free Consult

Invisalign in Sacramento: Your Guide to Clear Aligner Treatment

If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth without metal brackets, you’re not alone. Thousands of adults and teens across Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, and Folsom are choosing Invisalign for a more discreet path to a confident smile. Clear aligners fit into busy lives. They work quietly in the background while you go about your day.

At Sunrise Orthodontics in Rancho Cordova, Dr. Matthew Sanders, DDS, MS helps patients achieve straighter smiles using the latest in clear aligner technology. This guide covers everything you need to know about Invisalign treatment in the Sacramento area.

What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?

Invisalign is a clear aligner orthodontic system that straightens teeth using custom-made, removable plastic trays. Made from patented SmartTrack thermoplastic material by Align Technology, these FDA-cleared aligners gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment over time.

Here’s the basic science behind it. Each set of aligners applies gentle, controlled pressure to specific teeth. You wear one set for about one to two weeks, then switch to the next set in your series. Each new tray moves your teeth slightly closer to their final positions.

The aligners are virtually invisible when worn. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them during conversations or meetings. Sacramento-area Invisalign providers like Sunrise Orthodontics use advanced digital scanning to create your custom treatment plan, showing you a preview of your new smile before you even begin.

Unlike traditional braces that stay fixed to your teeth, you remove Invisalign aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. This makes maintaining good oral hygiene much simpler throughout your treatment.

Benefits of Choosing Invisalign in Sacramento

Sacramento professionals, busy parents, and active teens appreciate what Invisalign offers. The benefits extend beyond just appearance.

  • Nearly invisible look: The clear plastic blends with your natural teeth. Coworkers and friends often don’t notice you’re in treatment. Perfect for client-facing roles in Sacramento’s growing business districts.
  • Removable design: Pop them out for meals, coffee dates, or important presentations. No food restrictions mean you can still enjoy your favorite Sacramento farm-to-fork restaurants.
  • Comfortable fit: Smooth plastic edges eliminate the irritation that metal brackets and wires can cause. No emergency visits for poking wires.
  • Fewer office visits: Most patients visit every 6 to 8 weeks for progress checks. That means less time away from work or school.
  • Predictable results: 3D treatment planning lets you see your projected outcome before starting. No guessing about what your smile will look like.
  • Better oral hygiene: Brush and floss normally. No threading floss under wires or using special cleaning tools.
  • Active lifestyle friendly: Play sports, exercise, or perform without worrying about brackets. Sacramento’s outdoor enthusiasts appreciate this flexibility.

The Invisalign Treatment Process: What to Expect

Getting started with Invisalign involves a straightforward series of steps. Here’s what happens from your first call to your final smile.

  1. Initial consult and smile assessment: Your orthodontist examines your teeth, discusses your goals, and determines if Invisalign is right for your case. This visit typically takes about an hour at our Rancho Cordova practice.
  2. Digital scanning with iTero technology: Forget goopy impression trays. The iTero scanner creates a precise 3D map of your teeth in minutes. It’s comfortable and accurate.
  3. Custom treatment plan creation: Using ClinCheck software, Dr. Sanders designs your personalized treatment. You’ll see a digital simulation of how your teeth will move at each stage.
  4. Receiving your custom aligners: Your aligners arrive at the practice within a few weeks. You’ll get several sets to take home, along with detailed wear instructions.
  5. Wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours daily: Consistency matters. Keep them in except when eating, drinking anything besides water, and cleaning your teeth.
  6. Changing to new trays every 1 to 2 weeks: Each new set continues the movement process. Some patients change weekly, others every two weeks, based on their treatment plan.
  7. Progress check-ups every 6 to 8 weeks: Quick appointments confirm everything is tracking properly. Adjustments happen as needed.
  8. Retainer phase after treatment completion: Once your teeth reach their final positions, retainers keep them there. This phase is crucial for long-term results.

Most Sacramento patients complete treatment in 12 to 18 months, though simpler cases may finish sooner.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost in Sacramento?

Invisalign treatment in Sacramento typically ranges from $3,500 to $8,000. Your specific cost depends on several factors unique to your case.

What affects your price:

  • Case complexity: Minor crowding costs less than severe bite issues requiring longer treatment
  • Treatment duration: More aligners and longer treatment means higher costs
  • Provider experience: Platinum and Diamond-tier providers may charge premium rates for their expertise
  • Practice location: Costs vary slightly across Sacramento, Roseville, and Folsom practices

Making treatment affordable:

  • Many dental insurance plans now cover Invisalign the same way they cover traditional braces. Typical orthodontic benefits range from $1,000 to $3,000 toward treatment. Check with your employer’s plan for specific coverage details.
  • You can also use FSA or HSA funds for Invisalign since it qualifies as a medical expense. This lets you pay with pre-tax dollars.
  • Sunrise Orthodontics offers flexible payment plans to spread costs over your treatment period. Many patients pay monthly amounts similar to a car payment.

Invisalign vs braces cost: Traditional braces in Sacramento range from $3,000 to $7,000. The costs often overlap, making Invisalign competitive for many cases. schedule a consult to get a personalized cost estimate.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Not everyone qualifies for clear aligners, but Invisalign treats a wide range of orthodontic issues effectively.

What conditions can Invisalign fix?

Invisalign works well for mild to moderate crowding, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Recent advances have expanded what clear aligners can accomplish. Many cases that once required braces now respond well to Invisalign.

Is there an age limit for Invisalign?

