Invisalign for Adults in Sacramento: Your Guide to a Confident Smile
You’ve thought about straightening your teeth for years. Maybe decades. Life got busy with careers, kids, and everything in between. Now you’re ready to invest in yourself, but the idea of metal braces feels like a step backward.
Good news: Invisalign gives Sacramento adults a discreet path to straighter teeth without the look of traditional orthodontics. At Sunrise Orthodontics, we’ve helped hundreds of adults across the Sacramento Capital Region achieve the smiles they’ve always wanted. This guide covers everything you need to know about Invisalign treatment, from how it works to what it costs here in our area.
What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth using a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays. Each set of aligners applies gentle, controlled pressure to shift your teeth gradually into their ideal positions. The aligners are made from SmartTrack thermoplastic material, which is virtually invisible when worn.
Here’s the science behind it: Dr. Matthew Sanders, DDS, MS uses advanced 3D imaging to map your entire treatment from start to finish. This digital treatment plan shows exactly how your teeth will move over time. Based on this plan, a series of aligners is created specifically for your mouth.
You’ll wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks before switching to the next set in the series. Each new set continues the gradual movement until your teeth reach their final positions. Treatment is supervised by a licensed orthodontist throughout the process, with regular check-ins to monitor your progress.
The aligners fit snugly over your teeth. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them unless you point it out.
Benefits of Invisalign for Sacramento Adults
Sacramento professionals and active adults choose Invisalign for reasons that go beyond aesthetics. Here’s why clear aligners make sense for your lifestyle:
Virtually Invisible Appearance
Present to clients, lead meetings, and network at events without anyone knowing you’re in orthodontic treatment. The clear aligners blend with your natural smile.
Removable for Eating and Drinking
Take out your aligners for meals. Enjoy Sacramento’s farm-to-fork dining scene without food restrictions. No avoiding popcorn at Golden 1 Center or skipping crusty bread at your favorite Midtown restaurant.
Better Oral Hygiene
Brush and floss normally. Remove your aligners, clean your teeth, and put them back in. No threading floss around brackets or dealing with trapped food.
Comfortable Fit
Smooth plastic means no metal wires poking your cheeks or brackets irritating your lips. Most adults report minimal discomfort after the first few days of each new aligner set.
Fewer Office Visits
Check-ins typically happen every six to eight weeks. That’s less time away from work compared to monthly adjustments required with traditional braces.
Predictable Results
See your projected final smile before treatment begins. The 3D treatment plan shows you exactly what to expect, so there are no surprises.
The Invisalign Treatment Process: What to Expect
1. Initial Consultation and Smile Assessment
Your first visit includes a full exam where Dr. Sanders evaluates your teeth, bite, and overall oral health. You’ll discuss your goals and learn whether Invisalign is the right fit for your needs.
2. Digital 3D Scanning and Treatment Planning
We use the iTero Digital Impression System to capture precise 3D images of your teeth. No messy putty impressions. This scan creates a detailed map used to design your custom treatment plan.
3. Custom Aligner Fabrication
Your aligners are manufactured specifically for your mouth based on the digital treatment plan. This typically takes two to three weeks after your scan.
4. Receiving Aligners and Wearing Instructions
Pick up your first sets of aligners and get detailed guidance on how to wear and care for them. You’ll learn insertion and removal techniques, cleaning protocols, and what to expect during the first week.
5. Progress Check-Ins Every Six to Eight Weeks
Return to our Sacramento-area office periodically so we can monitor your progress and provide your next sets of aligners. These visits are quick, usually under 30 minutes.
6. Treatment Completion and Retainer Phase
Once your teeth reach their final positions, you’ll transition to wearing retainers to maintain your results. Most adults wear retainers at night long-term to keep their smile straight.
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Most adults with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns are excellent candidates for Invisalign. The system effectively treats crowding, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
You’re likely a good candidate if you:
- Have generally healthy teeth and gums
- Want to fix crowding or spacing issues
- Can commit to wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours daily
- Will remove aligners only for eating, drinking (except water), and oral hygiene
- Can attend regular progress appointments
Age isn’t a barrier. Adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond successfully complete Invisalign treatment. Your teeth can still move at any age as long as your oral health supports it.
Some complex cases may require traditional braces or a combination approach. Severe bite issues, significant tooth rotation, or cases requiring major vertical tooth movement sometimes respond better to bracket-and-wire systems.
The only way to know for certain is through a professional evaluation. Dr. Matthew Sanders, DDS, MS can assess your specific situation and recommend the most effective treatment approach during your consult at Sunrise Orthodontics.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost in Sacramento?
Invisalign treatment in Sacramento typically ranges from $3,500 to $8,000, depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment required.
