Do you wish you had straighter teeth, but don't want to experience metal or clear braces? Invisalign® may just be the perfect option for getting those straight teeth. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Guzman at Baltazar Guzman DDS to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign®.

Invisalign® has been an available method for straightening teeth since 1999. It is a popular straightening method due to how comfortable, convenient, and invisible the whole process is for patients. Many of our San Francisco patients were thrilled with the results that this type of procedure produced for them. Check out our Smile Gallery to see how Invisalign® has dramatically changed the smiles of patients.

To begin, you will have a consultation with Dr. Guzman to determine what your teeth straightening goals are and to establish whether you are a candidate for this method. As part of the process to determine if you are a candidate, our San Francisco staff will take x-rays and pictures, as well as make impressions of your teeth for models. If you are established as a candidate for Invisalign®, these x-rays, pictures and impressions will be utilized to create your exact treatment course which will show exact teeth movements throughout the process.

Clear, custom-made aligners will then be personally created to follow your treatment plan. You will be required to wear the aligners throughout the day, only removing them to eat, brush or floss. While the actual time frame may vary slightly, you will change your aligner trays to a new tray every two weeks. At Baltazar Guzman DDS, we will check your progress every 6 weeks or thereabouts. The length of the treatment time will vary by individual but Dr. Guzman will give you an estimated date of completion according to your progress and results.

At his practice on Union Street in the Marina, Cow Hollow area of San Francisco, CA, Dr. Guzman helps San Francisco patients correct alignment issues with the popular Invisalign® orthodontic system, helping teens and adults from throughout the Marina and Cow Hollow neighborhoods and beyond improve the appearance of their smiles as well as improving their overall oral health.

Invisalign® is a state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment system that helps teens and adults enjoy straighter teeth and healthier smiles without the need for traditional metal braces. The Invisalign® system uses a series of clear, smooth, plastic trays or aligners which, when worn in a specific sequence, gently shift the positions of teeth over time. Because they are clear, the trays are nearly invisible while being worn, plus they can be removed to make it easier to keep teeth clean. They can also be removed when eating, so they don't have the same dietary restrictions as metal braces, and there are no sharp metal parts to irritate and rub soft tissues.

Invisalign® treatment begins with an assessment and evaluation of your mouth and your alignment needs to ensure the Invisalign® system is the best choice for you. Once the decision is made to move forward, your treatment will begin with impressions or molds of your mouth which will be sent to a special lab where your aligners will be created. The lab uses special computer software to make a series of 3-D models of your mouth that show how your teeth will need to move to come into alignment. Your aligners will be created based on those models. During treatment, each aligner will be worn for about two weeks before being “switched out” for the next aligner in the series. Routine office visits about every six weeks will help ensure your treatment is progressing smoothly.

Most patients can complete treatment in under two years. The amount of time you'll need to achieve the results you want will depend on your alignment issues and other factors. You can discuss the length of treatment and other issues during your consultation appointment.