Invisalign clear aligners can gradually straighten teeth without the brackets and wires used in traditional braces. The removable trays are created specifically for your smile and designed to fit discreetly over your teeth throughout treatment.
At the office of Greg J. Herd, DDS, Dr. Gendreau provides personalized Invisalign treatment for adults and teenagers in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. He has completed more than 300 clear aligner cases and uses digital impressions to plan treatment based on each patient’s teeth, bite and goals.
Find out whether clear aligners are right for your smile. Call 949-858-5147 or schedule an Invisalign consultation with Dr. Gendreau.
What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?
Invisalign treatment uses a customized series of transparent plastic aligners to guide the teeth toward improved positions. Each set applies controlled pressure to selected teeth and is worn for the length of time prescribed by Dr. Gendreau before you progress to the next set.
Because the trays are removable, you can take them out for meals, brushing and flossing. They should be worn consistently at all other times to help treatment progress as planned.
Clear aligners may be used to address concerns such as:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Spaces or gaps between teeth
- Teeth that appear rotated or uneven
- Certain overbite, underbite or crossbite concerns
- Minor tooth movement after previous orthodontic treatment
- Alignment concerns affecting the appearance or function of the smile
The complexity of your case determines whether Invisalign is appropriate. Some orthodontic concerns may be better treated with traditional braces or care from an orthodontic specialist.
Benefits of Invisalign Treatment
Clear aligners offer an alternative for patients who want to improve tooth alignment without wearing fixed metal braces.
- Discreet appearance: The transparent trays are less noticeable during conversations, work and social activities.
- Removable design: Aligners can be removed for meals and oral hygiene.
- No bracket-related food restrictions: You can continue eating your usual foods after removing the trays.
- Easier brushing and flossing: The aligners come out so you can clean your teeth normally.
- Smooth surfaces: The trays do not contain metal brackets or wires that may irritate the cheeks and lips.
- Digital planning: Treatment is mapped in stages based on digital records of your teeth and bite.
Successful treatment still requires commitment. The trays must be worn as directed, kept clean and changed according to the prescribed schedule.
Are You a Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Invisalign may be appropriate for adults and teenagers with healthy teeth and gums who need mild to moderate alignment or bite correction. Patients must also be willing to wear the aligners consistently and attend progress visits.
During your evaluation, Dr. Gendreau will consider:
- The position and alignment of your teeth
- Your bite and jaw relationships
- The health of your teeth and gums
- Existing crowns, bridges or other dental restorations
- The type and extent of tooth movement required
- Your history of previous orthodontic treatment
- Your ability to follow the recommended wear schedule
- Your treatment goals and expectations
Untreated cavities or gum concerns may need to be addressed before orthodontic movement begins. More complex cases may require a different treatment approach or referral for specialist care.
What to Expect During Invisalign Treatment
Clear Aligner Consultation
Your first visit includes an examination of your teeth, gums and bite. Dr. Gendreau will discuss what you want to change and determine whether clear aligners can reasonably address your concerns.
Digital Impressions and Treatment Planning
Digital impressions capture detailed information about the position and shape of your teeth. These records are used to develop a staged treatment plan and create the series of aligners needed to guide your tooth movement.
Receiving Your Aligners
When your aligners are ready, our team will check their fit and explain how to insert, remove and clean them. You will also receive instructions regarding daily wear time and when to change to each new set.
Aligners should generally be removed only for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing and flossing. Wearing them less than directed may delay treatment or affect the planned result.
Progress Visits
You will return periodically so Dr. Gendreau can monitor tooth movement, check the fit of your aligners and make sure treatment is progressing appropriately. The frequency of these visits depends on your individual plan.
Maintaining Your Results
After active tooth movement is complete, retainers are typically needed to help maintain the new positions. Dr. Gendreau will explain how often to wear them and how to care for them.
Invisalign or Traditional Braces?
Both clear aligners and traditional braces move teeth, but the treatment experience and capabilities can differ.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are removable and discreet. They may be a good option for patients who want fewer changes to their eating and oral hygiene routines and whose orthodontic concerns can be treated predictably with aligners.
Traditional Braces
Braces use fixed brackets and wires and may provide more control for certain complex tooth movements or bite corrections. Because they remain attached to the teeth, they do not depend on the patient remembering to wear removable trays.
