Align Technology, the parent company of Invisalign, was founded in 1997 by Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth in San Jose, California.
The first step is meeting with Dr. Girgis during a one on one consultation. They will examine your smile, discuss your orthodontic goals, and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you. We will take impressions or digital scans of your mouth and give you a sneak peek of your new smile with a digital mockup.
You’ll return to our Long Beach office once we receive your first few sets of aligners. You’ll try them on and we’ll make any necessary adjustments. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to wear them for the best results. Most patients are instructed to wear them for 20-22 hours a day. Every two weeks or so, you’ll also switch out the aligners for the next set.
Every 6 weeks, you’ll come back to our Long Beach office to check-in and pick up your next several sets of aligners. Dr. Girgis will monitor your progress to ensure your smile is on the right track. As long as you’re diligent about wearing your aligners for the correct amount of time every day, your teeth will continue shifting into the desired position.
Once your treatment has been completed, you’ll receive a set of Invisalign retainers to ensure your beautiful new smile stays straight. These retainers look similar to Invisalign aligners, but their durability makes them better suited for long-term use, as they can handle excessive pressure without breaking down. Wearing your retainers nightly will keep your teeth straight for years to come.
An overbite is present when the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. Overbites are a common occurrence, and often don’t present an issue, but when the gap is too large, they can become a problem. The misalignment not only leads to premature wear and tear, but can also cause jaw pain. Invisalign can shift your teeth into a healthier position without the need for braces.
Underbites occur when your lower front teeth sit in front of your upper arch of teeth. Often, underbites happen when the lower jaw is simply too far forward. An underbite can make it difficult to chew or speak properly, and can cause premature wear to your teeth. In some cases, underbites can be alleviated with Invisalign alone, but more severe cases may require oral surgery before beginning orthodontic treatment.
In an ideal bite, the upper front teeth sit slightly in front of the lower front teeth. A crossbite is present when some of the upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth. This causes wear and tear, like chips or cracks. The pressure of your bite can lead to gum recession in some cases, resulting in sensitive teeth and even bone loss. Invisalign can fix certain cases of crossbites, so come in for a consultation to find out which orthodontic option is best for you.
While common, gaps between your teeth can create significant risks for the health of your smile. Gaps are difficult to clean, making them easy places for food to get stuck in and can harbor bacteria that lead to gum disease. Close those gaps with Invisalign for a seamless, healthy smile.
In an ideal bite, the upper and lower front teeth touch when the mouth is closed. For patients with an open bite, the teeth do not touch. Open bites can make eating and chewing difficult, and can cause problems with speech and premature wear. Invisalign can gradually reposition your open bite until all of your teeth are in alignment.
When your teeth overlap each other due to a lack of room in your mouth, it is called crowding. Crowding can make brushing and flossing difficult, allowing plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria to build up. Over time, this buildup may lead to tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease. Fortunately, Invisalign is able to remedy most cases of crowded teeth.
Enjoy a more comfortable, precise, and predictable approach to Invisalign with iTero, the new standard in modern dental care. By creating precise 3D images of your teeth, there are no messy impressions and we can customize your aligners with unmatched accuracy. Experience better-fitting trays and faster, more predictable results. You’ll even get a preview of your future smile, helping us personalize your treatment to your desired goals.
Invisalign has transformed over 8 million smiles!
Invisalign aligners are crafted with layers of photo-sensitive liquid resin, designed from impressions of your teeth. Once exposed to a special light, the resin cures into a hard and flexible thermoplastic called SmartTrack®, which was created exclusively for Invisalign treatment. It's got the approval of the FDA too!
One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is the ease of use and maintenance. Keep your aligners clean by brushing them with a toothbrush whenever you brush your teeth. If you’re out and about, you can simply rinse the aligners in lukewarm water. The most important thing to remember is to never use hot water or abrasive cleaners, as they can warp the plastic, rendering them ineffective, or even detrimental to your treatment. If you’re interested in a more thorough cleaning regiment, you can also purchase an Invisalign Cleaning System.
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible while they are being worn. In fact, most people won’t notice them at all! Not only is the plastic clear, but there are no bulky metal brackets or wires to draw attention to your teeth. Plus, your aligners are custom-made to fit snuggly and are trimmed down so they don’t show over your gum line.
In most cases, the cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces, but pricing will vary depending on your unique oral health needs. For a more accurate estimate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Girgis today! Many insurance plans also cover some orthodontic treatments, so be sure to call your provider to get the details of your benefits.
The iTero scanner is a state-of-the-art digital impression system that eliminates the need for messy putty in your mouth. With our iTero scanner, we can digitally capture a detailed 3D model of your teeth and gums. Not only is this process far more comfortable than the old putty-based impressions, but it’s faster and offers a superior clinical endpoint.
