If you are an adult in Roseville considering straighter teeth without metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners are probably on your list. As a prosthodontist practice, we plan tooth movement around your bite, your restorations, and your long-term oral health — not just alignment. Here is an honest, complete guide.
How Invisalign Actually Works
Invisalign straightens teeth with a series of custom-made, removable clear plastic trays. Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks, moving teeth gradually toward their planned positions. A digital scan maps the entire movement sequence before you start, so you see the projected result up front.
You wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Clear aligners treat mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and many bite issues. They are not ideal for every case — severe rotations, large vertical movements, or complex bite corrections may need a different approach. A prosthodontist evaluates:
- The health of your gums and supporting bone
- Existing crowns, implants, or veneers (implants do not move like natural teeth)
- Your bite relationship, not just tooth position
- Whether your goals are cosmetic, functional, or both
That evaluation matters: moving teeth in an unhealthy mouth, or around failing restorations, creates bigger problems later.
Invisalign vs Braces: An Honest Comparison
Appearance. Aligners are nearly invisible; braces are visible. For working adults, this is usually the deciding factor.
Comfort. Aligners have no wires or brackets to irritate cheeks. Most patients report pressure for a day or two after switching trays.
Eating. Aligners come out at meals — no food restrictions. Braces limit hard, sticky, and crunchy foods.
Hygiene. You brush and floss normally with aligners. Braces demand extra tools and effort to keep clean.
Discipline. This is the tradeoff: aligners only work if you wear them. Braces work around the clock without your cooperation.
Case complexity. Braces handle a wider range of severe movements. Your provider should tell you honestly when aligners are not the right tool.
What Does Invisalign Cost in Roseville?
Cost depends on case complexity, treatment length, and whether refinements are needed. Simpler cases with fewer trays cost less than comprehensive treatments. Most practices offer payment plans, and many dental insurance plans contribute toward adult orthodontics.
Be cautious of quotes that seem dramatically lower than everyone else — ask what is included (records, refinements, retainers, follow-up visits). The cheapest option is rarely the cheapest once refinements and retainers are added. We invite you to call for a consultation so we can evaluate your specific case and give you a clear picture.
Treatment Timeline
Most adult Invisalign treatments run 6 to 18 months. You will typically check in every 6 to 8 weeks so we can track progress and adjust if teeth are not following the plan. After active treatment, retainers hold everything in place — teeth shift throughout life, and retention is what protects your result.
Why See a Prosthodontist for Clear Aligners?
Prosthodontists are specialists in the full bite system: teeth, gums, jaw joints, and restorations. If your aligner plan involves existing crowns, implants, missing teeth, or bite dysfunction, a prosthodontist plans around all of it. Straight teeth in a failing bite is not a success — a healthy, functional, lasting result is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Invisalign hurt?
Most patients feel pressure or mild soreness for a day or two after starting a new tray. It is generally milder than braces adjustments and manageable without prescription medication.
Can I get Invisalign if I have crowns or implants?
Often, yes — but the plan must account for them. Implants do not move, so tooth movement is planned around their fixed positions. Crowns can usually be moved like natural teeth. This is exactly why a prosthodontist’s evaluation helps.
How long do I wear each aligner?
Typically one to two weeks per set, 20 to 22 hours daily. Your provider sets the schedule based on your case.
Will I need a retainer afterward?
Yes. Retainers are essential after any orthodontic treatment, aligners or braces. Without retention, teeth gradually drift back.
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
Many dental plans include an orthodontic benefit that applies to adults. Coverage varies widely — our team can help you check your benefits before you commit.
Considering clear aligners? Dr. Leila Nikpour is a prosthodontist in Roseville with more than 15 years of dentistry experience. Call Expert Dental Group at (916) 888-1646 or visit our office at 5070 Foothills Blvd, Suite 2, Roseville, CA 95747 (Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 9–1) to find out if Invisalign is right for you.