With Invisalign clear aligners, you don't have to spend years in metal braces.

Invisalign display at santa monica dentist

Invisalign® Clear Aligners in Santa Monica

Is there something about the position of your teeth you’d like to improve? It could be crowding, spacing, rotation, or gradual shifting after previous orthodontic treatment. All you know for sure is that you are not interested in traditional metal braces.

Invisalign® at Schuster and Ochoco Dental offers a more convenient way to straighten your smile. Instead of metal brackets, treatment involves a series of removable clear aligners that gradually move teeth into a planned position.

What Invisalign in Santa Monica Can Correct

Clear aligners can address a range of alignment concerns, including:

Crowded or overlapping teeth
Protruding teeth
Uneven spacing or gaps
Rotated or turned teeth
Relapse following previous orthodontic treatment
Bite issues like overbites and underbites

Invisalign at our Santa Monica dental office works best for mild to moderate alignment issues. Dr. Ochoco will suggest clear aligners only if he believes they will achieve the desired outcome. If he thinks a different method is more appropriate, he will explain why. Invisalign is often part of a larger cosmetic dentistry plan, especially when straightening comes before veneers or bonding.

What to Expect with Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign treatment with Dr. Ochoco involves several steps. Here's what you can expect.

Initial Consultation and Digital Scan

Dr. Ochoco starts with a comprehensive assessment of your oral health to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign. If Invisalign is appropriate, he takes mess-free digital impressions and uses that data to develop your treatment plan.

Custom Treatment Plan

An intraoral scanner produces a 3D digital roadmap of the movements your teeth will make from your starting position to the intended final result. Dr. Ochoco shares the preview with you before treatment begins so you understand realistic expectations for your case.

Wearing Your Aligners and Check-Ins

Wear your aligner trays for 20–22 hours daily for one to two weeks, then switch to the next set in the series. Remove the trays only to eat, drink anything other than water, and for oral hygiene.

Progress Check-In Appointments

You will have progress checks with Dr. Ochoco approximately every six to eight weeks. At these appointments, he will provide you with new sets of aligners and check your progress to ensure your treatment is on track.

Maintaining the Results

Invisalign treatment doesn’t end with your last set of aligners. You will receive a customized retainer and instructions on how to wear it. Without consistent retainer use, your teeth can gradually shift to their former positions.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Aaron Ochoco

Cosmetic Dentist in Santa Monica

Dr. Aaron Ochoco earned his dental degree from Loma Linda University, where he developed strong clinical skills alongside a genuine commitment to compassionate, whole-patient care. He brings that same thoughtful approach to every patient he sees, taking the time to listen, understand individual concerns, and provide care that goes beyond the teeth.

Dr. Ochoco is passionate about patient education and believes an informed patient is an empowered one. Whether you're coming in for a routine checkup or exploring cosmetic options, he'll walk you through your choices and help you feel …

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What Misaligned Teeth Can Mean for Your Oral Health

If the teeth are crowded or positioned improperly, it can be difficult to brush and floss them thoroughly. As a result, plaque and tartar can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. A misaligned bite may also cause uneven wear on tooth surfaces over time.

Improving alignment does not guarantee that you won’t develop decay or gum disease, but it can make your oral health easier to maintain.

Invisalign Cost and Insurance

Invisalign cost varies depending on the complexity and expected duration of treatment. Schuster and Ochoco Dental is an out-of-network provider, but the team submits claims directly to PPO carriers on your behalf. Some plans include an orthodontic benefit that may apply to clear aligner treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Invisalign treatment typically take?

Treatment times depend on how much tooth movement is needed, how well you respond to treatment, and how consistently you wear your aligners. Simpler cases may only take months, but most take a year or longer. Dr. Ochoco will provide a realistic timeline estimate during your consultation.

Is Invisalign right for more complex bite issues, or just cosmetic spacing?

Invisalign can treat certain bite discrepancies and cosmetic alignment concerns. However, traditional orthodontics may better address more complex issues. During the consultation, Dr. Ochoco evaluates your bite and recommends the approach most likely to produce the result you're looking for.

How is Invisalign different for adult patients?

The primary difference is that clear aligners are significantly less noticeable than metal braces and can be removed for meals and easier oral hygiene. Dr. Ochoco discusses both options when relevant so you can make an informed decision. Traditional braces offer more precise control for certain types of tooth movement and may be more appropriate for complex cases. Dr. Ochoco discusses both options when relevant so you can make an informed decision.

Book an Invisalign Consultation

If you're looking for an Invisalign dentist in Santa Monica, a consultation with Dr. Ochoco is the right place to start. Schuster and Ochoco Dental serves patients from Santa Monica, Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, and the surrounding Westside communities. Call us at (310) 453-5300 to book an appointment.