Orthodontics
Invisalign in Los Angeles
Straightening, without the hardware.
Clear aligners are the modern alternative to metal braces, and they suit adult life considerably better. Dr. Kourosh Yousefzadeh and Dr. Razmik Galustian are certified Invisalign providers at Smile LA Downtown Modern Dentistry, and the consultation is complimentary.
How it works
How Invisalign works
A series of clear, removable aligners gradually shifts your teeth into position. They are made from an advanced medical-grade polymer and are close to invisible in normal conversation. The sequence is not guesswork: 3D imaging builds the whole treatment plan before the first aligner is made, so each one in the series moves your teeth by a known amount and the finish point is designed rather than arrived at. That is also why the aligners come as a set. Each is shaped to the position the last one left your teeth in, which is what makes wearing them on schedule matter more than it does with most treatment — the plan assumes each stage has actually happened before the next begins.
Why patients choose it over braces
- Virtually invisible No metal brackets, no wires. You can smile through the treatment rather than around it.
- Removable Take them out to eat, drink, brush and floss. Nothing about your normal routine has to change.
- Comfortable and efficient Designed for minimal irritation compared with fixed braces, with fewer office visits and often a shorter overall treatment.
- Fast results Many patients get their new smile in as little as six months — often comparable to, or faster than, traditional braces.
Wearing them
Wearing them properly
The results depend more on you than on us, and three habits carry most of it.
- Full-time wear About 22 hours a day, out only for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. Water is the only thing you can drink with them in.
- Change on schedule A new aligner every one to two weeks, as directed. If a new one does not fit properly, stay on the current aligner another 24 to 48 hours before switching — and tell us if the problem persists.
- Use chewies Three times a day, two minutes a session, so each aligner seats properly against your teeth.
Cleaning and troubleshooting
- Daily cleaning A soft toothbrush and dish soap, or a soak in cold water with a Retainer Brite tablet. Never hot water — it warps the aligner.
- If an attachment comes off Keep wearing the aligners and contact us for guidance.
- If you lose or damage one Move to the next in the series. A nail file will smooth any rough edge that is irritating you.
- Keep up your cleanings Every three months during treatment, which protects both your oral health and the result.
Is it right for you?
Invisalign suits patients with fully developed adult teeth and completed jaw growth. It effectively addresses crowded teeth, gaps and spacing, general misalignment, and overbite, underbite and crossbite.
Cost
Pricing is transparent and there are financing options. We will go through your treatment plan and what it costs at the consultation, before anything is scheduled. See financing and insurance.
Invisalign FAQ
- How long does treatment take?
- Many patients achieve their new smile in as little as six months, with results often comparable to or faster than traditional braces. Your own timeline comes out of the 3D treatment plan.
- How many hours a day do I have to wear them?
- About 22, taking them out only to eat, drink, brush and floss. Water is the only thing you can drink with the aligners in.
- How often do I change aligners?
- Every one to two weeks as directed. If a new aligner does not fit properly, wear the current one for another 24 to 48 hours before switching, and contact us if it keeps happening.
- Can Invisalign fix my bite?
- Yes. Alongside crowding, gaps and general misalignment, it treats overbite, underbite and crossbite.
- Is it suitable for teenagers?
- Invisalign is ideal for patients with fully developed adult teeth and completed jaw growth. Whether that describes your teenager is exactly what the consultation establishes.
- How do I clean the aligners?
- Daily, with a soft toothbrush and dish soap, or by soaking them in cold water with a Retainer Brite tablet. Avoid hot water — it warps them.
- What if I lose an aligner?
- Move to the next one in the series and let us know. If an attachment falls off, keep wearing the aligners and contact us for guidance.
