with straighter teeth.

Step two

Begin the transformation

At your Invisalign appointments your doctor will ensure your aligners fit well, answer your questions, and let you know what to expect.

Step three

Look after your new smile

Now that you've transformed your smile, you can keep it straight by using our customised Vivera retainers

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a series of clear, removable aligners worn over your teeth to gradually straighten your smile-without braces and wires

 

How It Works

Your orthodontist takes digital scans or 3D impressions. A custom treatment plan is created outlining each stage of tooth movement You receive and switch to new aligners every 1-2 weeks. Regular check-ups guide your progress until you achieve your transformed smile.

 

Key Advantages Over Traditional Braces

Nearly invisible: Made from SmartTrack material, they're discreet and blend seamlessly

Removable: Eat, brush, and floss with ease-no dietary restrictions

Comfortable: No wires or brackets-less mouth irritation

Faster treatment: Average treatment time is around 6 months, often faster than braces

Fewer appointments: Reduced emergency visits and clinic time

Trackable: Monitor progress via the My Invisalign app

 

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Invisalign can treat children, teens, and adults. With options like Invisalign First, Teen, and adult aligners, it adapts to different ages and orthodontic needs

 

Things to Know

Wear time: You must wear aligners 20-22 hours daily for optimal results

Discomfort: Some pressure may be felt when starting new aligners-temporary and normal

Commitment: Your dedication is key-aligners are removable, so consistency matters

Cost: Expenses are typically on par with braces, depending on complexity; many insurance plans, FSAs, HSAs, and payment plans are accepted

 

How much does Invisalign or Clear Correct cost?
We know cost is a big question for anyone considering dental or orthodontic work. It really depends on the kind of treatment you need, how extensive the issues are that you want corrected, how long your treatment plan will last, and other factors determined by your dentist..
Every patient has a different degree of orthodontic treatment required to perfect their smile. The price of treatment starts at $3,500 and depends on the amount of treatment required..
Complex treatment requires more work, and more time therefore more expensive to treat. Patients needing only minor treatment spend fewer months in treatment and their laboratory costs are also less..

We offer a no obligation free consultation! To schedule your consultation call,(310) 393-77666


Payment Options??

Unless other arrangements are made in advance, payment is due at the time service is rendered..
We have several financing options for those starting treatment. We also accept "Care Credit" Card! Patients may apply for creditt at th

 

We accept most types of PPO dental insurance plans for your Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment:

 Delta Dental Insurance, Aetna Dental, Cigna, Guardian Dental, Humana, Metlife etc...

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Why Choose Richard Haber DDS Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry for Your Invisalign Journey? 

 

  1. We provide ample payment plan options
  2. Strong support from Invisalign  that we get referrals from Invisalign
  3. Clear payment plan and discounts for those who can pay up front.
  4. We pay personal attention to your needs and we try our best to meet your expectation. 
  5. As cosmetic dentists, we also provide whitening, veneers, and cosmetic teeth shaping that compliment your Invisalign treatment, so you will get the best result at the end. 
  6. We offer all types of Invisalign treatments: Express, Lite, Moderate, Comprehesive, Teen, and Mandibular Advancement for those with retruded mandible.
  7. We use Invisalign for all indications including skeletal improvement in retruded or extruded jaw cases. 
  8. We offer both lingual wires and Vivera options once you finish your Invisalign treatment.
  9. Dental Monitoring can be included in your treatment with a small fee.
  10. Intra Oral scanner available on site - no more traiditional impressions

How does Invisalign work?

Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with a series of trays. Each tray will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by your doctor, specifically for your situation. When the trays are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of trays, which will continue the teeth straightening process.

Getting ready for your new smile

Every road to the perfect smile starts with the first consultation. Let Santa Monica Advanced Orthodontics come up with the best options for you - including Invisalign specials - and check the overall condition of your gums and teeth to ensure they don't need additional treatment.

Before creating your Invisalign clear braces, we'll take you through a quick three-step check-up that includes:

  • Dental X-rays
  • Pictures of your teeth
  • Dental impressions

Each procedure takes minutes but goes a long way towards creating a comprehensive 3D map of your jaw, identifying how your teeth move and predicting the post-treatment changes.

