Need an Orthodontist? Invisalign Braces for Adults & Kids

woman putting in invisalign aligner step 2

woman putting in invisalign aligner step 3

Do you have to see an orthodontist to straighten your teeth with metal braces or clear Invisalign braces? The simple answer is no. Most of our patients straighten their teeth right here in our office using the clear, removable aligner trays called Invisalign.

While it is true that most general dentists do not offer metal braces (or traditional orthodontics) in their office, we now offer the simpler, easier, clear braces called Invisalign. If your case requires more advanced movement of your teeth, we will work closely with a select group of Millbrae, San Bruno, Burlingame, and San Mateo orthodontists. With these braces specialists, we can help straighten your teeth, close gaps, fix chips, and help you chew without pain.

What is the Difference Between Braces and Invisalign?

The two major differences between braces and Invisalign are comfort and appearance. Traditional orthodontics or "braces" use a series of metal brackets that are temporarily bonded on the front of your teeth. They also use bands or metal straps on the molars or back teeth. Once these bands and brackets are fixed in place, the orthodontist feeds a series of metal wires through the brackets. He or she pre-bends these wires so that they are putting slight pressure on your teeth 24 hours a day. This pressure is what gradually moves your teeth to align them.

Invisalign takes a very different, more advanced approach to straightening your teeth. When you come into our office for your first Invisalign appointment, we will take a series of hi-res photographs of your teeth, smile, and gums. We also take a hi-res impression of your teeth as they are today. From this, our Invisalign partners build a 3D computer model of your teeth. We work closely with them to simulate the movement of your teeth over the next 12-18 months. Once we decide on the best and safest way to gently move your teeth, Invisalign builds a series of clear, lightweight trays called Invisalign aligners. You wear them 23 hours per day for about two weeks, after which you switch to the next set. This way we can gradually move your teeth without the uncomfortable wires, brackets, and dental cement.

Why You Don't Need to See an Orthodontist for Invisalign

example invisalign aligner held up by womans hand - clear braces

Many of my patients are excited and surprised to learn that they no longer need to visit a specialist or an Orthodontist in order to be fitted for Invisalign. How could that be? When we take impressions of your teeth, we immediately start working with the team at Invisalign to build your computer model as well as aligners. On our Invisalign team are groups of highly skilled orthodontists and oral surgeons. They have spent years developing complex screening and movement algorithms used to design your personalized Invisalign aligners.

I'm not implying that the world no longer needs orthodontists or traditional orthodontics braces. We regularly work with orthodontists here in Millbrae, San Bruno and San Mateo when we have more complex cases or multi-phase orthodontics. It's just nice to know that we can offer many of our patients a better, more comfortable way to straighten their teeth - Invisalign.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign Cost?

Absolutely. Dental insurance usually covers as much as 50% of the total cost of Invisalign. However, every dental insurance plan is different. Just call or email our office to set up a consultation appointment. We will give you an insurance estimate of your copay after we make sure you’re a candidate for Invisalign.

Here is a comprehensive video about treating your teeth and smile with Invisalign.

Here is a brief Invisalign video about how easy they are to put in and take out, and how effectively they straighten your teeth:

Have questions about Invisalign clear braces? email or call us:

(650)-583-5880

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Dr. Sherry Tsai provides invisalign and SureSmile clear braces or orthodontics by Invisalign for adults, children, teens and kids. We are near Millbrae, San Bruno, Burlingame, San Mateo and the Bay Area