Get Straight Teeth in San Francisco with Invisalign Clear Braces
A straighter smile can improve your quality of life in many ways: having straight teeth increases self-confidence and self-esteem, and it can help you appear more professional. Dr. Hovden can help you feel proud to show off your smile with Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign allows you to straighten your teeth without sacrificing comfort or appearance. It’s a great solution for both teens and adults.
If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment but want an option that fits comfortably into your lifestyle, Invisalign may be the solution you’re looking for. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hovden to find out whether clear aligners can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
AACD Accredited Fellow
1 of 80 practicing dentists worldwide.
1 of 2 in the Bay Area
DSD Master & DSD Clinic
See your smile before treatment begins
Operating Microscopes
Precision at every stage of preparation
Kois & Spear Faculty
Visiting Faculty, Spear Institute
Financing Available
Financing available
3–4 week process
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made clear aligners to gradually move teeth into better positions. Instead of metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses smooth, transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth.
Each set of aligners is designed to make small, controlled tooth movements. As you progress through your series of aligners, your teeth gradually shift into alignment. Invisalign can correct many common orthodontic concerns, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crooked teeth.
Why Use Invisalign?
Improving your smile’s appearance isn’t the only reason to get orthodontic treatment. Many patients choose Invisalign because it straightens teeth discreetly and comfortably. Beyond improving the appearance of your smile, Invisalign can also support better oral health and function.
A Perfect Smile in Less Time
Along with requiring fewer appointments than a patient with braces would need, another key benefit of Invisalign is enjoying a straighter smile in less time. Treatment can be completed in as little as six months to a year—up to one-third of the time usually required for the same results with braces! This efficiency means less disruption to your daily life and quicker results to boost your self-esteem.
Benefits of Invisalign
Orthodontic Treatment without Metal
Metal wires and brackets can be painful and cause sores and lacerations. Invisalign can provide excellent teeth alignment without using any metal. This makes for a safer and more comfortable treatment process, ensuring that your journey to straight teeth is as pain-free as possible. Patients appreciate the gentle approach that avoids the discomfort typically associated with traditional braces.
Improved Confidence for Pictures
Some patients struggle to smile confidently whether for pictures or in their daily lives. Many cover their smiles up, but with Invisalign, you’ll have a beautifully straight smile that you’ll love to share. Whether it’s a job interview, a wedding, or everyday social interactions, Invisalign supports your desire to look your best.
Discreet Orthodontic Treatment
You may be putting off orthodontic treatment because you don’t like the idea of walking around wearing braces at work or school, where your peers will be able to see. Invisalign makes orthodontic treatment invisible! Instead of cluttered wires and brackets, your teeth will wear a sleek, transparent aligner tray. Your friends and coworkers won’t be able to tell that you’re wearing any braces at all! This discretion allows you to undergo treatment without any self-consciousness.
Comfortable Aligner Trays
Braces have a reputation for being painful because they need to be tightened every few weeks, not to mention the wires that can cause irritation. Sometimes braces are necessary for proper tooth alignment, but in many cases, Invisalign clear aligners will do the trick. The flexible plastic trays fit snugly over the teeth and can be easily removed for eating and teeth cleaning. They are very comfortable to wear, and the only discomfort comes in some minor soreness after switching to the next aligner in the set, which typically subsides quickly as your mouth adjusts.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign works by applying gentle, controlled pressure to move your teeth into their ideal positions over time. Dr. Hovden uses advanced digital imaging technology to create a customized treatment plan that maps every stage of your smile transformation.
You’ll receive a series of aligners designed specifically for your teeth. Each aligner is worn for approximately one to two weeks before moving to the next set. As you progress through the aligners, your teeth gradually shift according to the treatment plan.
For the best results, aligners must be worn for 20–22 hours per day and removed only for eating, drinking anything besides water, and brushing or flossing.
The Invisalign Process
The process of receiving your Invisalign smile is similar to traditional braces, but without the tightening appointments. The treatment timeline varies depending on the level of treatment and how often you wear your aligners. You can expect to have your beautiful smile anywhere from 6–24 months after starting Invisalign treatment.
Personalized Consultation
Dr. Hovden takes each consultation very seriously. He is intent on ensuring that all of your desires are catered to as much as possible. He’ll have a thorough discussion with you about your goals for your smile so he can determine the best path forward. The consultation appointment also includes an exam and possibly some digital X-rays or scans to give Dr. Hovden a better idea of your oral condition.
Digital Imaging Treatment Planning
Invisalign begins with digital scans of your teeth that allow Dr. Hovden to create a precise treatment plan. We will use X-rays and other scans to capture your smile in its current state; then, using Invisalign's advanced software, he can map the movement of your teeth from start to finish and design a series of aligners customized specifically for your smile.
Aligner Fabrication
The designs for your aligners will then be sent to the Invisalign laboratory for fabrication. Each aligner will be made according to the treatment plan Dr. Hovden made for you, so all your aligners are custom-designed for your teeth.
How to Wear Invisalign
Invisalign only works if the patient wears the aligners consistently. Aligners should be worn 23–23 hours a day until we tell you that you can stop. Each aligner set should be used for 2–3 weeks (Dr. Hovden will tell you how long) before you switch to the next set in line.
Invisalign aligners can and should be removed for eating and when brushing your teeth. Be sure to clean your aligners frequently to avoid accumulating bacteria on your teeth.
Check-In Appointments
Every so often, we’ll have you come back to the office so Dr. Hovden can check on the progress of your treatment. If any adjustments need to be made to your treatment plan, he’ll make those during these appointments. These regular visits are essential to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned and to make any necessary tweaks to aligners or address any concerns you might have. This personalized attention is crucial for achieving the best results.
When to Choose Metal Braces vs. Invisalign
Invisalign is a great choice for orthodontic treatment, but it might not be the right choice for you. Traditional metal braces are more suited to some patients, particularly those with:
Patients need to wear the aligners most of the day, so if you are not confident in your ability to do that, regular braces may be the safer pick for you.
Risks of Mail-Order Aligners
Trying to capitalize on the comfort and convenience of Invisalign, many patients turn to mail-order aligners because they are cheaper and more easily accessible than prescription aligners from a dentist. Choosing mail-order aligners may seem like a great solution, but it comes with some major risks:
Don’t run the risk of trying to fix your smile yourself—call Dr. Kenneth Hovden, DDS, to get started with an Invisalign consultation today!
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today
A straighter smile can improve your confidence, oral health, and everyday comfort. Whether you're interested in correcting minor crowding or addressing more complex alignment concerns, Dr. Hovden will help you determine the right orthodontic solution for your needs. Contact our Daly City office today to schedule your Invisalign consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced smile.
