A Discreet Way to Straighten Your Smile
If you want a straighter smile without traditional brackets and wires, clear aligners may be an option worth considering. These custom-designed orthodontic appliances offer a discreet approach to moving teeth while fitting more seamlessly into your everyday life.
At Welcome Orthodontics, we provide Invisalign and other clear-aligner treatment options based on each patient’s individual orthodontic needs. With more than 25 years of experience with Invisalign and other clear-aligner systems, our team combines proven orthodontic expertise with modern technology to develop personalized treatment plans.
Whether you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your family, our team can help you understand your options and determine which approach is appropriate for your smile.
Ready to explore your options? Contact us now.
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are removable orthodontic appliances designed to gradually reposition teeth according to a customized treatment plan. Unlike traditional braces, they do not rely on permanently bonded brackets and wires.
Welcome Orthodontics offers Invisalign and other clear-aligner systems, giving patients access to different treatment options rather than relying on a single approach. The goal is to determine whether clear aligner treatment is an appropriate way to address your specific orthodontic needs.
Dr. Mark Tavakoli evaluates your teeth, bite, and overall orthodontic needs before recommending a treatment approach. This individualized planning helps ensure that the treatment selected is based on your smile rather than on a one-size-fits-all solution.
What Can Clear Aligners Help Correct?
Clear aligners can be used to address a range of tooth-alignment and bite concerns. Depending on the individual case, treatment may help with:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps and spacing between teeth
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Certain overbite concerns
- Certain underbite concerns
- Other tooth-alignment problems
The suitability of clear aligners depends on the type and complexity of the orthodontic problem. Some patients may benefit from aligners, while others may achieve more predictable results with traditional braces or another orthodontic approach.
That is why an orthodontic evaluation is an important part of deciding whether clear aligner treatment is right for you.
Why Choose Clear Aligners?
A More Discreet Appearance
Clear aligners are designed to be virtually invisible when worn. For patients who are concerned about the appearance of orthodontic appliances, this can provide a more subtle alternative to traditional braces.
Removable Design
Unlike fixed orthodontic appliances, clear aligners can be removed. This gives patients flexibility in managing their normal daily routines while undergoing treatment.
No Traditional Brackets and Wires
Clear aligners use removable trays instead of fixed brackets and archwires. This gives patients a different orthodontic treatment experience while allowing teeth to be guided according to a customized plan.
Easier Oral Hygiene
Because clear aligners can be removed, you can brush and floss your teeth without working around fixed brackets and wires. This allows you to maintain your usual oral-hygiene routine during treatment.
Designed Around Your Treatment Plan
Your aligners are created according to the tooth movements planned for your individual treatment. Each aligner is designed to support the planned movement of your teeth as you progress through treatment.
Is Clear Aligner Treatment Right for You?
Clear aligners are not automatically the best choice for every orthodontic patient.
Your teeth may need movements that are more appropriately managed with traditional braces or another treatment method. The condition of your bite, the position of individual teeth, available space, and the complexity of your orthodontic needs all influence which treatment is most appropriate. At Welcome Orthodontics, we begin with an evaluation rather than assuming that a particular appliance is right for everyone.
Dr. Tavakoli can assess your smile and explain the treatment options available to you. If clear aligners are appropriate, your treatment can be planned around your specific orthodontic goals. If another approach would provide a better result, that option can be discussed as well.
The goal is effective orthodontic treatment, not simply choosing the most discreet appliance.
Your Clear Aligner Treatment Journey
1. Start With a Consultation
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation. This gives Dr. Tavakoli an opportunity to understand your smile, bite, concerns, and treatment goals.
2. Create Your Digital Records
Welcome Orthodontics uses modern digital technology to gather detailed information about your teeth and jaw. The practice uses an iTero digital scanner to create 3D images of your smile without traditional impression materials. Additional X-rays or imaging may be used when appropriate to support diagnosis and treatment planning.
3. Develop Your Personalized Plan
Your diagnostic records are used to create a customized treatment plan that outlines how your teeth will be positioned throughout treatment.
4. Begin Your Treatment
Once your treatment plan is established, you begin using your customized aligners according to the instructions provided by your orthodontic team.
5. Monitor Your Progress
Your treatment is monitored throughout the process. Follow-up visits allow the orthodontic team to assess your progress and determine whether your teeth are moving according to the treatment plan.
Why Choose Welcome Orthodontics for Clear Aligners?
