About Invisalign

Invisalign uses a series of clear, specially designed aligners to straighten your teeth. Unlike braces, the aligners can be removed to eat, brush, and floss. Invisalign is particularly effective in correcting minor orthodontic irregularities and orthodontic relapse from not wearing retainers. For effective tooth movement, the aligners must be worn 23 hours each day.

How do I get started with Invisalign?

At your initial consultation, Dr. Rucker will discuss the option of Invisalign based on your unique orthodontic needs and treatment goals. If you are a candidate for Invisalign we will start the process by creating 3-D models of your teeth. Dr. Rucker will then align your bite digitally using Invisalign computerized software. Once Dr. Rucker has determined your ideal tooth position, a series of aligners are created using CAD-CAM technology at the Invisalign lab. At your following appointment, we will bond any attachments if needed, and you will begin wearing your aligners. As you change to a new set of aligners about every week, your teeth will move gradually until they reach their final positions. You can expect to visit our office about once every six to ten weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

Invisalign For Kids

Is My Child A Candidate For Invisalign?

To determine if your child is a candidate for Invisalign in Temecula, CA, we highly recommend scheduling a free consultation with one of our skilled orthodontists, Dr. Jon Rucker or Dr. Ryan Rucker. During this consultation, they will review your child’s dental health and history, as well as their x-rays and oral hygiene habits. It’s important to consider your child’s hygiene habits because Invisalign requires a great deal of personal responsibility since they are removable. Your child is responsible for ensuring they wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day, keep them clean, and maintain proper oral health (brushing, flossing, etc.).

In general, there are some signs you can check for to see if your child would be a potential candidate; these include the following:

    • Their permanent teeth have begun to come in.
    • They have mild to moderate alignment issues (overbite, underbite, overcrowding, etc.).
    • They are compliant with oral hygiene habits.
    • They have lost most of their baby teeth.

If it is determined that Invisalign in Temecula, CA, is the right orthodontic treatment for your child, our team will create a personalized treatment plan to ensure the best possible results. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation for your child.

About Invisalign First

Invisalign is a discreet, clear aligner system that uses 3D-imaging technology to identify the exact movements of your teeth and then create a series of aligners specific to your teeth. As you progress through treatment, you will change out the aligners for the next set in the treatment plan; each set of aligners will move your teeth closer to the desired result. Invisalign First is also often referred to as Phase 1 treatment, which uses orthodontic appliances for proper jaw development and assists adult teeth that are growing in. Phase 1 is part of a two-phase treatment plan used on children and young adults who may benefit from a more complex orthodontic treatment plan for proper jaw and tooth alignment.

At Rucker Orthodontics, we are Diamond Invisalign Providers, making us one of the top providers of Invisalign in Temecula, CA. If you think your child may be a candidate for Invisalign, contact us today to schedule a free consultation!

Invisalign For Teen

About Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen is the perfect orthodontic solution for teens who want to straighten their teeth with a more subtle orthodontic appliance. Invisalign Teen makes it easy to get a beautiful smile with little disruption to your daily life. Since the treatment is removable, teens can still enjoy their favorite foods, brush, and floss as usual, and remove the appliance for important events like prom and picture day. The aligners are to be worn for 22 hours a day and taken out for eating and brushing your teeth.

With Invisalign Teen, there are fewer appointments because they do not need to be adjusted; instead, you will be sent a few sets at a time and switch out the aligners every few weeks with the next one in the set, progressing closer to your ideal smile. Treatment with Invisalign Teen can take as little as six months for minor misalignments but usually are worn for 12 to 18 months. If you are interested in finding out if your teen is a candidate for Invisalign in Temecula, CA, contact us to schedule a free consultation!

What Makes Invisalign Teen Different?

Invisalign Teen is different from other forms of Invisalign for a couple of reasons. One of the biggest reasons is the compliance indicator. This is a dark blue or black dot located in the back of the appliance that wears down as the aligners are worn. This is useful for teens and their parents to ensure they wear their appliances as much as they should. Invisalign Teen is most effective when worn for at least 20-22 hours per day.

Another feature unique to Invisalign Teen is its eruption tabs. These are little flaps of plastic that allow room for the adult teeth to grow in behind the aligner. If your teen has recently gotten an adult tooth, the dentist can add a tab to the back of the aligners and give extra space for adult teeth to grow properly (this is most common with molars and canine teeth).

Invisalign Teen also usually includes backup aligners if the original pair is lost or damaged. This is useful for busy teens who may need an extra aligner or two to get through their treatment.