Several factors influence your final cost:
- Case Complexity: Minor spacing corrections cost less than full bite correction
- Treatment Duration: Longer treatments require more aligners
- Provider Experience: Orthodontists with advanced Invisalign certification often have different fee structures
- Additional Treatments: Some cases need attachments, refinements, or supplemental procedures
Insurance Coverage
Many dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover Invisalign the same way they cover traditional braces. Coverage typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 toward treatment costs. Check with your provider about your specific plan benefits.
Payment Options
Sunrise Orthodontics offers flexible payment plans to fit your budget. We also accept:
- CareCredit and other healthcare financing
- FSA and HSA funds (Invisalign qualifies as an eligible expense)
- Major credit cards
- In-house payment arrangements
When comparing costs, consider that Invisalign pricing is often comparable to traditional braces for similar cases. You’re investing in both the treatment and the lifestyle benefits clear aligners provide.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Which Is Right for You?
Both options straighten teeth effectively. Your choice depends on your priorities, lifestyle, and specific orthodontic needs.
| Factor | Invisalign | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Nearly invisible clear plastic | Visible metal or ceramic brackets |
| Removability | Removable for eating and cleaning | Fixed throughout treatment |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, no sharp edges | May cause irritation from wires and brackets |
| Food Restrictions | None (remove aligners to eat) | Avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods |
| Oral Hygiene | Normal brushing and flossing | Requires special tools and techniques |
| Office Visits | Every 6-8 weeks | Every 4-6 weeks for adjustments |
| Treatment Time | 12-18 months for most adults | 18-24 months for most adults |
| Best For | Mild to moderate cases, lifestyle flexibility | Complex cases, patients who prefer fixed appliances |
| Cost Range | $3,500-$8,000 | $3,000-$7,000 |
For many Sacramento adults, Invisalign’s discretion and convenience make it the preferred choice. Traditional braces remain the better option for certain complex cases. our team can help you determine which treatment will give you the best results.
Why Sacramento Adults Choose Our Practice for Invisalign
Sunrise Orthodontics serves adults throughout the Sacramento region, including Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Carmichael, and surrounding communities. Here’s what sets our practice apart:
Specialized Orthodontic Expertise
Dr. Sanders completed advanced orthodontic training beyond dental school. This specialized education means you’re receiving care from a provider focused exclusively on tooth movement and bite correction.
Advanced Technology
Our iTero Digital Impression System captures precise 3D scans for accurate treatment planning. No uncomfortable putty impressions. You’ll see a simulation of your projected results before committing to treatment.
Convenient Location and Hours
Our Rancho Cordova office offers flexible scheduling to accommodate busy professionals. We know you have demands on your time, and we work to make appointments fit your calendar.
Personalized Adult Care
We design treatment plans around your lifestyle, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Your goals, timeline, and preferences guide every recommendation.
Proven Results
Our patient reviews reflect the care and outcomes we deliver. We’re proud of the smiles we’ve helped create for adults across Sacramento County.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign for Adults
How long does Invisalign treatment take for adults?
Most adult Invisalign cases take 12 to 18 months to complete. Simple spacing or crowding corrections may finish in as few as 6 months. Complex cases requiring significant tooth movement can extend to 24 months. Dr. Sanders provides a timeline estimate during your initial consult based on your specific needs.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign causes mild pressure rather than pain. You’ll feel tightness when you switch to a new set of aligners, which indicates the aligners are working. This sensation typically fades within a few days. Most adults find clear aligners more comfortable than traditional braces because there are no wires or brackets to irritate soft tissues.
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?
Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. This protects the aligners from staining and damage while allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods without restriction. After eating, brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in to maintain good oral hygiene.
How often do I need to visit the orthodontist during treatment?
Plan for office visits every six to eight weeks during active treatment. These appointments are typically brief. Dr. Sanders checks your progress, ensures teeth are moving as planned, and provides your next sets of aligners. Some patients require fewer visits depending on their case.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
You may notice a slight lisp during the first few days of wearing aligners. Your tongue needs time to adjust to the plastic covering your teeth. Most adults speak normally within a week. Reading aloud or practicing conversation helps speed up the adjustment.
Is Invisalign covered by dental insurance in California?
Many California dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover Invisalign treatment. Coverage amounts vary by plan, typically ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. Contact your insurance provider to verify your specific orthodontic benefits before starting treatment. Our team can also help you understand your coverage options.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consult in Sacramento Today
Your straighter smile starts with a conversation. During your consult at Sunrise Orthodontics, you’ll learn whether Invisalign is right for your goals, see what your treatment timeline might look like, and get answers to all your questions.
Call us at (916) 635-5717 to book your appointment, or schedule a consultation online. We serve patients throughout Sacramento County from our Rancho Cordova location.
Take the first step toward the confident smile you’ve been putting off. You’ve waited long enough.