More Than 25 Years of Clear Aligner Experience
Welcome Orthodontics has more than 25 years of experience providing Invisalign and other clear-aligner systems. This experience is combined with comprehensive orthodontic knowledge rather than treating aligners as a standalone cosmetic product.
More Than 30 Years of Orthodontic Experience
Dr. Mark Tavakoli is a specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics with more than 30 years of clinical orthodontic experience. He completed his orthodontic specialty training at UCSF.
Advanced Digital Technology
Modern technology plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment planning at Welcome Orthodontics. The practice uses an iTero digital scanner to create detailed 3D images of the teeth and jaw. CBCT imaging is also available when a more comprehensive view is needed. These technologies help Dr. Tavakoli develop treatment plans based on detailed information about each patient’s orthodontic anatomy.
Personalized Treatment
Every smile has different orthodontic requirements. Welcome Orthodontics takes an individualized approach to treatment and focuses on recommending the procedures necessary to achieve each patient’s smile goals.
A Comfortable, Patient-Focused Environment
Choosing orthodontic treatment is a significant decision. Welcome Orthodontics emphasizes patient comfort, clear communication, and customer service throughout the treatment experience. The team takes time to explain treatment recommendations so patients can understand their options before moving forward.
Ready to Explore Clear Aligners?
Take the first step toward a straighter smile with personalized care from Welcome Orthodontics.
Clear Aligner (Invisalign and other brands) FAQs
Are clear aligners a good option for teens?
Yes. Clear aligners can be a good orthodontic option for teens who want a less noticeable alternative to braces. Invisalign and other clear aligner systems use custom-made aligners to gradually move the teeth into their planned positions. At Welcome Orthodontics, Dr. Tavakoli can determine whether clear aligners are appropriate for your teen based on their individual orthodontic needs.
What clear aligner options are available for teens?
Invisalign is one clear aligner option available at Welcome Orthodontics, and the practice also uses other aligner systems, including Angel aligners. The best option depends on your teen’s orthodontic needs, treatment goals, and individual circumstances. Dr. Tavakoli can recommend the most appropriate clear aligner approach after evaluating your teen.
Will clear aligners affect my teen's speech?
Clear aligners can temporarily affect speech for some teens when they first begin wearing them. Because the aligners fit snugly over the teeth, a slight lisp may occur during the adjustment period. For most patients, speech becomes more natural as they get used to wearing the aligners.
Can my teen remove clear aligners for special occasions?
Yes. One of the advantages of removable clear aligners is that they can be taken out when needed for certain activities and special occasions. Teens may appreciate this flexibility for events such as school activities, photos, or other important occasions. The aligners should still be worn according to the orthodontist’s instructions to keep treatment progressing as planned.
What should my teen expect when starting clear aligner treatment?
Your teen will first have an orthodontic evaluation to determine whether clear aligners are appropriate for their teeth and bite. If they are a suitable candidate, Dr. Tavakoli will develop a personalized treatment plan and explain how the aligners should be worn and cared for. Your teen will then progress through their series of aligners as their teeth gradually move toward their planned positions
Can teens get clear aligners instead of braces?
Yes. Clear aligners may be an alternative to braces for some teens, depending on the complexity of their orthodontic needs. Invisalign and other aligner systems can gradually move teeth using a series of custom-made, removable aligners. An orthodontic evaluation can determine whether clear aligners are appropriate for your teen.
Are clear aligners noticeable when my teen wears them?
Clear aligners are designed to be discreet and are much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. This can make them appealing to teens who are concerned about the appearance of orthodontic treatment.
Are clear aligners comfortable for teenagers?
Clear aligners are made from smooth plastic and are generally comfortable to wear. Your teen may notice some pressure or mild discomfort when beginning a new set of aligners as the teeth gradually move. This typically forms part of the adjustment process.
Can my teen play sports with clear aligners?
Yes. Clear aligners can fit conveniently into an active teen’s lifestyle. They can be removed for contact sports or exercise when needed, according to the orthodontist’s instructions.
How often will my teen need orthodontic appointments with clear aligners?
Your teen will have periodic orthodontic appointments so Dr. Tavakoli can monitor tooth movement and make sure treatment is progressing as planned. The exact appointment schedule depends on the individual treatment plan and the type of clear aligner treatment being used.
Come visit us
Contact Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Thursday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Friday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Saturday | 9:00am – 1:00pm |
Location
485 34th Street, Suite 102Oakland, CA 94609
Phone
Location
8105 Edgewater Drive, Suite 1Oakland, CA 94621