The future is now: digital impressions for Invisalign

Every day, technology is improving, especially in the area of medicine and dentistry. What used to be done in a rudimentary way in the past is now done with the use of technologically advanced devices in the medical field. One method of treatment that has improved with time is that of orthodontic work. At Torrey Hills Dental, Drs. Brian C. Tasto and James P. Tasto can help patients avoid the need for traditional metal bracket and wire braces and instead consider the advantages of Invisalign and fully dispel any Invisalign myths they may have heard.

How does Invisalign in Carmel Valley work?

Traditional orthodontia requires patients to have metal brackets adhered to the teeth with dental glue and attached together along the arch with metal wires. While effective, this method of realigning the teeth can cause patients to feel embarrassed with their appearance, lowering self-confidence for many. It can also be challenging to brush and floss around these appliances, leaving patients more at risk of developing dental concerns such as periodontal disease or tooth decay.

However, Invisalign works differently. Many patients refer to Invisalign as “aligner tray therapy,” as the process requires patients to wear clear plastic trays over their teeth each day to reposition them gently.  Instead of covering the smile with metal, Invisalign is practically invisible against the teeth. Patients use a series of trays, wearing each for two weeks as they progress through their series. By the end of the treatment, at the last tray, patients will have achieved their dream smiles! Invisalign trays need to be worn over the teeth for at least 20 hours a day for proper compliance.

How are Invisalign trays made?

In the past, clear aligner therapies and the fabrication of dental restorations often required patients to come into the office and be subjected to messy, uncomfortable materials used to get impressions of the current smile. Fortunately, Drs. Brian C. Tasto and James P. Tasto have invested into their practice and offer patients a more accurate way to achieve impressions with the use of digital scanners and computer software. Instead of gagging and discomfort, patients simply rest in the dental chair as the dentist uses a unique handheld device to get a digital impression of the entire smile. These digital impressions are immediately visible on a computer monitor for the dental staff and patient to see.

To create the Invisalign trays, these digital impressions are sent to the Invisalign laboratories, where the team will create a series of trays for a patient and return to the dental office within a week or two. At this point, patients come to Torrey Hills Dental to obtain their Invisalign trays and start treatment at home. Patients are urged to schedule routine visits to the dentist to monitor for proper movement of the teeth with treatment compliance.

What happens if I don’t wear my trays as directed?

With digital impressions, the entire process is easily determined to get the patient from start to finish. However, if patients are not compliant with their treatment, there may be changes that require additional assistance (and cost) from the dentist in Carmel Valley San Diego. This may include creating new trays or delays in reaching the final results. Patients should wear their trays for at least 20 hours a day, only removing to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

Are you interested in straighter teeth in Carmel Valley? If you are considering Invisalign in Carmel Valley to straighten your smile, call the office of Torrey Hills Dental today! The practice is located at 4765 Carmel Mountain Road, Suite #101, and can be reached at (858) 258-9587. Call our team today to discuss your needs and find out if you are a viable candidate for aligner tray therapy!