Invisalign Clear Aligners – Fountain Valley, CA
Straighten Your Smile without Brackets and Wires
Many adults would like to straighten their teeth, but they hesitate to book an orthodontic appointment because they do not want to get braces. After all, the idea of having a bunch of metal in your mouth is far from appealing! Fortunately, you may be a candidate for a more discreet alternative. Invisalign can straighten your smile without brackets and wires. Its clear aligners are subtle, comfortable, and effective! Contact our Fountain Valley office today to learn more about it.
	
Why Choose Elite Dental for Invisalign?
- No Unsightly Brackets and Wires
 - Comfortable & Efficient Treatment
 - Caring & Kind Dental Team
 
How Invisalign Works

Instead of using metal brackets and wires to straighten the teeth, Invisalign employs a series of clear, custom-made plastic aligners (sometimes referred to as trays). You wear each aligner for about two weeks, for around 22 hours each day, before you progress to the next in your series. The aligners will apply gentle pressure to the teeth in order to gradually move them into their proper positions.
Throughout your treatment period, you will have occasional checkups with our team so we can monitor your progress. On average, the total treatment time with Invisalign is just 12 months!
Who Can Invisalign Help?

If you are interested in Invisalign, we have good news: clear aligners can address most cases of mild to moderate dental misalignment. That’s why you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us! In the meantime, you can read on to learn a few examples of issues that Invisalign is commonly used to correct:
Crowded Teeth
        Not only can crowded teeth be unsightly, but they can also trap food between them, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health problems. While traditional braces were once the only solution, Invisalign clear aligners have proven to be effective at correcting mild to moderate cases. If we determine that you’re a good candidate, then we can gently shift your teeth so each one has the space it needs to function optimally.
Gaps Between Teeth
        Large gaps between the teeth can leave your gums vulnerable to harm. Plus, many patients struggling with even slight spacing issues feel self-conscious about their appearance. If this sounds all too familiar, we have good news: Invisalign is often able to guide the teeth closer together. If that’s the case for you, then your orthodontic treatment won’t involve any metal brackets or uncomfortable wires!
Overbite
        If your upper teeth protrude beyond your lower ones to the point that they negatively impact your self-esteem, your ability to chew, or your speaking patterns, you shouldn’t hesitate to explore your orthodontic treatment options. If you’re curious if Invisalign can fix overbites, the answer is often “yes!” The easiest way to find out if you’re a good candidate for clear aligner treatment is by scheduling a consultation at our Fountain Valley office so we can review your dental history and complete an oral exam.
Underbite
        Unfortunately, even a minor overbite can adversely affect the way your mouth looks and functions. Don’t get discouraged, though – Invisalign can often correct bite problems with the necessary orthodontic accessories, like rubber bands and buttons. Plus, if you follow all of the treatment guidelines provided, there’s a good chance you’ll achieve the results you desire in just 12-18 months!
Crossbite
        Crossbites don’t just take a toll on the appearance of your smile; they also increase your risk of everything from premature wear and tear on your teeth to TMJ dysfunction. As a result, getting the orthodontic treatment you need will benefit your confidence as well as your oral and overall health! If you are interested in finding out if this smile-enhancing treatment is right for you, take the next step: schedule a consultation.
Open Bite
        If there is a space between your upper and lower teeth that prevents you from biting down all the way, you may have an open bite. Like the other bite problems on this list, open bites increase your risk of dental damage, chronic jaw pain, and TMJ dysfunction. So, don’t take the “wait and see” approach. Instead, visit us to explore your treatment options, like Invisalign.
Benefits of Invisalign

Although standard braces have a long history of successfully straightening smiles, Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to traditional orthodontics. This service utilizes transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth to shift them rather than sharp metal brackets and wires, which provides several unique advantages.
Continue reading to learn more about some of the benefits of choosing Invisalign, and please don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a consultation.
Comfortable Trays
              The sharp corners of metallic brackets and ends of snapped wires from braces notoriously rub up against the tender insides of your lips, cheeks, and gums, resulting in blisters, sores, or cuts. This can make basic tasks, like eating and speaking, uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, your clear aligners are made from a smooth plastic material that won’t gouge the sensitive tissues in your mouth.
Improved Dental Hygiene
Many patients also struggle to keep traditional orthodontics clean, because it can be challenging to navigate a toothbrush or floss around the dental gear cemented to their teeth.
Thankfully, Invisalign is completely removable, allowing you to maintain a twice-daily dental hygiene routine with less hassle. Just be sure to also take the time to gently brush your trays with a soft-bristled brush and mild dish soap or non-abrasive toothpaste. This can help you prevent many common oral issues, such as cavities, gum disease, or other types of damage.
Discreet Aligners
One of the reasons so many people choose Invisalign is that it’s much less noticeable than metal brackets and wires. The transparent trays allow your enamel to show through, so others might not even know that you’re wearing them. This can be ideal if you have a momentous occasion coming up, such as a wedding, reunion, or graduation, and don’t want your orthodontics to be the center of attention.
Boosted Confidence
Unlike braces, these clear aligners show off your natural smile, so you’re less likely to develop anxiety that you’ll be judged for your appearance. The transparent trays allow you to look and feel more like yourself, boosting your confidence. This, in turn, can contribute to other unseen benefits, like better professional achievements, a fuller social calendar, and more meaningful relationships.
Non-Invasive Option
Invisalign is usually considered less invasive than standard orthodontics because it doesn’t impact your daily habits and routines as completely. The trays are removable, meaning you can brush and floss as usual. Plus, they’re not intended to be worn during meals, so there are no dietary restrictions to follow.
Faster Follow-Ups
You’ll be required to schedule regular follow-ups approximately every six to eight weeks to allow our team to monitor your progress and provide the next aligners in your series that you’ll be asked to wear.
These visits are typically faster than check-ins with braces because there’s no archwire to adjust. In fact, they’re so straightforward that you might be in and out in as few as 15 to 30 minutes.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