How we make custom trays for Invisalign teeth straightening

Once you are done with the preliminary stage and your treatment plan is approved, we'll start working on your aligner system. Your would-be braces will be made of SmartTrack material, a unique polyurethane resin mixture.

As a result, you will wear clear braces that are almost invisible in your mouth. Thanks to their softer and smoother structure than other orthodontic treatments, they won't irritate your oral tissue like their metal counterparts. So yes, you are likely to forget you have them on.

Usage & Check-up recommendations

You'll receive a new version of your aligner system every two weeks. All you need to do is wear it on a regular basis and visit Santa Monica Advanced Orthodontics to track your progress. Usually, you'll have appointments for a quick check-up once in 1.5-2 months. There should be no disruptions to your plans while the Invisalign teeth braces do their job.

When can you see the result?

With Invisalign, your dream smile can come true in around a year. However, you'll see the changes sooner because there will be no distracting metal wires. To achieve the best result as fast as possible, you should wear your set at least 22 hours a day, taking the aligner system off during meals and daily care.

How much does Invisalign cost in Santa Monica?

Like anything there are many factors that will influence the cost of your Invisalign treatment with the number of required sets of aligners and the severity of the orthodontic condition being the most crucial of them. The price for getting invisible trays is generally a little bit higher than that for traditional braces, however you will be able to save more money with our Invisalign specials. Plus, it is highly recommend that you find out the coverage extent of your insurance plan so that you can end up with lower fees.

What is the difference between Braces and Invisalign?

When it comes to Braces or Invisalign the price is so slight that you won't even notice it if you choose to go for the technologically advanced treatment. What is more, the benefits of invisible trays far outweigh the costs involved, providing you with:

  •     Maximum comfort. Invisalign aligners are custom-trimmed to fit your mouth, whereas braces can irritate your gums and cause damage to your teeth due to the wires and other metal components.
  •     Appearance benefits. Have you received an invitation to some social occasion but don't want to let the world know about your dental treatment? Put your worries aside because Invisalign trays are virtually invisible. Or, you can remove them for a while.
  •     Tangible results. Forget about wearing braces for 2 or more years. The Invisalign treatment is designed to straighten your teeth much faster, so you can notice marked improvements in a matter of weeks.
  •     No dietary restrictions. Bracing requires you to avoid chewy, sticky and hard foods since they can break the system. With Invisalign trays, though, this is not the case. You can take them off and keep enjoying your favourite foods.

If you would like to get your teeth aligned with the custom treatment, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your well-trained dentist for Invisalign in Sydney. Come to Santa Monica Advanced Orthodontics and let us bring a charming smile to your face!

What dental problems can be fixed with invisible clear braces?

Aesthetic appeal is not the only thing that makes Invisalign so popular these days. Even though it doesn't require the permanent use of aligners, the effectiveness of this treatment is on a par with that of metal teeth-straightening solutions. Thus, you can get clear braces at our Sydney-based clinic to deal with:

Dental crowding

If your teeth overlap, consider going with Invisalign. The regular use of aligners can help with dental crowding by pushing your displaced teeth back into where they are supposed to be for normal functioning. Address this problem as soon as possible to prevent tartar, plaque and gum disease.

Teeth Spacing

This is when there are irregular openings between your teeth because some of them are missing, or your jaw is abnormally shaped. Do dental gaps ring a bell to you? Come to Santa Monica Advanced Orthodontics for the best invisible braces in Sydney to close them once and for all.

Crossbite

Invisalign also proves to fix various misalignments, one of which is crossbite. Think of it as the condition that comes with your upper jaw falling inside the lower one. Crossbite often occurs in children, increasing the likelihood of gum disease and tooth damage. That is why it should be treated once noticed.

Overbite

Common in children as well as grown-ups, overbite is when your top teeth noticeably protrude and do not match your lower ones. This condition is fraught with many other dental issues, like sore gums, jaw problems, etc. Find out the cost of clear braces for adults or kids at Santa Monica Advanced Orthodontics to make your bite right.

Underbite

If your top teeth appear to be behind your lower ones, you are likely to have an underbite. There's a common misconception that it can be only fixed with metal straighteners. Invisalign can also do the trick. Plus, the prices for clear braces are not so higher than those for traditional options.

