Do you wish you had straighter teeth but the thought of having to get braces makes you think twice? It may be time to look into Invisalign®. These clear aligners can move your teeth into a more aesthetically pleasing position without brackets or wires for a flawless smile. Ryan Zhuoran Zhao, DDS, PhD, and his team at Harmony Smile Dental offer Invisalign to give you the smile you’ve been dreaming of. To learn more, call the office in Sunnyvale, California at (408) 738-1000, today or request an appointment online.

Invisalign Q & A

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an innovative teeth straightening system that gently moves your teeth into a straighter position without brackets or wires. The system consists of clear aligners that sit right below your gum line and hug your teeth so no one knows you’re wearing them.

Unlike braces, your Invisalign clear aligners are removable, so you don’t need to change how you brush your teeth or how you eat.

Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?

Dr. Zhao determines if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign after a comprehensive examination. You may be surprised to learn that Invisalign can fix many common smile flaws, including:

  • Overbite or underbite
  • Gaps or overcrowding
  • Open bite or crossbite

You can also use Invisalign to simply give you straighter teeth, even after you’ve gone through braces.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign is made from a special thermoplastic that has the ability to move your teeth gently and efficiently. Dr. Zhao takes a digital image of your teeth and then designs a plan for how he’s going to move your teeth into position. This plan is then used to create your aligner set.

Each aligner set is designed to move your teeth as outlined by Dr. Zhao. To get the best results, he recommends you wear your aligners for up to 22 hours a day. He also provides recommendations on when you should change to your new set of aligners, which is generally every 1-2 weeks but individualized based on your specific oral health needs.

How long does it take to get straighter teeth?

Every patient is different, but because of the innovative technology, Invisalign can move your teeth a lot faster than braces. Most people can achieve their smile goals within 12 to 18 months.

After you’ve completed your Invisalign, Dr. Zhao provides you with your custom-designed Vivera® retainer, which helps keep your teeth in place. Initially, Dr. Zhao recommends you wear your retainer full-time to prevent shifting of your teeth. Then, as your teeth settle into their new position, you can move to wearing your retainer at night.

To learn more about Invisalign and how they can give you the smile you want, call at (408) 738-1000 Harmony Smile Dental today, or request an appointment online.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign was introduced in 2000 and remains a very popular and effective alternative to traditional metal braces. They are the leader in clear aligner orthodontics and have been helping patients in Sunnyvale, California, with bite and alignment issues. Utilizing a series of clear, plastic aligners, Invisalign can straighten and align teeth in a comfortable, effective, and discreet way. Using patented SmartTrack technology, Invisalign has led the way in clear aligner orthodontics, offering benefits no other clear aligner brand can match.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign clear aligners work by exerting gentle yet consistent pressure on your teeth to guide them into their correct position. The process will begin with a consultation at our Sunnyvale, California, office, during which it will be decided if Invisalign is a suitable treatment option for your particular situation. Digital images of your teeth and mouth will then be taken and sent to an Invisalign lab, where your aligners will be created. Once you receive your series of aligners, you will start with the first set in the series and progress through the series until you complete it. Each set of aligners is typically worn for two to three weeks before progressing to the next.

Are There Limitations With Invisalign?

Because Invisalign clear aligners are easy to remove, virtually no limitations are imposed on your lifestyle. Unlike traditional metal braces that impose certain restrictions due to the metal brackets and wires fixed to the teeth, with Invisalign, you can eat and drink what you want when you want. Simply remove your aligners before doing so. Once you are done eating, it is recommended that you do a quick brushing of your teeth or (at the very least) a rinse with clean water before putting your aligners back on.

What Are The Benefits of Invisalign Compared To Traditional Braces?

There are several benefits you get when choosing Invisalign. The benefit many of our Sunnyvale, California, patients like the most is the treatment’s discreet nature. Invisalign aligners are crafted from a patented SmartTrack material that is virtually invisible to the naked eye and offers unmatched precision, meaning there is greater control over the guidance of your teeth into the exact positioning and alignment needed. Additionally, Invisalign offers exceptional comfort and does not impose dietary restrictions.

How Do I Care For My Invisalign Aligners?

Caring for your clear aligners could not be any easier. Simply brush them with water and a soft-bristled brush. This can be a toothbrush or any small brush with soft bristles. It is important to use cool water because hot water could warp your aligners. Invisalign also offers specific crystals that you can ask about as well.

Am I A Good Candidate For Invisalign?

Many individuals dealing with mild to moderate misalignment or bite issues will be considered good candidates for Invisalign. While Invisalign can also treat some more complex issues, there will still be some conditions that only traditional orthodontics, like metal braces, can correct. The best way to determine if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign is to schedule an appointment with our Sunnyvale, California office for a consultation so that Dr. Koeltl can perform an examination and determine if Invisalign will work for you.

Will A Retainer Be Needed Following My Treatment?

While every case is different, most patients who complete the Invisalign treatment will be recommended to use a retainer following treatment. A retainer will help keep your teeth in their proper position and prevent them from shifting back to their pre-treatment positioning following treatment.

Dr. Zhao

Dr. Zhao

Dr. Ryan Zhao, DDS, PhD, the dental specialist at Harmony Smile Dental in Sunnyvale, California, prioritizes preventive care to optimize oral health. With a foundation of trust, compassion, and expertise, Dr. Zhao dedicates quality time to each patient, restoring smiles through state-of-the-art procedures. Holding a DDS from the University of California, San Francisco, and a PhD from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, he remains at the forefront of dentistry as a member of professional organizations. Fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Shanghainese, Dr. Zhao's commitment to personalized care and continuous learning is reflected in his authoritative and trustworthy approach.