During the scanning process, the iTero scanner takes hundreds of photographs of your teeth, which are then used to create a three-dimensional digital image. This image is then used to design your Invisalign treatment plan in Long Beach, CA. The iTero scanner is precise and accurate, ensuring that your Invisalign aligners fit perfectly and deliver the desired results.
The iTero scan is a quick and easy process. The scan itself takes about two to three minutes per arch. However, the entire appointment, including the consultation and discussion of your treatment plan, may take about an hour.
The iTero scanner is not only faster than traditional impression methods, but it's also more comfortable. There's no need for you to hold uncomfortable, messy impression material in your mouth. With the iTero scanner at Heartwell Dental in Long Beach, CA, you can breathe and swallow naturally during the scanning process.
The iTero scanner is a cutting-edge digital impression system that accurately captures a detailed 3D model of your teeth and gums. This technology is used to plan your Invisalign treatment and monitor your progress.
With the iTero scanner, Dr. Abraam Girgis can take a highly accurate digital impression of your teeth and gums. This digital impression is then used to create your personalized Invisalign aligners. This means no more messy putty impressions and a more comfortable patient experience.
In addition to creating your aligners, the iTero scanner also allows Dr. Girgis to simulate your treatment outcome. This means you can see what your smile will look like after Invisalign treatment before you even start. This exciting feature can help motivate you to commit to your treatment and look forward to your new smile.
The iTero scanner is revolutionizing the way we plan and execute your Invisalign treatment. With this technology, we can ensure a more accurate fit for your aligners, a more comfortable treatment experience, and a more predictable treatment outcome.
Yes, the iTero scanner is safe to use. It utilizes a radiation-free laser and does not emit any harmful radiation during the scanning process. It's a non-invasive procedure that poses no risks to your health.
The iTero scanner is becoming increasingly popular and is available at many dental practices worldwide. However, not all dental offices may have this technology yet. Heartwell Dental is one of the few dental practices that offer this cutting-edge technology.
When it comes to straightening teeth, many people wonder whether Invisalign can stand toe-to-toe with traditional metal braces. The answer is a yes, for most cases. Invisalign is highly effective for treating a variety of orthodontic issues, including mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and certain bite problems. It works by using a series of custom-made, clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth into their desired position. One of the standout benefits of Invisalign is its virtually invisible appearance, making it a popular choice among adults and teens who prefer a more discreet treatment option.
However, it’s important to note that while Invisalign is effective for many orthodontic issues, it might not be suitable for more complex cases that require significant tooth movement or jaw adjustments. In such instances, traditional braces might be recommended by your orthodontist. At Heartwell Dental in Long Beach, CA, Dr. Abraam Girgis can provide a thorough evaluation to determine whether Invisalign is the right option for you, ensuring you receive a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
The duration of Invisalign treatment can vary widely depending on the complexity of your case and your specific orthodontic needs. On average, Invisalign treatment typically takes about 12 to 18 months. However, some patients may start seeing noticeable results in just a few weeks. For simpler cases, treatment might be completed in as little as six months, whereas more complex cases might require over 18 months to achieve the desired results.
It's crucial to adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your orthodontist to ensure the process stays on track. This includes wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time each day and attending regular check-ups to monitor your progress. Dr. Abraam Girgis at Heartwell Dental will provide you with a personalized treatment timeline during your initial consultation, giving you a clear understanding of what to expect throughout your Invisalign journey.
Invisalign is an excellent option for a wide range of patients, but it’s particularly appealing to those who value aesthetics and convenience during their orthodontic treatment. Good candidates for Invisalign are typically individuals with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as crooked teeth, gaps, or minor bite misalignments. It's also a popular choice among adults and teenagers who are conscious about their appearance and prefer a more discreet alternative to metal braces.
However, Invisalign might not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with severe bite issues, significantly rotated teeth, or those requiring extensive jaw correction might need alternative treatments. Additionally, candidates should be committed to wearing their aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day and maintaining good oral hygiene throughout the treatment process. Dr. Abraam Girgis at Heartwell Dental will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if Invisalign is the right fit for your orthodontic needs, ensuring you embark on a path to a healthier, more confident smile.
To achieve the best results with Invisalign, it’s essential to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. This means you should only remove them for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. Consistent wear is crucial because each aligner is designed to make slight adjustments to the position of your teeth over a set period, usually about one to two weeks before switching to the next set of aligners.
Wearing your aligners as prescribed ensures that your treatment progresses as planned and helps prevent any delays in achieving your desired results. It might take a little time to get used to wearing aligners for such extended periods, but the effort is well worth it for the convenience and aesthetic benefits that Invisalign offers. Dr. Abraam Girgis and the team at Heartwell Dental are committed to guiding you through your Invisalign journey, providing support and advice to help you maintain your treatment schedule and achieve a beautifully aligned smile.
Most Invisalign treatments are completed in just 1 year.
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