Patients are often surprised to hear that there isn’t a flat fee for Invisalign. Instead, the price varies from case to case. Rest assured, we can provide you with an estimate of your orthodontic treatment at your consultation and review the financial solutions so you aren’t left in the dark about something as important as the cost. In the meantime, you can read on to learn a bit more on the topic, including a few of the factors that impact the final price.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
                Now that you know the cost of Invisalign depends on a few factors, you might be wondering what they are. Well, here are a few:
- If any preliminary treatments are needed
 - The severity of your case
 - How many aligners must be made
 - If your treatment plan includes rubber bands and other orthodontic accessories
 - The type of retainer you need
 
Again, we will be able to provide you with specific numbers at your consultation. We’ll also share what to do (and what not to do) to avoid additional costs down the line.
Does Invisalign Cost More Than Mail-In Aligners?
                Typically, yes. Before you let that deter you though, you need to know why that is. While mail-order aligners completely bypass the initial exam and rely on DIY impressions, Invisalign includes a comprehensive oral exam to ensure you’re a candidate and uses state-of-the-art impressions to ensure each aligner fits perfectly. It’s also worth noting that progress visits with a licensed dental professional are a part of the Invisalign treatment process. That’s not the case with mail-order alternatives (which leave patients nowhere to turn if something goes wrong). Ultimately, Invisalign does require a higher upfront investment, but it’s well worth it!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
                Yes, some dental insurance plans cover clear aligners. As a result, you might be able to use your benefits to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. If you are insured and want to utilize your coverage to the fullest, you’ll be happy to hear that we work with many of the nation’s leading providers, including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, and Guardian. So, don’t hesitate to provide us with your membership information at your consultation – we’ll take it from there!
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
                If you are one of our patients who doesn’t have dental insurance at the moment, you’ll be happy to hear that there are other ways to make the cost of Invisalign more affordable, like flexible financing with CareCredit. Their payment plans prevent you from having to pay for the entire cost of your orthodontic treatment in one large sum. Instead, you can break down the total price into smaller chunks that work with your monthly budget.
We also welcome other financial solutions at our office, like our in-house savings plan and periodic special offers. If you’d like more details, let us know – we can help!
Invisalign FAQs
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions with Invisalign?
Technically, no. However, there are certain foods we recommend avoiding to reduce the chances of tooth decay developing or an attachment from breaking. Gummy candies are a great example because their sticky consistency can cling to your teeth, making them difficult to clean. Not only that, but they can tug an attachment out of position, which can lead to treatment plan delays. Ultimately, it’s best to eat softer, more nutrient-dense foods during your teeth-straightening journey, like bananas, oatmeal, and plain yogurt.
What Should I Do If I Lost an Invisalign Aligner?
Having clear aligners is a huge advantage… until you’ve misplaced them. If you find yourself in this situation, we recommend re-tracing your steps. In the process, make sure to look in not-so-obvious places, like the pockets of the pants you were wearing earlier. If you don’t have any luck, then call our Fountain Valley dental team. If you’re only a day or two from moving onto the next set in the series, we may ask you to do that. Otherwise, we will ask you to wear your previous set while we have replacements made.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Since Invisalign uses clear, custom-made aligners instead of metal brackets and wires, the teeth-straightening process is considerably more comfortable. That said, it is normal to feel some soreness and pressure, especially when you first get your trays. To help combat these sensations, use cold compresses, stick to soft foods, and, if needed, take OTC pain medication. If you can, switch to each new set of aligners right before bed too. That way, you can sleep while your teeth are adjusting the most.
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Aligners Each Day?
The general rule-of-thumb is 20-22 hours a day. Since that only leaves you with a few hours of aligner-free time each day, it’s important to be mindful of how you use them. We recommend finding a schedule that works for you, like 30 minutes for breakfast, 40 minutes for lunch, 10 minutes for a snack, 50 minutes for dinner, and 10 minutes for dental care throughout the day. Of course, some days will be easier than others, but as long as you are hitting the mark the majority of the time, you should stay on-track with your treatment plan.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
Yes, as long as you remove your aligners first, you can drink coffee throughout your Invisalign treatment. When it comes time to enjoy this caffeinated beverage, remove your trays, rinse them with clean, cool water, and place them in their designated case. When you’re done, brush your teeth, clean your trays, and put them back on.
Tip: Drink your coffee with your breakfast instead of separately! This will make wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day significantly easier.