If you have been dreaming about a beautiful smile for a long time, but you can't resolve wearing traditional braces, we have an ideal solution for you. Invisalign trays appear to replace conventional teeth braces allowing to make the same progress. Trays have proved successful for bite correction in the following cases:

  • Gapped Teeth
  • Under and Overbite
  • Open and Cross Bite
  • Overcrowded Teeth

Trays are custom-made for you. They straight your teeth making gentle pressure on them to put in place. Invisalign trays are perfectly engineered to shift your teeth slightly moving them horizontally or vertically or rotating them if needed.

Our Invisalign dentist working in Santa Monica can consult you and if your bite can be corrected with the help of Invisalign trays, our doctor will make imprints of your teeth. And we will send your imprints to the laboratory  where your trays will be manufactured. They will be manufactured using the 3-D model of your jaws.

You should wear the trays minimum 20 hours a day to get faster results. Don't forget to take them out while eating or drinking. Brushing your teeth after a meal will help eliminate staining. You control the process of treatment as opposed to the usual braces. You can take them out when you're going to a party, etc.

Main advantages of Invisalign trays

  • They don't affect the speech as well as your overall look.
  • You can see the first results in two weeks.
  • Trays are easy to clean.
  • They are removable. Take them out anytime you need.
  • You don't have to spend long hours at your dentist adjusting them.

Now you can order Invisalign trays in Santa Monica at the affordable prices. We are located at 1260 15th St #701 Santa Monica CA 90404. If you get interested, schedule an appointment right now! You can do it via phone (310) 393-7766

What to expect during your treatment at Santa Monica Advanced Orthodontics and Invisalign

If you have decided to transform your smile by investing in Invisalign, you may feel excited and anxious at the same time. But knowing what to expect can help you be sure you've selected the right route for your smile. Our team of experienced Invisalign dentist in Santa Monica will determine the most effective treatment for your teeth in just a few steps.

The first appointment

The initial consultation involves a comprehensive examination of your teeth, a series of X-rays and digital impressions of the mouth. We will also explain what goes into the Invisalign price in Sydney, discuss your cosmetic dentistry expectations and whether Invisalign braces can help meet them.

Even though this teeth alignment method is highly universal, not everyone is a perfect candidate for it. If there's a better way to address your dental problems, your dentist will advise you on other types of teeth straightening in Santa Monica. But if Invisalign is good for you, you'll get a customised treatment plan right off the bat.

Getting ready

You will get a digital preview of what your smile will look like once you take off Invisalign braces. Our dentists will use X-rays, photographs and other methods to design an exact mould of your teeth. It'll then be used for creating your custom Invisalign braces in Santa Monica. Once the aligners are ready, you'll get a notification for the next appointment.

Trying on your first Aligners

When you come to Santa Monica Advanced Orthodontics to get your first invisible braces in Santa Monica, your dentist will help you try them on and put them in place. Minor attachments may be needed to obtain a better result until you get used to your Invisalign braces and ensure they fit. Installing these attachments and trays is a painless procedure.

Your dentist will then get down to brass tacks of the aftercare routine and set up an appointment schedule for you. From now on, you can start your exciting journey toward your perfect smile and increased confidence.

Follow-up appointments

Each Invisalign aligner is made to allow for a slight teeth movement. Once it gets the job done, you receive the second set of Invisalign trays. It takes about a few weeks from the moment you get the first aligners, but the exact timing may vary.

When you opt for Invisalign in Santa Monica CA , you should be aware that the series of aligners make up the whole process. But unlike standard braces, you don't have to see your dentist every other day. There's some flexibility about follow-up appointments for your convenience while still ensuring your treatment goes as planned.

Showing off your radiant smile

The severity of misalignment may affect treatment duration and the cost of clear braces in Santa Monica, as you may need larger sets to straighten your teeth. But if you follow all the recommendations, you'll surely get your dazzling smile without breaking the bank.

At Santa Monica Advanced Orthodontics, we will oversee your progress and adjust the treatment process for the best straightening results!

Special features designed to compensate for the eruption of canines, second premolars and second molars.

To find out more about Invisalign for teenagers, please talk to your Invisalign Provider who'll be able to suggest the best treatment option for you.

 

Cost

Is Invisalign treatment more expensive than braces?

