Invisalign® Specialist

LivWell Dentistry Our Services Invisalign®

LivWell Dentistry

Dentists located in San Francisco, CA & San Ramon, CA

For patients who want to correct their dental alignment, but prefer a more natural look, Dr. Loo offers the Invisalign® System which straightens teeth with an almost invisible appearance from LivWell Dentistry in San Francisco and San Ramon, CA areas.

 

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Invisalign Q&A

What are Invisalign® Aligners?

Invisalign® is an orthodontic system similar to traditional braces, used by dentists to straighten a patient’s misaligned or overcrowded teeth. The Invisalign® system differs from metal braces in that the straightening is completed with the patient wearing clear medical-grade plastic aligners which snap over the teeth and gently push the teeth into the correct alignment, in a manner similar to braces. The aligners are made from clear, BPA-free medical plastic and they are virtually invisible when being used. Unlike braces, the aligners can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing but should be worn for at least 22 hours per day. The Invisalign® aligners are designed to tightly mold to the patient’s teeth and mouth. The patient will be fitted for new aligners several times throughout the treatment as the teeth move into the desired space.  

How do the Aligners Straighten Teeth?

Like traditional metal orthodontics, Invisalign® aligners gently push the teeth into the desired position. However, while traditional braces attach to the teeth with connecting wires which are tightened and adjusted regularly, the Invisalign® system is a tight, clear shell worn over the teeth. Most Invisalign® patients wear the aligners for about a year. However, the exact time frame and number of aligners will depend on the individual patient and the expected result and can range between 6 and 18 months. The aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day for best results and only be removed to be changed out, while brushing and flossing or if certain foods are consumed. The aligners will be replaced and refitted by the dentist approximately every two weeks. They are comfortable to wear and will not scratch or irritate the inside of mouth like traditional braces.

What are the Advantages of the Invisalign® System?

There are a number of advantages to using the Invisalign® teeth straightening system. The aligners are more or less invisible, which makes it very appealing to patients who might feel self conscious about having their smile filled with metal.  Also, the aligners can be removed occasionally, which makes eating as well as brushing and flossing a quicker and more straightforward process. Also, since the aligners are smooth plastic and changed every two weeks, there is no painful tightening of wires or metal that can irritate the patient’s mouth.

Insurance

As a service to our patients, our practice accepts most dental insurance programs, including non-managed care, indemnity (traditional) and PPO out-of-network. We are not part of any managed care network. Our accounting staff will prepare all the necessary forms for your dental benefits. However, we remind you that your specific policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company. Please keep in mind that you are responsible for your total obligation should your insurance benefits result in less coverage than anticipated. Our staff will gladly submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company so that you will know what your benefits will be. The fees charged for services rendered to those who are insured are the usual and customary fees charged to all our patients for similar services. Your policy may base its allowances on a fixed fee schedule, which may or may not coincide with our usual fees. You should be aware that different insurance companies vary greatly in the types of coverage available. Also, some companies take care of claims promptly while others delay payment for several months.