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What’s the Difference Between Invisalign and Braces?

The main difference between Invisalign and braces is that the Invisalign process is more discreet. Braces use metal brackets and wires which are highly visible. They limit what you can eat and how you care for your teeth. Invisalign uses clear aligner trays that are virtually invisible. They can also be removed to eat, brush and floss.

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Difference Between Invisalign and Braces
Difference Between Invisalign and Braces

Dr. Gurjit Randhawa

Orthodontic Specialist

Dr. Gurjit S. Randhawa is among a select group of dental professionals in the US who have achieved Invisalign® Diamond Plus Provider status for the Invisalign® tooth-straightening system. Only the top 1% clinicians who have achieved and maintained a high level of experience in using the Invisalign system are named to this group. Dr Randhawa was an early adopter of Invisalign clear aligner therapy for orthodontic correction. He started treating patients with Invisalign system in year 2005 and has since treated thousands of patients to establish himself as a major Invisalign provider in the San Francisco Bay area. He has enjoyed the Top 1% Provider status in the nation for several years. Today, Dr Randhawa leads teams of well-trained Invisalign certified dentists and dental assistants out of 6 East Bay locations in Alameda, Emeryville, Pinole, Vallejo, Concord and San Ramon working together to provide the very best in orthodontic care - simple to complex. Dr Randhawa and his team of doctors treat adults, children and seniors for their needs from simply orthodontic to comprehensive multi-disciplinary treatment plans to enhance both function and looks. Often the most satisfying treatment results include dental implants and porcelain veneers and crowns following orthodontic correction of patient's bite with the Invisalign system. Call us today to find our if you are a good candidate for Invisalign orthodontics.

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How Does Invisalign® Treatment Work?

Three easy steps can get you on your way to a brand-new smile

1. Schedule your initial consultation with doctor, get scanned with an advanced 
   3D digital scanner and see a simulation of how your new smile could look like.

2. Start your journey, wear aligners with easy-to-follow instructions and see your
smile transform with every aligner. Within months you’ll have your dream smile.

3. Keep your new smile for life with easy to wear Vivera retainers. Invisalign is the
world’s most advanced clear aligner system and we know it inside out.

Dr Randhawa, our team of doctors and experienced assistants will guide you every step of the
way to ensure the best possible outcome for you. Call us now to schedule.

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Before and After Invisalign Treatment

Treatment as low as $70/month

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are aligners made of?

Invisalign® aligners are made from medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins and have passed all regulatory requirements required to be used in dental applications.

Does it really work?

Absolutely, it does. In both clinical research and in orthodontic practices worldwide, Invisalign has proven to be effective in straightening teeth. Dr Randhawa has himself successfully treated over 3,000 patients with Invisalign clear aligner system.
Call us now to schedule your complimentary Invisalign scan and consultation.

How often will I have to wear my trays?

All day long, and day and night. Yes, Invisalign aligners may only be removed to eat, drink, brush and floss. At all other times you’ll be asked to wear your aligners. Really compliance is the key. It won’t work if you get lazy. In total 20+ hours per day is what will be expected of you.

What happens after my Invisalign treatment? Will I need retainers?

Yes. Whether you wear braces or Invisalign, you will be advised to wear a retainer to maintain the final position of your teeth. Although you could choose between fixed or removable retainers, for most patients Dr. Randhawa will recommend going with Invisalign retainers called Vivera.

I am currently wearing metal braces; can I switch to Invisalign?

Chances are yes, you can. Call our office today to set up a complimentary consult with Dr. Randhawa to determine if you are a good candidate to make the switch. By the way Invisalign company provides a discount on the lab fees when you make such a switch. Ask us for details.

Will Invisalign affect how I speak?

Not necessarily. Some people may have a slight lisp for a day or two after putting in Invisalign® aligners for the first time, but it quickly goes away. Often the listener doesn’t notice.

Does Invisalign hurt?

Not really. Some patients may experience little discomfort for a day or two when starting a new tray, but most describe it as pressure rather than pain. We don’t see patients needing a pain med.

Does my insurance cover Invisalign?

If you have orthodontic coverage under your insurance plan, Invisalign is covered the same way as braces. If not, we have affordable payment options for you. Call us to find out.

How do I get started?

Just give us a call or email, and we’ll get you right in.

What is Invisalign®?

State-of-the-art alternative to metal braces, Invisalign is the ‘invisible’ way to straighten teeth without braces. It uses a series of clear, custom-fitted removable plastic trays called Aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without the discomfort of old-school metal and wires. Invisalign aligners are made by using patented 3D computer-imaging technology, which provides the best fit for the most efficient treatment while making it almost impossible for people to notice that you are wearing them. For more information, check out our Invisalign® page! 

I may be too old Invisalign?

Invisalign is for all age groups – young children, teenagers, young adults and for seniors. The treatment needs vary between ages from purely orthodontic like crowding, spacing, deep bite to full mouth rehabs which could include placing dental implants, crown & bridge and cosmetic porcelain veneers. Dr. Randhawa has experience treating all age groups and all needs. Chances are we will have an answer for you. Call us today to find out.

How does Invisalign work?

Using a high-end computer technology and a case specific input from Dr Randhawa Invisalign will produce a series of custom-made ‘Aligners’ depicting the complete treatment plan for you from the initial position to the final desired goal. Each aligner is made a little different and incorporates a gentle and controlled force to move teeth a small increment at a time. Dr Randhawa uses his skill and knowledge of orthodontics and years of experience with Invisalign system to custom design treatment for each patient.

Why should I choose Invisalign over Braces?

Invisalign over braces – big benefits:
Invisalign is nearly invisible – you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing
Invisalign is removable – you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain impeccable oral hygiene.
Invisalign is comfortable – there are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation; no metal or wires also means you spend less time in the doctor’s chair getting adjustments and no emergencies from broken poking wires.

How much does Invisalign treatment cost and what are the payment options?

While the cost of Invisalign® is like that of traditional metal braces, the fees vary based on how complicated your treatment plan is. It could range from the mid $2,000’s to mid $6,000’s but most Invisalign patients will average below $4,000. You could pay upfront for an accounting courtesy discount or choose from our zero-interest payment plans which many patients like. Check out our current Invisalign Specials.

Invisalign Treatment Success Stories

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