Ray Nunnery, DDS | Dentist in Walnut Creek, CA
- 301 Lennon Lane, Suite 103 Walnut Creek, CA 94598
- (925) 935-1933
- (925) 935-8566
Invisalign
Invisalign
What used to take years with metal braces can now, in many cases, be done in the matter of a few months with the help of an experienced dentist. No matter what age or chapter you are in, you deserve an easy and discrete way to create the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
Get a Perfect Smile Without the Inconvenience of Traditional Braces
Invisalign combines technology with dentistry. With the use of 3D laser scanners and clear, virtually invisible, aligner trays, Invisalign treatment can be completed in as little as 120 days.
What used to take years with metal braces can now, in many cases, be done in the matter of a few months with the help of an experienced dentist. No matter what age or chapter you are in, you deserve an easy and discrete way to create the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
After we assess your current alignment, we will show you what your new smile could look like on a computer screen in 3D. Using this digital rendering, Dr. Nunnery will determine the best possible treatment plan for your specific case. Our team will work with your insurance company to make sure you pay the least out of pocket as possible.
Before we finalize your treatment plan, our team will explain the details of your case including expected timeline and cost. We will answer any questions and concerns you may have about the process. Then, if you decide its right for you, we will 3D print all the aligner trays necessary for your entire treatment.
How Invisalign® Works
You have likely heard about Invisalign clear aligners, but how does the process work? These clear aligners are designed to gently move your teeth over time using a series of invisible trays. Depending on each case, the aligner trays are changed out every few days.
The Invisalign Braces Process
The first step in the Invisalign process is designing your personalized treatment plan. We design your treatment with x-rays, pictures, and a 3-D digital scan of your teeth, and sometimes by taking impressions of your teeth. After Dr. Nunnery examines your scans and x-rays, we can discuss your specific needs and visions for your smile before designing a treatment plan unique to you.
Once we agree on your treatment plan, creating the aligner trays is a quick process, made simple with the scans taken of your teeth. Each tray is customized to push your teeth into a new position, creating a beautiful smile over time. The trays can be picked up in our office, or if necessary, can be mailed to you.
Now that you are on your way with your new Invisalign trays, it is important to change them out as often as needed for your case. This means changing them out every few days or as directed by Dr. Nunnery. Each new tray will give your teeth a new push in the direction they need to go.
The final step in your Invisalign journey is one last check by Dr. Nunnery to ensure that your procedure has been successful!
Will Invisalign Work for Me?
Regardless of age, Our Invisalign alignment system works for virtually all orthodontic patients. Invisalign is a great option for teens and adults, using the newest technology to make the process smoother and more comfortable.
Will A Straighter Smile Increase My Confidence?
Our patients tell us that a beautiful smile does wonders for their confidence. They no longer worry about an imperfect smile or misaligned teeth. Patients also feel more confident with their smile even during the procedure as opposed to traditional metal braces that attract unwanted attention.
Can Invisalign Impact My Health?
Aligning your teeth isn’t just for cosmetic reasons. It changes the position of your entire mouth. This includes the jaw and tongue. Changing the position of your jaw and where your tongue rests in your mouth can open up your airway and alleviate snoring and sleep apnea.
By straightening your teeth, you could also be treating other health concerns. Crowded and misaligned teeth make it harder to brush and floss properly. By straightening your teeth, you can do a better job of flossing and brushing. This is why patients with straighter teeth are less likely to have gum disease or tooth decay.
Once I Have the Invisalign Aligners, What’s Next?
All you have to do is make sure you wear each aligner tray for the designated amount of time! The smooth material is more comfortable than traditional braces, and fewer checkups are required throughout your treatment. Just make sure you are wearing your aligners every day and changing them as often as directed.
Because the aligners can be removed to eat and brush your teeth, no special equipment is required to keep your teeth clean, and you can continue eating your favorite foods.
Invisalign® Braces: Why You Should NOT Use Mail-Order Aligners
Are mail order aligners the same thing as Invisalign? The short answer is “no”.
We chose Invisalign because they have the best record. Invisalign aligners are made from SmartTrack® material, an advanced technology that ensures optimal results and ensures that our prediction stays consistent with your shifting teeth
Both The American Dental Association as well as The American Association of Orthodontists advise against using mail-order companies. These associations issued statements reminding patients and providers that realigning teeth is a medical procedure and needs to be closely supervised by a qualified medical professional. Improper treatment can result in side effects such as the loss of teeth and other dental complications. Over 2,600 customers have already filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau for situations such as these.
Due to their seemingly inexpensive price tag and social media campaigns, mail-order aligners have become more popular. Before agreeing to these aligners, patients should understand how these aligners can cause more harm than good.
When it comes to shifting teeth, you will need scans and x-rays to examine your smile before beginning your procedure. When getting your treatment done in office, these scans and examinations are included in your plan. With mail order aligners, you are not examined by a dentist at any point in your procedure. They may ask you to send x-rays, which are not covered by the cost of the treatment. Or, even more concerning, they may not ask for x-rays at all.
Mail order aligners work by mailing the company impressions of your teeth. These impressions would typically be taken by a skilled and experienced dentist. Most recently they are done through a 3D laser scanner. Having patients take the molds themselves at home could create faulty molds which then leads to faulty aligners. This could lead to future damage of the teeth and jaw.
Before beginning treatment on a patient, a dentist must do a thorough examination to confirm their eligibility. Not all patients are good candidates for Invisalign. Patients with more severe orthodontic issues may be better suited for alternative treatments. Because you never see a dentist when using mail order aligners, you cannot know if you are truly a good candidate until it is too late. You may be spending money on a treatment that is not for you, or even damaging your smile.
Another issue with mail order aligners is the lack of checkups. Mail order aligners are made all at once. Without a dentist to keep an eye on your progress and adjust aligners as needed, the trays could lose their track and either begin shifting teeth in the wrong direction or simply stop fitting properly. This could all cause damage to your teeth and jaw. This damage could cost even more to fix.
Mail order aligners use lower quality materials for the treatment to offset costs. They also typically use technology that is old enough to be off patent.