Invisalign treatment typically is comparable in cost to braces.

How much does Invisalign treatment cost without orthodontic cover in your health insurance?

Invisalign treatment is more affordable than you think, with or without orthodontic insurance. Many dentists or orthodontists offer flexible payment plans, so ask about your options.

What does orthodontic cover typically include?

Many health insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment the same way they cover braces. Your insurance may pay for a certain percentage of your Invisalign treatment, or it may pay for a certain dollar amount. Often there is a lifetime cap on the amount insurance will pay for orthodontic treatment.

How do I know whether my insurance covers Invisalign treatment?

Ask your benefits manager at work, call your insurance plan's customer service line, or look through your benefits package for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment is sometimes covered by health, rather than dental insurance, or by orthodontic coverage that you can purchase separately.

How do I know if my dentist or orthodontist accepts my insurance?

When you book your consultation, ask which insurance plans your dentist or orthodontist accepts. The practice can also call your insurance provider to check your coverage.

What is a HSA?

A health savings account, or HSA, is a special savings account designed for people with a high-deductible health insurance plan. You put money into the account and can use it to cover certain medical, dental, and orthodontic costs, including Invisalign clear aligners. You may set aside up to $3,850 for an individual or $7,750 for a Santa Monica Dentist annually. To open an HSA, you must meet IRS eligibility requirements.

What is the advantage of an FSA or HSA?

You don't pay taxes on the money you put in an FSA or HSA.

How can I use my FSA or HSA to pay for Invisalign treatment?

Before you begin your Invisalign treatment, talk to both your doctor's office and your benefits manager. You may be able to pay your doctor and be reimbursed from your FSA or HSA. Your benefits provider may also be able to pay your doctor directly.

Process

How will Invisalign treatment straighten my teeth?

Your Invisalign doctor will create a unique, digital treatment plan that maps out the exact movements of your teeth. Your Invisalign clear aligners are then designed to apply the right amount of force to the right place at the right time based on your plan. Your Invisalign doctor will be with you every step of the way to monitor your progress and ensure your aligners fit correctly.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible - people may not even notice you're wearing them. You can remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions. There are no metal brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth or break. Unlike other brands, Invisalign clear aligners are made from patented SmartTrack material, which makes them comfortable and provides a better fit. Invisalign aligners are also trimmed based on your gum line for comfort and appearance. As the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, we have successfully improved over 17 million smiles,1 including 4.5 million teen smiles.2

Am I guaranteed to have straight teeth with Invisalign treatment?

Every smile is unique, which is why your Invisalign treatment starts with a consultation. During your consultation, your Invisalign-trained doctor will help you determine what Invisalign treatment could do for your smile. We cannot guarantee a particular treatment outcome, but encourage you to share your treatment goals with your Invisalign Doctor at your consultation.

Treatment

How many people have used Invisalign clear aligners?

Over 17 million people,1 including more than 4.5 million teens,2 have used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles.

Do Invisalign clear aligners contain Bisphenol A (BPA)?

All Invisalign aligner and retainer materials are made of medical-grade, high molecular weight, thermoplastic polymers. These materials were selected for use in aligners and retainers based on their properties and safety classification, and have a long history of FDA approvals for long term use inside the human body. Tests conducted to determine the biocompatibility of these materials show they are biocompatible and pass all applicable regulatory requirements and thresholds for human wear in the mouth. Based on our current knowledge and testing of the raw materials and processes used in the manufacture of aligners and retainers, we are not aware of any latex, parabens, phthalates, glutaraldehyde, epoxy or Bisphenol A (BPA) present in our aligners or retainers. Of course, as with any medical device, you should consult with your health professional about your aligner or retainer treatment and any applicable risks of use.

How old is the company behind Invisalign clear aligners?

Align Technology, Inc., the company that makes Invisalign clear aligners, was founded in 1997.

Maintenance

Can anyone tell that I'm wearing the aligners?

Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. Others may not even notice you're wearing them, making Invisalign treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle.

Can I take my aligners off whenever I need to?

Yes, you can remove your Invisalign aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding, job interview, or for playing your favorite sport or instrument. Your doctor will tell you how long to wear your aligners each day, but typically people wear their Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results.

Are there any restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?