Teens and adults of all ages can use Invisalign. Invisalign Teen includes compliance indicators and extra replacement aligners for younger patients. Adults in their 50s, 60s, and beyond regularly achieve excellent results. Your teeth can move at any age if they’re healthy.

What commitment does Invisalign require?

Success depends on wearing your aligners 20 to 22 hours daily. If you struggle with consistency or frequently forget things, traditional braces might work better since they can’t be removed. You also need to clean aligners regularly and attend scheduled check-ups.

When might braces work better?

Severe rotations, significant bite problems, or complex tooth movements sometimes respond better to traditional braces. Dr. Matthew Sanders, DDS, MS evaluates each case individually and recommends the most effective option. Honest assessment matters more than pushing one treatment type.

Do I need healthy teeth first?

Yes. Active cavities or gum disease should be treated before starting Invisalign. Your teeth and gums need to be in good shape to handle the movement process safely.

Invisalign vs Traditional Braces: Which Is Right for You?

Both options straighten teeth effectively. The right choice depends on your priorities, lifestyle, and specific orthodontic needs.

Feature Invisalign Traditional Braces
Appearance Nearly invisible clear plastic Visible metal or ceramic brackets
Removability Fully removable for eating and cleaning Fixed to teeth throughout treatment
Comfort Smooth plastic, minimal irritation Brackets and wires can irritate cheeks
Treatment Time 12-18 months average 18-24 months average
Office Visits Every 6-8 weeks Every 4-6 weeks
Food Restrictions None (remove aligners to eat) No sticky, hard, or chewy foods
Oral Hygiene Normal brushing and flossing Requires special cleaning techniques
Best For Mild to moderate cases, lifestyle flexibility Complex cases, patients who prefer fixed option
Sacramento Cost Range $3,500-$8,000 $3,000-$7,000

Your orthodontist helps determine which option addresses your specific concerns most effectively. Some patients prioritize aesthetics. Others care more about treatment power for complex issues. Both paths lead to straighter teeth when properly executed.

Why Choose Our Sacramento Invisalign Practice?

  • Provider experience matters. Dr. Sanders has completed hundreds of Invisalign cases, earning recognition as an experienced Invisalign provider. This experience translates to accurate treatment planning and predictable outcomes for your smile.
  • Advanced technology speeds results. Our iTero digital scanner eliminates uncomfortable impressions and creates precise 3D models of your teeth. You’ll see your projected results before committing to treatment.
  • Convenient Rancho Cordova location. Easy access from Highway 50 means less commute time for appointments. We serve families throughout Sacramento, Folsom, Elk Grove, and surrounding communities.
  • Personalized attention from our team. Every treatment plan reflects your unique goals and lifestyle. We don’t use one-size-fits-all approaches.
  • Flexible scheduling. Early morning and evening appointments accommodate busy work schedules. We know Sacramento professionals need options beyond standard business hours.
  • Transparent pricing. You’ll know your investment upfront with no surprise fees. Payment plans make treatment accessible for most budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign in Sacramento

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Most patients complete Invisalign treatment in 12 to 18 months. Simple cases involving minor crowding may finish in as few as 6 months. Complex bite corrections can take 24 months or longer. Your orthodontist provides a timeline estimate during your consult based on your specific needs.

Does Invisalign hurt?

You’ll feel pressure when starting a new set of aligners. Most patients describe it as tightness rather than pain. This sensation typically fades within a few days as your teeth adjust. Over-the-counter pain relievers help if needed. The discomfort is generally milder than traditional braces adjustments.

Can I eat with Invisalign?

Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water. This prevents staining and damage to the trays. Eat whatever you want, then brush your teeth before putting aligners back in. No food restrictions exist during Invisalign treatment.

How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?

Rinse aligners every time you remove them. Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear liquid soap. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic. Invisalign cleaning crystals or retainer cleaning tablets work well for deeper cleaning once daily.

Will insurance cover Invisalign in Sacramento?

Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign under orthodontic benefits. Coverage typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. Check with your insurance provider for specific details. Our team helps verify your benefits before treatment begins.

How often do I need to visit during treatment?

Plan for practice visits every 6 to 8 weeks at our Rancho Cordova location. These quick appointments let us monitor your progress and provide your next sets of aligners. Most visits take 15 to 20 minutes.

What happens if I lose an aligner?

Contact our practice immediately. Depending on where you are in treatment, we may have you move to your next set early or order a replacement. This is why keeping your previous set of aligners is smart. Replacement aligners typically arrive within a week.

Can Invisalign fix my bite issues?

Yes, Invisalign treats many bite problems including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Rubber bands or attachments may be added for more complex bite corrections. Your orthodontist evaluates your specific bite during your consult to confirm Invisalign can address your concerns.

Schedule Your Free Invisalign Consult in Sacramento Today

Ready to find out if Invisalign is right for you? Sunrise Orthodontics offers complimentary consults for new patients considering clear aligner treatment.

Your Free Consult includes:

  • Complete smile assessment with Dr. Sanders
  • Digital scan of your teeth
  • Discussion of treatment options and timeline
  • Transparent cost breakdown with insurance verification
  • Answers to all your questions

Contact us today:

Call (916) 635-5717
Schedule a consult online
Visit our Rancho Cordova practice

We proudly serve patients throughout Sacramento County, including Folsom, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Carmichael, and Fair Oaks. Evening appointments available for busy professionals.

Your straighter smile is closer than you think. Take the first step today.