Invisalign
Intelligent movement without wires.
Invisalign is often marketed as a product—a box of plastic aligners. At Updike Orthodontics, we treat it as an instrument.
The plastic does not move your teeth; the doctor’s prescription moves your teeth. Dr. Updike uses the Invisalign system to engineer complex force systems that can correct bite issues previously thought to require braces or surgery.
The Biomechanics of Clear Aligners
Unlike braces, which pull teeth, aligners push them. This requires a deep understanding of physics.
- SmartForce Attachments: We design custom, tooth-colored composite shapes on specific teeth. These act as “handles” for the aligners to grip, allowing us to achieve difficult movements like rotation and extrusion.
- Staging Patterns: We control the sequence of movement. By moving molars first (distalization), we can create space for crowded front teeth without extractions.
- Precision Cuts: For bite correction, we engineer cuts in the aligners to accommodate elastic bands, aligning the jaw while straightening the teeth.
Invisalign in Irvine: Designed for Your Lifestyle
We serve a community of high-achievers. Whether you are a student at Northwood or University High, or a researcher at UCI, your smile needs to fit your life, not interrupt it.
Invisalign Teen
Perfect for the active schedules of students at Beckman, Portola, and Woodbridge.
- Compliance Indicators: Blue dots fade to clear to verify wear time.
- Sports Ready: No metal brackets to cut lips during water polo or lacrosse.
- Replacement Guarantee: Includes replacement aligners if one gets lost in the lunchroom.
UCI & Professionals
Located just minutes from the UCI campus and the Spectrum business district.
- Discreet: Virtually invisible for lectures, presentations, and interviews.
- Flexible: Remove them for client dinners or networking events.
- Remote Monitoring: We can discuss your progress virtually during midterms or busy quarters.
Why Choose a Diamond Plus Provider?
Dr. Updike is a Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider, placing her in the top 1% of orthodontists nationwide. This is not just a badge; it is a measure of experience. She has treated thousands of complex cases, giving her the pattern-recognition skills to know exactly how your teeth will respond to the plastic.
Who is a Candidate?
With our engineering approach, almost anyone.
- Teens: Invisalign Teen features compliance indicators and replacement guarantees.
- Adults: Aesthetic, removable, and comfortable.
- Complex Cases: Deep bites, open bites, and crossbites.
Go Deeper
- Still weighing aligners against brackets? Our complete guide to Invisalign in Irvine covers when aligners work well — and when braces are the smarter choice.
- Want proof before you decide? Browse finished cases in our before and after gallery.
- Numbers first? Review the treatment cost breakdown before you ever sit in a chair.
Common Questions
How much does Invisalign cost in Irvine?
For comprehensive treatment, Invisalign at our office is priced comparably to braces — the fee reflects the complexity of your case and the doctor time it requires, not the appliance. Most PPO orthodontic benefits apply, and 0% financing is available.
See our treatment cost breakdown for a transparent look at what is included, or get an exact number at your complimentary consultation.
Is Invisalign as effective as braces?
In the right hands, yes — for most cases. The plastic does not determine the result; the treatment plan does. As a Diamond Plus provider, Dr. Updike treats complex bites with Invisalign that many offices would only attempt with braces.
That said, some tooth movements are genuinely faster or more predictable with brackets, and we will tell you honestly when braces are the smarter instrument. For a deeper comparison, read our engineering perspective on Invisalign vs. braces.
Does Invisalign work for kids?
Sometimes — and we are honest about when it does not. Aligners only work while they are worn, and many children find 20–22 hours a day a hard bargain. For growing kids, Phase 1 treatment with fixed appliances often gets a better result without daily compliance battles.
Where a child is motivated and the case fits, Invisalign First can be an excellent option. Dr. Updike will give you a straight answer either way.
How many hours a day do aligners need to be worn?
20 to 22 hours a day. Take them out for meals, brushing, and flossing: that is it. Wear them less and the teeth stop tracking, which means refinements and a longer treatment. Invisalign Teen includes compliance indicators so parents (and Dr. Updike) can verify wear time.
Can Invisalign help with TMJ problems or jaw pain?
Invisalign can correct bite relationships that contribute to jaw strain, and Dr. Updike, whose training includes a Mayo Clinic internship focused on complex TMJ cases, evaluates the joint as part of every treatment plan. But no orthodontic appliance is a guaranteed TMJ cure, and anyone who promises one should worry you.
Read more in Can Invisalign fix TMJ?
Clear aligners, expertly engineered.
Don't settle for mail-order plastic. See what a Diamond Plus provider can do for your smile.