None! Invisalign clear aligners are removable, so there are no food restrictions at all (hello popcorn!). With traditional wires and brackets, there's a long list of foods you unfortunately can't enjoy because they can damage or get stuck in your braces.

Vivera retainers

What type of retainer should I use?

While there are many different types of retainers, use the same state-of-the-art technology that makes up Invisalign aligners, and its material is at least 30% stronger and twice as durable as other leading clear retainer materials.5

How long will I have to wear my Vivera retainers?

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how often you need to wear your retainers. Typically, you wear your first set full time, then based on your doctor's recommendation you may gradually reduce how much you wear them until you only wear them at night.

Lose your Vivera retainer? No problem.

If you lose or break your last set of Vivera retainers, or simply run out, just get in touch with your doctor. Your doctor can work with you on purchasing a new set of Vivera retainers, so you can keep showing off that smile!

Invisalign  Palatal Expander

What is the Invisalign  Palatal Expander System?

The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is Align's first 3D-printed orthodontic device to address widening the upper arch in growing patients.

Why would kids need orthodontic treatment (i.e., braces) so young?

Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are treated early. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that a child's first check up with an orthodontist be performed no later than age 7 to intercept any developing problems, eliminate the cause, guide the growth of facial and jaw bones, and provide adequate space for incoming permanent teeth.

How do I find a doctor that offers IPE treatment?

Schedule an appointment with our Smile Concierge team to get help on finding a doctor that offers IPE treatment near you.

Can I eat/drink while wearing the expanders/holders?

Patients do not have to remove the devices for eating or drinking. However, it is recommended to rinse the mouth thoroughly after each meal. Chewing hard, sticky or sugary food (including chewing gum) may damage the device and/or the patient's teeth and should be avoided. Drinking sugary or acidic drinks may damage the patient's teeth and should be avoided.

How much does the Invisalign Palatal Expander cost?  Is it covered by insurance?

Since treatment is customized for the patient by the doctor, every situation is different, and doctors may choose different approaches or offer different recommendations for getting a patient to his or her goal.  Pricing is determined by the doctor so please discuss any treatment concerns you have with your provider to determine what approach is best suited for your smile needs.  We also encourage you to check with your insurance carrier regarding orthodontic coverage options.

Clear aligners

Clear Aligner
A clear plastic device in the shape of teeth
An Invisalign aligner

Clear aligners are orthodontic devices that are a transparent, plastic form of dental braces used to adjust teeth.[1]

Clear aligners have undergone changes, making assessment of effectiveness difficult.[2] A 2014 systematic review concluded that published studies were of insufficient quality to determine effectiveness.[3] Experience suggests they are effective for moderate crowding of the front teeth, but less effective than conventional braces for several other issues[n 1] and are not recommended for children.[further explanation needed] In particular they are indicated for "mild to moderate crowding (1–6 mm) and mild to moderate spacing (1–6 mm)", in cases where there are no discrepancies of the jawbone. They are also indicated for patients who have experienced a relapse after fixed orthodontic treatment.[5]

Clear-aligner treatment involves an orthodontist or dentist, or with home-based systems, the person themselves, taking a mold of the patient's teeth, which is used to create a digital tooth scan. The computerized model suggests stages between the current and desired teeth positions, and aligners are created for each stage. Each aligner is worn for 22 hours a day for one or two weeks.[6] These slowly move the teeth into the position agreed between the orthodontist or dentist and the patient. The average treatment time is 13.5 months.[7] Despite patent infringement litigation, no manufacturer has obtained an injunction against another manufacturer.

Uses

A 2014 systematic review concluded that there is insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of these clear aligners.[3] Opinion is that they are likely useful for moderate front-teeth crowding. In those with teeth that are too far forward or backward, or rotated in the socket, the aligners are likely not as effective as conventional braces. More cases of relapse of the anterior teeth have been found with clear aligners compared with conventional braces.[4] A 2013 Cochrane review found no high-quality evidence with respect to the management of the recurrence of lower-front-teeth misalignment following treatment.[8]

Clear aligners are more noticeable than lingual braces, but they can be removed, which makes cleaning of the teeth easier, and they are faster for the dentist to apply.[4]

