Invisalign® in Mesa, AZ

Invisalign® clear aligners straighten teeth without metal brackets or wires. At J. Ladd Williams Cosmetic Dentistry in Mesa, Dr. Williams uses Invisalign to fix crowded teeth, gaps and bite problems for adults and teens. The aligners are clear, so most people won't notice you're wearing them. Call (480) 964-9020 to schedule a consultation.

How Invisalign works

Invisalign uses a series of thin, clear plastic trays called aligners. Each one is made from a digital scan of your teeth and is slightly different from the last. As you wear each set, it presses your teeth a small step toward their new position. Every week or two you switch to the next set.

Before you start, Dr. Williams maps out the whole treatment on a computer. That plan shows how your teeth should move and decides how many aligners you need.

Who Invisalign suits

Invisalign is popular with adults. Many had braces as kids and watched their teeth drift back. Others never had braces and want a straighter smile without the look of metal at work. Teens can be good candidates too, as long as they will wear the aligners as told.

In Dr. Williams' experience, Invisalign is a great fit for almost anyone, and especially for adults who didn't wear their retainers as kids and want their teeth straight again. The one rule is that the aligners have to be worn all day, every day. As he puts it: "If they do, it works. If they do not, it will not work, and then we would have to cement brackets on each tooth like in the old days."

What it can and can't fix

Invisalign can treat many common problems:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbite, underbite and crossbite
• Teeth that have shifted after braces
• Mild to moderate crooked teeth in general

Some cases are harder for aligners. Severe bite problems, teeth that need to rotate a lot, and jaw problems may need braces, help from an orthodontist, or sometimes surgery. Aligners also can't change the shape or color of a tooth. If a tooth is chipped, worn or short, porcelain veneers or bonding may be part of the plan after your teeth are straight. Dr. Williams will tell you at your consultation if Invisalign is a good fit or if another option would serve you better.

Invisalign vs braces

Both straighten teeth well. The main differences are how they look and how you live with them.

People sometimes search for "clear braces," which can mean either Invisalign or braces with tooth-colored brackets. If you want straight teeth with as little hardware as possible, Invisalign is usually the answer.

The process and timeline

1. Consultation. Dr. Williams checks your teeth, gums and bite and asks what you want to change. Any decay or gum problems get treated first.
2. Digital scan. Instead of goopy molds, the office takes a digital scan of your teeth. Your treatment plan and aligners are made from it.
3. Your first aligners. You get your first sets and learn how to put them in and take them out. Some patients also get small tooth-colored bumps, called attachments, that help the aligners grip.
4. Check-ins. You come in every so often so Dr. Williams can see how your teeth are moving. There are no wires to tighten.
5. Retainer. When your teeth reach their new spots, you switch to a retainer to keep them there.

How long it takes depends on how much your teeth need to move. Small fixes can be done in a few months. Bigger changes can take a year or more. You'll get a time estimate for your own case at your consultation.

Living with aligners

Plan to wear your aligners most of the day and night, about 20 to 22 hours a day. Take them out to eat and to drink anything other than water. Brush your teeth before you put them back in, or food gets trapped against your teeth.

Each new set may feel tight for a day or two. That pressure means the teeth are moving. Some people have a slight lisp for the first few days, which fades as the tongue adjusts. Rinse your aligners and clean them gently each day so they stay clear.

Results and retainers

Teeth tend to drift back toward where they started, even years later. That is why a retainer matters as much as the aligners. Most people wear a retainer every night for the long term. Dr. Williams will tell you how often to wear yours.

Once your teeth are straight, it is a good time to finish your smile. Many patients follow Invisalign with teeth whitening. See all of our cosmetic dentistry options.

What affects the cost of Invisalign

The cost of Invisalign depends on your case. These things make the biggest difference:

• How much your teeth need to move, and how many aligners that takes
• Whether you need treatment on one arch or both
• Any dental work needed before you start
• Retainers after treatment

Some dental insurance plans cover part of orthodontic treatment, so it is worth checking your benefits. Payment plans are also available. See our financial options. You'll get your exact cost at your consultation, before anything starts.

Invisalign with Dr. Williams

Dr. J. Ladd Williams has practiced in Mesa since 1994 and is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). His focus is how your whole smile looks when treatment is done, beyond just lining teeth up. The office is at 1244 N. Greenfield Rd., Ste. 103, in east Mesa. Call (480) 964-9020 or contact us to book your Invisalign consultation.

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Invisalign FAQ

How long does Invisalign take?

It depends on how much your teeth need to move. Small fixes can be done in a few months, and bigger changes can take a year or more. Dr. Williams will give you an estimate for your case at your consultation.

Is Invisalign as good as braces?

For many common problems, like crowding, gaps and mild bite issues, Invisalign works as well as braces. Severe bite or jaw problems may still need braces. The key is wearing the aligners about 20 to 22 hours a day.

Does Invisalign hurt?

Most people feel pressure or tightness for a day or two after switching to a new set of aligners. That means your teeth are moving. There are no wires or brackets to rub your cheeks.

Can adults get Invisalign?

Yes. Invisalign is popular with adults, and healthy teeth and gums can be moved at any age. Teens can be good candidates too, as long as they wear the aligners as told.

Do I need a retainer after Invisalign?

Yes. Teeth tend to drift back over time, so a retainer keeps them in their new place. Most people wear one at night for the long term.

Invisalign and the Invisalign logo, among others, are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc., and are registered in the U.S. and other countries.