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One of the most common questions adult and teen patients ask is: “How long does Invisalign take?” At Carr Orthodontics, we use digital 3D planning with the iTero scanner to give every patient an accurate estimate from day one.

Typical Invisalign Timeline

In Chico, most Invisalign treatments take:

• 6–18 months for mild to moderate cases
• 18–24 months for more complex bite corrections
• 4–6 months for minor cosmetic touch-ups

What Affects Treatment Time?

• Case complexity
• How consistently aligners are worn
• Need for elastics
• Aligners changed weekly or bi-weekly
• Teeth spacing, crowding, or bite issues

Faster Treatment with Compliance

Wearing aligners 22 hours per day dramatically improves speed and results. Most Carr Orthodontics patients stay on track when using our removable aligner tools, such as indicators and digital monitoring.

Get Your Personalized Invisalign Timeline

At your complimentary consultation, Dr. Graydon Carr will scan your teeth and show you a digital simulation of your expected progress and treatment duration.

Many adults in Chico are choosing to improve their smiles, but a common question is:
“Should I get adult braces or Invisalign?”
The answer depends on your lifestyle, goals, and the type of correction needed. At Carr Orthodontics, we help adults choose the option that fits their needs best.

Invisalign for Adults in Chico

Invisalign is popular for adults because the aligners are:

• Clear and nearly invisible
• Removeable for eating and brushing
• Comfortable
• Convenient for busy professionals

Invisalign works extremely well for:

• Mild to moderate crowding
• Spacing
• Minor bite issues
• Adults wanting a discreet option

Adult Braces in Chico

Today’s braces are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than ever. Adults often choose:

• Clear ceramic braces (more discreet)
• Metal braces (effective for complex cases)

Braces are a great choice for:

• Severe crowding
• Strong bite corrections
• Rotated teeth
• Cases requiring maximum control

Braces can sometimes move teeth more efficiently in complex adult cases.

Which Treatment Works Faster?

The timeline varies, but often:

• Invisalign and braces take a similar amount of time
• Some adult Invisalign cases finish faster because of custom digital planning
• Complex bite corrections may be quicker with braces

Cost Comparison

Both braces and Invisalign have similar price ranges in Chico, generally $3,800–$6,400, depending on complexity. Carr Orthodontics offers:

• 0% interest financing
• Flexible monthly payments
• Discount options
• Insurance benefit checks

Why Adults Trust Carr Orthodontics

• Expertise from Dr. Graydon Carr
• High-tech digital treatment planning
• Experience with both adult braces & Invisalign
• Discreet treatment options
• Personalized care at every visit

Whether you’re improving your smile for personal confidence, professional goals, or long-term oral health, we’re here to help.

Book a Complimentary Consultation

Still unsure which treatment is best for you? Come into Carr Orthodontics for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your smile and help you choose between adult braces and Invisalign based on what fits your life, goals, and timeline.

If you’ve been thinking about straightening your smile with Invisalign, one of the first questions you may have is: “How much does Invisalign cost in Chico?” At Carr Orthodontics, we know that clear aligners are a popular choice for teens and adults looking for a discreet way to improve their smile. Below is a simple, transparent breakdown of what you can expect.

Average Cost of Invisalign in Chico

In Chico, the typical cost of Invisalign ranges from $3,800 to $6,400, depending on:

• The complexity of your case
• How many aligners you need
• Whether you need elastics or additional orthodontic tools
• The length of treatment
• Your insurance benefits

Some mild cases fall on the lower end of the range, while more complex bite corrections require more aligners and time.

Insurance & Invisalign

Many dental insurance plans that cover braces also cover Invisalign.
At Carr Orthodontics, our team checks your insurance benefits before your first appointment so you have a clear understanding of your coverage.

Most plans provide $1,000–$2,500 toward orthodontic treatment.

Flexible Payment Plans

At Carr Orthodontics, we want Invisalign to be stress-free and affordable. We offer:

• 0% interest payment plans
• Adjustable monthly payments
• Discounts for payment in full
• HSAs and FSAs accepted

Many Chico patients are surprised by how budget-friendly Invisalign becomes with a custom plan.

Why Choose Invisalign at Carr Orthodontics?

• Expertise from Dr. Graydon Carr, a trusted Chico orthodontist
• Digital 3D scanning—no goopy molds
• Faster, more accurate tooth movements
• More comfortable aligners
• Fewer office visits compared to traditional braces

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

If you're ready to see if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a free consultation with Carr Orthodontics. We’ll show you a digital preview of your future smile and give you a personalized cost estimate.

An anterior open bite is a dental condition in which the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. This can occur due to various factors such as genetics, habits such as thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use, or an abnormal bite relationship. Open bites can have a significant impact on a person's oral health and function. It can cause difficulty with biting and chewing, leading to issues with digestion. An open bite can also affect a person's speech and lead to problems with enunciation.

Correcting an anterior open bite with orthodontic treatment is important for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Orthodontic treatment can help to realign the teeth and jaw to create a proper bite relationship and improve oral function. There are several different treatment options for correcting an open bite. The most common approach is to use braces or clear aligners in conjunction with rubber band elastics to move the teeth into the correct position. In some cases, temporary anchorage devices (TAD's) or other appliance may be used to help guide the teeth into the correct position. Myofunctional therapy is also sometimes advised if the patients diagnosis requires it. Dr. Hood & Dr. Carr will make the proper diagnosis and write any appropriate referrals.

In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the underlying cause of the open bite. This could involve jaw surgery to realign the jaw or to remove excess bone or gum tissue.

The specific treatment plan for correcting an anterior open bite will depend on the individual patient's needs and the severity of their condition. It is important to work closely with an orthodontist to determine the best course of action.

Overall, correcting an anterior open bite with orthodontic treatment is essential for improving oral function and addressing any potential aesthetic concerns. By working with an orthodontist, patients can achieve a healthy and functional bite, leading to improved oral health and overall quality of life.

NOTE: The author, Dr. Graydon Carr, is a board-certified orthodontist who is in the private practice of orthodontics in Chico, California with his partner Dr. B. Scott Hood. Dr. Graydon Carr was trained at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California, and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas School of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Dr. Graydon Carr & Dr. B. Scott Hood’s are experts in two-phase treatment, extraction and non-extraction therapy, functional orthodontics, clear aligners (Invisalign), and multiple bracket systems. This blog is for informational purposes only and is designed to help consumers understand currently accepted orthodontic concepts. It is not a venue for debating alternative treatment theories. Dr. B. Scott Hood & Dr. Graydon Carr are licensed to diagnose and treat patients in the state of California. They cannot diagnose cases described in comments nor can they select treatment plans for readers. The opinions expressed here are protected by copyright laws and can only be used with written permission from the author.