Application

3D representation of a person's teeth in the Invisalign software

Treatment begins with taking x-ray and photographs for diagnostic purposes, followed by capturing the patient's bite, teeth, and gums via a bite registration and polyvinyl siloxane impressions or an intra-oral digital scanner. The latter method has greatly increased in popularity in recent years as digital scanning technology has improved. The dentist/orthodontist completes a written evaluation that includes diagnosis and treatment plan.[9][10][11][12] Dental impressions are scanned in order to create a digital 3D representation of the teeth.[10][11] Technicians move the teeth to the desired location with the program Treat, which creates the stages between the current and desired teeth positions.[11][12][13] Anywhere from six to eighty aligners may be needed during the first set of aligners. Each aligner moves teeth .25 to .33 millimeters.[6][9] Additional and subsequent rounds of aligners, known as "Refinements", may be necessary to achieve desired tooth positions as clear aligners do not always achieve full movement in the first round.[14]

A computer graphic representation of the projected teeth movements, created in the software program ClinCheck, is provided to the doctor and patient for approval or modification before aligners are manufactured.[9][11][13] The aligners are modeled using CAD/CAM (computer-aided-design and computer-aided-manufacturing) software and manufactured using a rapid prototyping technique called stereolithography.[10][11] The molds for the aligners are built in layers using a photo-sensitive liquid resin that cures into a hard plastic when exposed to a laser.[10] The aligners are made from an elastic thermoplastic material that applies pressure to the teeth to move into the aligner's position.[13][15][16] Patients that need a tooth rotated or pulled down may have a small, tooth-colored[17] composite attachment bonded onto certain teeth.[13] Since the form-fitted plastic used in clear aligners is not as rigid as the metal used in traditional braces, sometimes the flexibility in the materials need to be compensated in the areas that require movement. Alternatively, attachments may be used to facilitate movement by changing the shape of the tooth.[18] More attachments can make the aligners less aesthetically pleasing.[11] Interproximal reduction (IPR, also called reproximation or, colloquially, filing or drilling) is sometimes used at the contacts between teeth to allow for a better fit.[19][20]

Each aligner is intended to be worn an optimal 22 hours a day for one to two weeks.[6] On average the treatment process takes 13.5 months,[7] although treatment time varies based on the complexity of the planned teeth movements.[6] The aligner is removed for brushing, flossing and eating. As clear aligners are made from plastic, they can be warped by hot liquids. While undergoing treatment one should limit their intake of hot liquids to protect the shape of the aligners and stop them from becoming stained.[21] Once the treatment period has concluded, the patient is advised to continue wearing a retainer at night for the foreseeable future.[22]

When the Invisalign system was first developed, many of the aligner manufacturing processes were carried out by hand, and computer technicians had to modify each tooth in the computerized model individually.[10]

Brands

Invisalign

Woman wearing an Invisalign clear aligner

Invisalign is manufactured by Align Technology, an American multinational medical-device company. The company's clear align system has been used to treat more than 12.2 million patients.[2]

The company was founded in 1997 by Zia Chishti. Chishti conceived of the basic design of InvisAlign while an adult orthodontics patient. During his treatment with a retainer intended to complete his treatment, he posited that a series of such devices could effect a large final placement in a series of small movements.[9][10][23]

Sales began in the U.S. in 1999.[4][11]

Orthodontists were resistant to adopting Invisalign at first, in particular because the founders had no orthodontic credentials or expertise, but the product became popular among consumers.[9] As of 2014, 80,000 dentists had been trained how to use it.[4]

Orthoclear

Zia Chishti was ousted from Align Technology in 2002. In 2005 he developed Orthoclear, a similar product, which resulted in several legal disputes involving allegations of patent infringement, false advertising, defamation and trademark infringement. The case was settled in 2006.[24][25][26] Align paid OrthoClear $20 million and OrthoClear agreed to end its operations.[25]

ClearCorrect

ClearCorrect, LLC, based in Round Rock, Texas, was established in 2006. The company distributes its product throughout the United States, and in 2011 was named the fastest-growing health company in America by Inc. magazine.[27][28] It has been reported that in 2017 its clear align system had been used to treat about 80,000 patients.[2]

