Invisalign in Encinitas, CA
Invisalign designed by a board-certified orthodontist — not generated by software.
Most people know what Invisalign is. The difference is who's designing your treatment. At Encinitas Orthodontics, Skyler Liatti, DDS, MS — a board-certified orthodontic specialist — personally designs every Invisalign case: every attachment, every tooth position, and the path each tooth takes to get there.
The difference between Invisalign at your dentist's office and an orthodontic specialist.
Many general dentists offer Invisalign, and for simple cases, the result can be fine. But there's a meaningful difference between a general dentist and a board-certified orthodontist — and that difference matters most when the case is anything beyond straightforward.
Why a board-certified orthodontist
An orthodontist completes two to three years of specialty training beyond dental school, focused entirely on how teeth move, how jaws develop, and how bites function. A board-certified orthodontist has gone further — passing rigorous examinations that demonstrate mastery of the specialty. Dr. Liatti treats a high volume of Invisalign cases, including complex ones that many providers wouldn't take on with aligners. He also has access to tools most general dental offices don't — 3D CBCT imaging, digital treatment planning, and the ability to combine Invisalign with jaw expansion or braces when the case calls for it.
Who actually designs your treatment
There's also the question of who's actually designing your treatment. Invisalign's software generates a default plan for every case. That default plan is the software's best guess — not a diagnosis. What matters is what happens next: whether the treating doctor redesigns the plan tooth by tooth, and whether aligners were the right tool for the case in the first place.
Dr. Liatti designs every case himself, and because he has the full range of orthodontic tools available, he'll recommend Invisalign when it's the strongest option — not because it's the only one.
If you've already gotten an Invisalign quote from your dentist, getting a second opinion from an orthodontic specialist is worth the visit. The evaluation is free, and you may learn something about your bite, your airway, or your jaw joints that changes how you think about treatment.
Designed by the doctor who'll see you at every visit — start with your free consultation.
Book Your Free ConsultationHow Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear plastic trays — called aligners — that fit snugly over your teeth. Each set of aligners is slightly different from the last, applying controlled force to move specific teeth in a planned sequence. You wear each set for about one to two weeks, then switch to the next set in the series.
Attachments and elastics
Small tooth-colored attachments are bonded to certain teeth to give the aligners grip for more precise movements. These are barely visible and are removed when treatment is complete. In some cases, elastics (small rubber bands) are used to help correct the bite — the same way they're used with braces.
Your part
The aligners are removable. You take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. The goal is to wear them 20 to 22 hours per day — essentially all the time except meals and oral hygiene. Compliance matters. The aligners only work when they're in your mouth.
How long it takes
Treatment length ranges from 3 to 18 months depending on the case. Simple alignment corrections can finish in as few as 3 to 6 months. Moderate cases typically take 12 to 15 months. Complex cases involving bite correction may take longer. Dr. Liatti will give you an estimated timeline based on your specific situation.
A custom plan built from a complete picture — not a quick scan and a software suggestion.
Every Invisalign case at Encinitas Orthodontics starts with a comprehensive evaluation — not just a digital scan of your teeth. Dr. Liatti reviews your 3D CBCT imaging, your bite, your jaw joints, and your airway before deciding whether Invisalign is the right tool for your case. When it is, he designs the treatment plan using the full picture of what's going on — not just what the teeth look like from above.
The distinction matters because how teeth get to their final position is just as important as where they end up. A plan that looks good in a simulation but uses the wrong mechanics can introduce unwanted side effects and extend treatment time. Dr. Liatti designs for function and stability, not just appearance. That's the difference a specialist makes.
Invisalign Virtual Care — Remote Monitoring That Keeps Treatment on Track
Encinitas Orthodontics uses Invisalign Virtual Care to monitor your treatment remotely as you progress through your aligners. Using your smartphone, you submit pictures that Dr. Liatti reviews to confirm your teeth are moving as planned. If something needs attention, he catches it early — before it becomes a bigger issue that could delay your treatment.
Virtual monitoring means fewer trips to the office without sacrificing oversight. When you do come in for an appointment, it's because something needs hands-on attention — not just a routine check that could have been done from home.
Find out how virtual monitoring can help Invisalign fit into your busy life.
Book Your Free ConsultationInvisalign for Teens
Invisalign is a strong option for many teen cases — and teens are often the most motivated aligner patients. The aligners are nearly invisible, which matters at an age when self-consciousness about appearance is real. There are no brackets to break, no food restrictions, and no wires to deal with during sports or band or daily life.
