Invisalign straightens teeth with a series of removable clear trays. At Trusted Dental & Orthodontics, orthodontist Dr. Nathan Nourian plans and monitors Invisalign treatment for teens and adults in Los Angeles.
HOW INVISALIGN WORKS
Invisalign is a brand-name clear aligner system. Each set of custom trays is shaped slightly differently from the last, so it applies gentle pressure that moves your teeth a small step at a time. You switch to the next set on the schedule Dr. Nourian gives you, with no brackets or wires like those used in traditional braces.
Treatment starts with a digital scan of your teeth instead of traditional putty impressions. Dr. Nourian uses the scan to plan the sequence of tooth movements and to decide whether small tooth-colored attachments are needed to help the trays grip.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Here is what Invisalign treatment typically involves, from your first scan to your final retainer.
Dr. Nourian examines your teeth and bite and tells you honestly whether Invisalign suits your case or another option would work better.
An intraoral scanner captures a 3D model of your teeth without putty impressions, so your trays can be made to fit closely.
Small tooth-colored bumps may be bonded to some teeth to give the trays extra grip for certain movements. They are removed when treatment ends.
Wear each set about 20–22 hours a day, taking it out only to eat, drink anything but water, and clean your teeth.
Periodic visits let Dr. Nourian confirm your teeth are tracking as planned and give you your next sets of trays.
When your teeth reach their planned positions, you'll receive retainers to help keep them there.
TEENS AND ADULTS
Invisalign can work well for adults who want a discreet option for work and social life, and for teens who are ready to keep their trays in consistently. Because the trays come out for meals, there's no list of foods to avoid, and brushing and flossing work the same as usual.
The trade-off is responsibility: aligners only move teeth while you're wearing them, and progress can slow if wear time slips. That's why Dr. Nourian talks through daily habits before recommending Invisalign. Learn more about teen and adult orthodontics.
WHY CHOOSE US
Your Invisalign treatment is planned and monitored by Dr. Nourian, with your general dental care in the same office.
Dr. Nourian completed a two-year orthodontic residency at the Georgia School of Orthodontics and is board-eligible with the American Association of Orthodontists.
Your tooth movements are mapped out digitally from an intraoral scan, and Dr. Nourian walks you through the plan before you start.
Pay over time with CareCredit, Sunbit or Cherry. We accept most major PPO plans and will check whether yours includes orthodontic benefits.
Your Invisalign check-ins and dental cleanings happen in the same office and can often be scheduled together.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Answers to common questions from Los Angeles patients about wearing Invisalign.
Plan on about 20 to 22 hours a day. Take the trays out only to eat, drink anything other than plain water, and brush and floss. Leaving them out for longer stretches can slow your progress or make the next set fit poorly.
Plain water is fine with your trays in, but remove them for meals and other drinks. Brush, or at least rinse well, before putting them back so food and sugar aren't held against your teeth. Hot drinks can also warp the plastic, so take your trays out first.
Attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps bonded to certain teeth so the trays can grip and guide specific movements. Not every patient needs them; Dr. Nourian decides based on your treatment plan. They are polished off when treatment is complete.
You'll come in for periodic check-ins, typically every several weeks, though timing varies by case. At each visit, Dr. Nourian checks that your teeth are tracking as planned and gives you your next sets of trays.
It can be, for teens who are ready to wear their trays consistently and keep track of them. Dr. Nourian evaluates your teen's bite and talks with you both about daily wear before recommending it. If consistent wear seems unlikely, braces may be the more practical choice.
Book a free Invisalign consultation with Dr. Nourian. You'll get an exam, a straightforward answer on whether Invisalign fits your case, and no obligation to start.