Cosmetic Dentistry Β· San Diego
Straighter teeth without the metal
A lot of adults want straighter teeth but never got braces as a kid β or had them and watched the results shift over the years. Metal brackets feel like a step backward. Invisalign clear aligners are removable, nearly invisible, and do not change what you can eat.
Clear aligners work well for a real range of cases β but not all of them. We will look at your specific teeth and bite, show you what treatment would look like, and give you a realistic timeline and cost estimate before you commit to anything.
If traditional braces or a specialist referral is actually the better fit for your case, we will tell you that too.
How Invisalign works β and what it realistically fixes
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays β aligners β each slightly different from the last. Worn in sequence, they apply gentle, controlled force to move teeth gradually into the planned position. You change trays every 1 to 2 weeks. Check-in visits are typically every 6 to 8 weeks, which is less frequent than traditional braces.
Clear aligners are excellent for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and many bite issues. Severe malocclusion, large vertical discrepancies, or cases requiring tooth extraction as part of treatment are generally handled better with traditional orthodontics or a specialist (orthodontist).
20 β 22
hours/day wear for on-schedule results
6 β 18
months for most mildβmoderate cases
Every 6β8 wks
check-in visit cadence
Who Invisalign works well for β and when to consider alternatives
Good candidates
- β Mild to moderate crowding or spacing
- β Mild overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- β Teens or adults with fully erupted permanent teeth
- β People who want a discreet treatment option
- β Patients with active lifestyles or professional demands
- β Those willing to commit to 20+ hours/day of wear
May not be the right fit
- β Severe malocclusion requiring complex tooth movements
- β Significant vertical bite discrepancies (deep bite needing surgery)
- β Active gum disease or significant bone loss (treat first)
- β Patients unlikely to maintain consistent wear time
- β Cases requiring tooth extractions as part of orthodontic planning
- β Bridgework spanning treatment area (fixed restorations limit movement)
We do a thorough records exam β photos, X-rays, impressions or digital scans β before recommending Invisalign. If traditional orthodontics or a specialist is a better path, we say so and refer accordingly.
What Invisalign costs
We provide a written estimate at your consultation. Cost varies by case complexity and treatment length. For regional context: the ADA reports that Invisalign treatment in the US typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 or more depending on case complexity. The Invisalign brand also publishes general cost guidance at invisalign.com. San Diego pricing is generally within that range.
Insurance: If your plan includes an orthodontic benefit, it may partially cover Invisalign the same way it covers braces. Most plans have a lifetime orthodontic maximum. We verify your specific coverage before your first appointment.
HSA / FSA: Orthodontic treatment β including Invisalign β is generally eligible for HSA and FSA funds when medically necessary. Pure cosmetic alignment may vary by plan. Confirm with your plan administrator.
Financing: Because Invisalign involves a significant upfront commitment, many patients use monthly payment plans. We discuss options including CareCredit at your consultation.
Cost ranges are public/brand-published averages, not our specific pricing. Your exact quote is confirmed in writing before treatment begins.
What to expect at each visit
- 1Consultation and records (60 β 90 min): We take X-rays, photos, and digital scans or impressions. Your bite and tooth position are analyzed to determine if Invisalign is the right fit.
- 2Treatment plan review (30 β 45 min): We show you a digital simulation of how your teeth will move. You see the planned end result before agreeing. Written cost estimate is provided.
- 3Attachment placement and aligner delivery (45 β 60 min): If your case requires attachments, they are bonded to teeth. Your first trays are delivered with detailed wear instructions.
- 4Progress check-ins (every 6 β 8 weeks, 20 β 30 min each): We verify teeth are tracking as planned, provide the next set of aligners, and address any issues early.
- 5Refinements (if needed): Toward the end of treatment, new scans may be taken and additional aligner trays fabricated to fine-tune the result.
- 6Debond and retainer fitting (30 β 45 min): Attachments are removed, teeth polished, and your custom retainers are made. This is the start of the retention phase β do not skip it.
Living with Invisalign β and keeping results after
During treatment:
- β’ Remove aligners to eat and drink anything except water
- β’ Brush and floss before reinserting trays β food trapped under trays accelerates decay
- β’ Rinse aligners with cool water when removed; never soak in hot water (it warps the plastic)
- β’ Keep your case with you β loose aligners left on napkins get thrown away more often than you would expect
- β’ Wear 20 to 22 hours per day β going below this extends your treatment timeline significantly
After treatment (retention phase):
- β’ Wear retainers as instructed β initially full-time, then nightly long-term
- β’ Most relapse happens in the first year if retainers are skipped
- β’ Replace retainers if they crack or no longer fit β teeth shift faster than you think
Your questions answered
Invisalign FAQ
Related cosmetic treatments
- Teeth whitening β commonly paired with Invisalign for a full smile refresh
- Veneers β if shape or chip issues remain after alignment is corrected
- Dental bonding β for small gaps or shape issues that alignment alone won't address
- All cosmetic dentistry options β compare treatments side by side
Find out if Invisalign fits your case
We do a proper records exam and give you a realistic assessment β timeline, cost, and whether clear aligners are actually the right tool for your teeth.
5296 University Ave, Suite I Β· San Diego, CA