Dr. Gendreau will explain whether Invisalign can address your needs or whether another orthodontic approach should be considered.
Clear Aligners as Part of a Cosmetic Treatment Plan
Improving tooth alignment may be an important first step before other cosmetic dental treatment. Moving the natural teeth into better positions can sometimes reduce the amount of restorative work needed to create a balanced smile.
Invisalign treatment may be coordinated with:
- Professional teeth whitening after alignment is complete
- Porcelain veneers for remaining concerns involving tooth shape, size or discoloration
- Replacement of older visible fillings or restorations
- Other cosmetic dentistry services
If multiple treatments are being considered, our team will place them in the appropriate sequence so final restorations are designed around the improved tooth positions.
Experienced Invisalign Treatment From Dr. Gendreau
Clear aligner treatment requires more than ordering a series of trays. The dentist must evaluate the bite, plan controlled tooth movement, monitor progress and recognize when the treatment plan needs to be adjusted.
Dr. Gendreau has practiced dentistry since 2008. He has completed more than 300 clear aligner cases and approximately 160 hours of continuing education related to orthodontics and clear aligner therapy.
He graduated at the top of his class in clinical dentistry at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. His broader restorative and cosmetic experience also helps him consider how tooth movement may affect existing dental work and future smile treatment.
Learn more about Dr. Gendreau on our Meet the Doctors page.
Living With Invisalign Aligners
Clear aligners are designed to fit into everyday routines, but consistent wear and care remain essential.
- Remove your aligners before eating.
- Drink only water while the trays are in place.
- Brush before reinserting them when possible.
- Clean the trays as directed by our team.
- Store removed aligners in their case.
- Avoid hot water, which may alter their shape.
Temporary pressure or tenderness may occur when starting a new set. Contact our office if an aligner is damaged, does not fit properly or causes significant discomfort.
Invisalign for Rancho Santa Margarita and Nearby Communities
Our office welcomes patients seeking Invisalign clear aligners in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and surrounding communities, including Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, Foothill Ranch, Trabuco Canyon, Coto de Caza, Dove Canyon and Las Flores.
Whether you are exploring orthodontic treatment for the first time or have noticed movement after previous treatment, Dr. Gendreau can evaluate your smile and explain whether clear aligners are appropriate.
Explore a discreet approach to straightening your teeth. Call 949-858-5147 to schedule an Invisalign evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign Clear Aligners
How does Invisalign treatment work?
Invisalign treatment uses a series of removable clear aligners to gradually move your teeth. Each set is worn according to Dr. Gendreau’s instructions before progressing to the next stage of treatment.
How much does Invisalign cost in Rancho Santa Margarita, California?
The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on the complexity of the tooth movement, the number of aligners needed and the anticipated treatment length. Our office will provide a personalized estimate after completing your evaluation. You can also review our available financial options.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment time varies based on the type and extent of tooth movement needed, how consistently you wear the aligners and how your teeth respond. Dr. Gendreau will provide a personalized timeline after completing digital treatment planning.
How many hours a day should Invisalign aligners be worn?
Clear aligners generally need to be worn most of the day and night and removed only for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing and flossing. Follow the specific wear instructions provided by Dr. Gendreau.
Is Invisalign better than traditional braces?
Invisalign offers removable, discreet aligners without metal brackets or wires. Traditional braces may be more appropriate for certain complex alignment or bite concerns. An evaluation is needed to determine which option is suitable.
Can adults and teenagers use Invisalign clear aligners?
Many adults and teenagers may be candidates for clear aligners if their teeth, gums and oral development are appropriate for treatment. Candidacy also depends on the type of tooth movement needed and the ability to wear the aligners consistently.
Who provides Invisalign in Rancho Santa Margarita, California?
Dr. Gendreau provides Invisalign clear aligner treatment for patients in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. He has completed more than 300 clear aligner cases and approximately 160 hours of related continuing education.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation
Invisalign clear aligners can improve tooth alignment through a discreet, removable treatment system. A personalized evaluation will determine whether aligners can address your concerns and what type of treatment plan may be appropriate.
Call 949-858-5147 or contact our office to schedule an Invisalign consultation with Dr. Gendreau in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
Invisalign and the Invisalign logo, among others, are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc., and are registered in the U.S. and other countries.