These features are designed to make it easier for teens to comply with and maintain their treatment plans. With features like these unique to Invisalign Teen, it is a great option for teens looking to straighten their smiles. Contact Rucker Orthodontics today to find out if your teen is a candidate for Invisalign Teen in Temecula, CA.

Invisalign For Adults

Orthodontic Treatment For Adults

Whether you underwent treatment as a child but never wore your retainer or never underwent orthodontic treatment, it’s never too late to seek professional orthodontic care. Invisalign is an excellent option for adults who want to improve their smile. Invisalign’s subtle and comfortable design can help you achieve the picture-perfect smile you’ve always wanted without wearing a fixed orthodontic appliance. You’ll be able to follow your progress in real-time and ensure that your teeth are shifting into their desired positions as efficiently as possible with regular aligner replacements every two weeks and a personalized treatment plan from one of our orthodontists, Dr. Jon and Dr. Ryan Rucker. Invisalign for adults in Temecula, CA, allows you to manage your orthodontic care and work toward the smile you want!

If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign in Temecula, CA, contact Rucker Orthodontics today for a free consultation! We are diamond-plus providers with the highest level of Invisalign experience and can provide you with the best care possible.

Should I Get Invisalign or Braces?

If you are trying to decide between braces and Invisalign, both are excellent options for adults who want to improve their smiles quickly and efficiently. A few considerations to take into account include the following:

    • What’s your budget?
    • How severe are your orthodontic issues?
    • Do you feel comfortable with a fixed appliance like braces? Or do you prefer the removability of Invisalign?
    • Do you want a discreet treatment?

We can help you decide which treatment is right for you during your free consultation with one of our experienced orthodontists, Drs. Jon and Ryan Rucker. They will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your particular needs.

Pros & Cons of Invisalign

Pros of Invisalign

    • Discreet — The biggest advantage of Invisalign is that they are virtually invisible when worn. This means you don’t have to worry about the unsightly appearance of metal braces in your mouth.
    • Fewer Lifestyle Restrictions — They also come with fewer restrictions than metal braces; you can remove them whenever you want for eating or brushing/flossing, which makes them easier to maintain and clean than traditional braces.
    • Fewer Office Visits — They can be removed when needed and require fewer office visits for adjustments compared to traditional braces.
    • Comfortable — They are more efficient and accurate since they are created with a 3D printer. This makes them fit more comfortably over your teeth and gums.

Cons of Invisalign

    • Self-Discipline — A potential downside of using Invisalign is that they require more discipline from the wearer than traditional braces; if the aligners aren’t worn for at least 20 hours each day, the treatment won’t be as effective as it would be with regular use.
    • May Not Be Effective For Severe Misalignments — They may not be suitable for patients with severe misalignment issues since they may not provide enough pressure to move teeth into place as quickly or effectively as traditional braces would in those cases.

Invisalign FAQ

The duration of your Invisalign treatment is determined by the severity of your misalignment and the treatment goals of your specific case. Generally, patients can expect to complete their Invisalign course in about 12 months. For patients with minor orthodontic issues and misalignments, six months of treatment may be necessary; other cases may require up to 18 months or more. It’s important to wear your aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day because non-compliance can lead to longer treatment times.

Your Invisalign aligners are made with a 3D printer and incredibly accurate 3D digital scans, making them snug and unique to your mouth. This prevents any long-term effects on your speech. That being said, for the first few days, most patients may notice a difference in their speech while their mouth gets used to the aligners. This is completely normal; as with any orthodontic device, there is an adjustment period. If, however, this has not been resolved after a few days and you still are having difficulties speaking or have a lisp, contact our office, and we will be able to assist you.

The best way to keep your Invisalign aligners clean is by brushing them with a toothbrush and mild soap, rinsing them off with cold water, and air drying them. It is best to clean your aligners at least once or twice daily to prevent germs and bacteria from sitting on your teeth. You should also ensure never to eat or drink (except water) with your aligners in; this will keep them clean and free of food residue. Additionally, brushing your teeth after each meal and before putting your aligners back in is important. This helps ensure that no food particles will get trapped underneath your aligners.

Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can eat and drink whatever you want while undergoing treatment. Just remember to brush and floss after every meal before placing your aligners back in.

When your Invisalign treatment is complete, you may be required to wear a retainer to maintain your treatment results. When this time comes, Dr. Rucker will advise you on the best course of action for ensuring that your teeth stay in their new position. Typically, retainers must be worn at night while sleeping, with occasional daytime adjustments as needed. It’s important to follow the instructions for wearing your retainer in order to maintain your results.