Because the aligners are removable, brushing and flossing stay simple — no brackets or wires to clean around. That's a real advantage during the years when good oral hygiene habits are still developing. Teens who commit to wearing their aligners consistently get excellent results.
Not every teen case is right for Invisalign. Growing patients with significant bite issues, jaw discrepancies, or complex tooth movements may get a better result with braces or a combination approach. Dr. Liatti evaluates the full picture — teeth, bite, jaws, airway, and growth — before recommending the best tool.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child and teen have an orthodontic evaluation. If your teen hasn't had one yet, the consultation is free and includes a complete assessment — with CBCT 3D imaging when indicated.
Invisalign for Adults
Adult patients make up a growing portion of Invisalign cases — and for good reason. Clear aligners fit into a professional life in a way that traditional braces often don't. They're removable for meetings, meals, and photos. And with Virtual Care monitoring, the number of office visits is lower than with braces, which matters when you're managing a schedule.
Many adults come in for Invisalign because their teeth have shifted since earlier treatment, or because crowding and alignment issues they lived with for years have finally become something they want to address. Some adults discover during the evaluation that their bite or jaw position is part of the picture — and that's exactly why a specialist evaluation matters.
Your free evaluation tells you what's realistic — including whether limited treatment is right for you.
Dr. Liatti is direct about what Invisalign can accomplish for each case. For adults with mild to moderate alignment needs, Invisalign often delivers an excellent result in 6 to 12 months. For cases involving bite correction, the timeline may be longer and additional mechanics may be needed. For cases where the jaw position itself is the issue, Dr. Liatti will explain your options — which may include adult expansion, braces, or a combination approach.
Invisalign vs. Braces — Which Is Right for You?
Invisalign
Braces
Dr. Liatti has both tools available and recommends the one that will produce the best result. If braces are the better option for your case, he'll tell you.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost in Encinitas?
$3,000 – $8,000
$1,000 – $2,500
Same fee as braces — priced by your case, not the appliance. Most plans with orthodontic benefits cover a portion, so your out-of-pocket cost is lower than the full fee.
At Encinitas Orthodontics, we do not charge more for Invisalign than braces. The fee is based on your case — not the appliance — and usually ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on complexity and length of treatment.
Insurance, HSA, and FSA
Most dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover Invisalign the same way they cover braces — typically $1,000 to $2,500 toward the total fee. If you have an HSA or FSA, Invisalign is an eligible expense — pre-tax dollars can make a real difference over the course of treatment. Encinitas Orthodontics accepts most PPO dental plans and handles the claims process for you. For details about your specific coverage, see the insurance and payment page or call the office.
Payment plans
Our treatment coordinator will sit down with you to go over your investment, what insurance covers, and work together to find a monthly payment plan that fits your budget.
A free comprehensive evaluation lets Dr. Liatti assess your case and provide an accurate treatment recommendation.
What our patients say.
Dr. Liatti and his staff came in and saved me from a previously horrible Invisalign experience. Within two weeks, I had a new treatment plan (done the correct way with the latest technologies from a board certified orthodontist) and a new caring, funny…
Dr Liatti and his team are excellent! Really cared about my kids. He created personalized treatment plans around both their dental health and social needs (one kid did well with traditional braces, the other was a better fit for Invisalign).
I came to Dr. Liatti for Invisalign treatment, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. Dr. Liatti is knowledgeable, professional, and took the time to explain each step of the process, making me feel comfortable and confident in my treatment plan.
I had a great experience with Encinitas Orthodontics for my Invisalign treatment. The entire staff was always friendly, easy to communicate with, and very accommodating when it came to adjusting appointments.
Encinitas Orthodontics is a truly professional operation. From the moment I walked in I was treated as if I was a long time patient and friend. Never once did I have to wait more than a couple minutes for my scheduled appointment.
I've had an outstanding experience with Dr. Liatti, and the entire team at Liatti Orthodontics. From the moment I stepped into their office, I was welcomed by a friendly and personable staff.
Serving North County San Diego & beyond.
Encinitas Orthodontics is located at 317 N El Camino Real, Suite 203, in Encinitas, CA — serving families from across North County San Diego and the greater San Diego area who are looking for Invisalign clear aligner treatment.
Patients visit from Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, and Oceanside.