Teeth Straightening for Adults
Smile with confidence!
It’s never too late to have a confident, straight smile and Dr. Yao can help you achieve the smile you have dreamed of. Dr. Yao offers different options for adult teeth straightening and will recommend the option that is best for you.
Invisalign for Adults
Most adults can take advantage of Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces. Dr. Yao is a Top 1% Elite Preferred Invisalign Provider and has completed over 1600 invisalign cases, many of whom are adults.
He considers Invisalign the modern method of teeth straightening. He is able to help about 90% of adults who come to him for teeth straightening with Invisalign. In other words, no unsightly and uncomfortable metal braces for even complex cases.
Invisalign treatment consists of moving your teeth into their ideal position through a series of clear plastic trays, called “aligners”. Treatment for adults generally takes about a year. Learn more about Invisalign.
No-Charge Invisalign Consultation
Invisalign Treatment Procedure
The first step in your Invisalign treatment is to take impressions of your teeth and bite. Dr. Yao uses the revolutionary iTero scanner to take digital impressions.
The impressions with the iTero are accurate and fast. Instead of waiting a week or more to start your treatment, you can usually begin the next day!
Dr. Yao uses 3-D software to plan your Invisalign treatment. He works closely with Invisalign in making sure your treatment is planned accurately.
As a top Invisalign provider, Dr. Yao has his own Invisalign technical rep. As a team they work together to create the best possible result.
Every six weeks you’ll come in to see Dr. Yao to ensure you’re treatment is on track and to make any needed adjustments.
"I want to thank Dr. Yao for making my teeth straight and nice! Now, I have a prettier and brighter smile!
"Dr. Yao has been very patient and caring. He took my questions and concerns seriously and was very informative. Dr. Yao and his staff are very friendly and helpful. Every visit is enjoyable and I am very happy with the whole experience. I love my teeth now!"
- Martina L.
Read more patient testimonials...Traditional Braces for Adults
Dr. Yao’s first choice for teeth straightening is Invisalign and can help about 90% of adults who come to him using Invisalign technology. He considers Invisalign the modern method of teeth straightening and understands at the same time that most adults don’t want to wear metal braces. However, there are some cases that Dr. Yao feels will do better with traditional braces and some people are more likely to complete their treatment with them.
Dr. Yao will examine your teeth and bite in our No-Charge Orthodontic Consultation, and determine which treatment option will be best for you.
Clear Ceramic Braces
If you decide to straighten your teeth using traditional braces, there is still another option: clear ceramic braces.
Accelerated Orthodontics
Generally, Dr. Yao believes there are no short cuts to correctly, permanently and healthily straightening your teeth. Adult teeth straightening generally takes about a year to 18 months; shorter if the tooth movement needed is minor. A technique that can cut an 18-month case in half is a procedure known as Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics. For more information, call our office at 408-409-1361 or click here to request more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time does it take to get my teeth straightened?
Traditional braces take an average of two years. Invisalign clear aligners take an average of 18 months. If only a small amount of tooth movement is needed for moderately crooked teeth, you will wear your braces for less time.
How much does it cost?
Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of braces and Invisalign. We offer great financing options as well. Generally, the less treatment you need and the less time involved, the less the cost.
Are braces or Invisalign painful?
Invisalign is made out of smooth high-grade plastic and is very comfortable, most people say practically unnoticeable. Braces do not hurt at all when they are applied to teeth and there is usually very mild soreness or discomfort after a braces wire is engaged into the newly placed brackets, lasting a few days to one week. There can be mild discomfort right after a wire adjustment.
All tooth movement can create a mild feeling of discomfort, although most people report little to no discomfort, but there is no actual pain.
What is the difference between braces and Invisalign? Which is best for me?
Braces use wires held in by permanently placed brackets to create tooth movement. Invisalign uses clear, high-grade plastic trays that fit tightly over your teeth but can be removed. Most adults prefer Invisalign over conventional braces due to their virtual invisibility, greater comfort, the fact they can eat what they want and ease of teeth brushing and flossing.
Dr. Yao can treat about 90% of adult cases he sees with Invisalign.
What do I have to do?
The first step is our no-charge consultation to discuss your goals and the treatment options available for you. We will create a treatment plan for you and once treatment is agreed upon you will get the necessary x-rays, impressions and photos to begin your treatment. You will have your braces placed or receive your Invisalign trays and be assigned a schedule of visits to get your braces adjusted or your next lot of Invisalign trays.
We provide full patient education and help is available just a phone call away.
Call 408-409-1361 to schedule your free consultation, or click here to schedule online.
