Invisalign Specialist
Straight teeth not only look better — they’re easier to keep clean and healthy. At Downtown Dentist SF in the Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco, experienced cosmetic dentist Stefka Petrova, DDS, provides Invisalign®, a discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces for adults and older teens. Invisalign can correct orthodontic problems including gaps, overbites, and crowding. To schedule an orthodontic consultation, call or use the online booking tool.
Invisalign Q & A
What is Invisalign®?
Dr. Petrova is proud to offer Invisalign, an alternative to traditional metal braces for adults and older teens. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic trays to gradually straighten teeth. These trays are custom-made to fit your teeth, nearly invisible, and cause minimal discomfort.
Invisalign is an effective treatment for both simple and complex orthodontic issues, including:
Overcrowding, where there isn’t enough room for your teeth to align properly
Gaps in your smile from missing teeth or abnormal jaw growth
Crossbite, where one or more of your upper teeth fall on the inside of your lower teeth when you bite down
Overbite, where your upper teeth stick out farther than your lower teeth
Underbite, where your lower teeth stick out farther than your upper teeth
Invisalign results in both a better-looking smile and healthier teeth. When left untreated, issues with the alignment of your teeth put you at risk for tooth decay, chronic pain, and gum disease. Also, straight teeth are easier to brush and floss.
Though many benefit from Invisalign, it’s not for everyone. Dr. Petrova evaluates your teeth alignment issues and overall dental health to determine if you’re a good candidate or would benefit more from another treatment, such as traditional metal braces.
What should I expect from Invisalign treatment?
When you undergo orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, you wear a series of custom-made aligners for one to two weeks each. The aligners gradually straighten your teeth and move them into their proper place. You wear them between 20 and 22 hours a day.
During Invisalign treatment, you have follow-up appointments at the practice every four to six weeks. At these appointments, Dr. Petrova monitors your progress and gives you the next few sets of aligners.
Invisalign causes far less discomfort and inconvenience than standard braces. You remove the aligners to eat, drink, floss, and brush your teeth, and you can perform all those activities as normal. You may experience light pressure the first two or three days with a new set of aligners, but they don’t cut or irritate the inside of your mouth, as braces often do.
How long does Invisalign treatment last?
For most people, Invisalign treatment lasts about a year, though it can be as short as nine months or as long as 18 months. The length of treatment depends on your individual situation, including both the position of your teeth as well as your aesthetic goals.
Once your course of Invisalign treatment is complete, you wear a retainer daily for the first few months and then at night for an additional six to twelve months. This step is necessary to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their old positions.
To learn more about Invisalign and orthodontics, schedule an appointment with Dr. Petrova online or over the phone.