ClearCorrect was founded in Houston, Texas, by Willis Pumphrey, Jr., a dentist.[29][30] In 2001, Pumphrey started using Invisalign.[24][31] He decided to switch to OrthoClear, because of the way OrthoClear manufactured its aligners and because of its reduced lab fees.[32] When manufacture of Orthoclear ceased, Pumphrey had 400 patients in treatment. With no other options available, he started his own company to complete his patients' clear aligner treatment.[33]

Direct-to-consumer brands

SmileDirectClub

SmileDirectClub, based in Nashville, Tennessee, was launched in 2014 as an alternative to in-office clear aligners. The company offered direct-to-consumer clear aligner service which can be used from home, without having to see a dentist. This allowed them to price aligners at half of the other competitors. The company faced criticism from the orthodontic community because of no involvement of a physical dentist.[34] Similar startups have also launched in different parts of the world. In September 2023, SmileDirectClub filed for bankruptcy, before shutting down completely in December 2023, leaving thousands of customers without any support.[35]

Smile White

Smile White is a UK-based company that offers clear aligners. In June 2023, the brand was acquired by dentists Hussein and Hassan Dalghous, known on TikTok as TwinDentists.[36]

Direct to consumer clear aligner services

Following SmileDirectClub, multiple companies provide aligner treatment to patients by mailing their aligners and monitoring the treatment through a digital platform. The American Association of Orthodontists, the largest society representing orthodontists in the United States and abroad, released consumer alert explaining potential risks associated with such services.[37]

 

The cost of clear aligners is typically lower than their all-metal counterparts because of the materials and technology used. Prices are rarely impacted by factors such as the duration of the treatment and the extent of the issues requiring correction, as much as specific details of the treatment plan, time/age of treatment, location, the experience of the orthodontist. In countries such as Australia, Canada, United States and United Kingdom prices are fairly similar across providers at circa $2,000/£1,500.[45][46][47][48][49]

Notes

  1.  Daniel A. Kuncio (The New York State Dental Journal), 2014: "Invisalign has been proven to resolve moderate anterior tooth crowding predictably, but treatment outcome studies have highlighted Invisalign's weaknesses compared to conventional braces in treating anterior-posterior discrepancies, large rotational movements and the extrusion of teeth. More post-treatment relapse of anterior dental alignment has also been found in Invisalign cases."[4]

References

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  3.  Rossini, G.; Parrini, S.; Castroflorio, T.; Deregibus, A.; Debernardi, CL. (Nov 2014). "Efficacy of clear aligners in controlling orthodontic tooth movement: A systematic review". Angle Orthod. 85 (5): 881–9. doi:10.2319/061614-436.1. PMC 8610387. PMID 25412265. S2CID 10787375. The quality level of the studies was not sufficient to draw any evidence-based conclusions.
  4.  Kuncio, Daniel A. (March 2014). "Invisalign: current guidelines for effective treatment". The New York State Dental Journal. 80 (2): 11–4. PMID 24851387.
  5.  John D. Da Silva, Oxford American Handbook of Clinical Dentistry, New York: Oxford University Press, p. 162.
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  7.  Fogel, Joshua; Janani, Raymond (2010). "Intentions and behaviors to obtain Invisalign". Journal of Medical Marketing. 10 (2): 135–145. doi:10.1057/jmm.2009.50. ISSN 1745-7904.
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  15.  Cowley, Daniel (August 1, 2012), Effect of Gingival Margin Design on Retention of Thermoformed Orthodontic Aligners, University of Nevada, retrieved March 11, 2014
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  18.  "The role of attachments in clear aligner treatment". orthodonticsaustralia.org.au. November 2, 2018.
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  34.  "Getting Your Teeth Straightened at a Strip Mall? Doctors Have a Warning". Bloomberg. September 20, 2018.
  35.  "Smile Direct Club dentistry aligners firm shuts down". BBC. 2023-12-10. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  36.  "Leeds twin millionaires at helm of dentistry empire whose clients include Leeds United players make eight-figure business purchase". Yorkshire Post. 2023.
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  38.  Rasmussen, March (March 2011), Invisalign Agrees to Settlement in Class Action Lawsuit, American Dental Association, retrieved March 25, 2014
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  44.  "Byte sales suspended, FDA probes adverse events: 8 clear aligner updates to know".
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  49.  "What are Invisalign Costs in Canada?". olympiabenefits.com.

 

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