Invisalign or clear aligner treatment is so popular these days. You see adult friends who are wearing them, kids getting traditional orthodontic treatment with clear plastics. Your general dentist probably talked to you about Invisalign clear aligners on how to fix a little crowding in your lower front teeth.
Orthodontic treatment has significantly changed in the last ten years. Aligner trays are the new normal and can offer every tooth movement - some movements takes longer.
Are you looking to improve your smile or thinking about orthodontic treatment for your kids? Clear aligner treatment also know as Invisalign is a great orthodontic treatment option for the right patient. The emphasis is the right patient since Invisalign treatment needs discipline of wearing the aligners round the clock.
At PORTH Bellevue clinic, we offer clear aligner therapy along with cosmetic clear braces, lingual braces and digital custom braces. Click the hyperlink to learn more about many types of braces and clear aligner.
Invisalign
Most patients looking into orthodontic treatment in Bellevue area have heard about the Invisalign. Invisalign a brand of clear aligners. It is the oldest clear aligner system on the market hence people use Invisalign when referring to orthodontic treatment with any clear aligners.
In recent years so many different types of clear aligners entered the market that offers better features compared to the Invisalign appliance.
Invisalign® vs. Braces
Most people still believe that braces are better than clear aligners (Invisalign). Clear aligner therapy has advanced in the last 20 years and lots of orthodontists figured out how to offer great treatment plans using aligners. The aligner systems have also enhanced. New clear aligner plastic trays make it more efficient to move the teeth with aligners.
Traditional metal braces has also changed along with clear aligners. Expansion of cosmetic dentistry derived expansion of ceramic braces, lingual braces, and hybrid braces-aligner treatments.
Set of aligners are not that efficient in certain movements even that we can achieve it with aligners. For example, it takes many aligners to rotate a 60 degree rotated tooth or fixing very deep overbite. For all these reasons, despite the advanced in aligners it is not always the best treatment choice.
How does Invisalign works?
Invisalign and most clear aligners are set of aligners that incrementally straighten your teeth, close your openbite, fix your crossbite, or eliminate your underbite. Creating a beautiful smile with aligners requires discipline of wearing aligners all the time. Aligners only work when they are in your mouth.
What is an Invisalign treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can be done with various orthodontic appliances. Invisalign treatment is referred to orthodontic care provided by set of aligners instead of traditional braces. Aligner treatment has a few advantages. The main pros of Invisalign aligner treatment is the ability to easily floss. Maintaining oral hygiene is easier than traditional braces or lingual braces.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
As mentioned earlier, clear aligners or Invisalign is not necessarily better or worse than braces. Orthodontic treatment time depends on various factors including the complexity of the treatment. The most important factor for Invisalign or clear aligner treatment is the compliance. You or your kids should wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day for the aligners to work. Getting straight teeth with braces needs less daily work beside cleaning 2-3 times a day.
What do you expect in your first aligner treatment visit ?
New patients from Bellevue, Redmond, Seattle, Kirkland visit us in our Bellevue clinic seeking to get straighter smile with clear aligner (Invisalign) treatment. We offer free orthodontic treatment with aligners. All our new patients meet Dr. Rooz at their first visit to discuss details of their treatment plan. We also take 3D x-ray and digital scan of your teeth to show how we can build a health and beautiful smile.
FAQ
- What is the difference between Invisalign and braces?
The main difference is the patient responsibility of wearing the appliance. Braces are fixed on the teeth and doesn’t need to be constantly monitor. Aligners give you more flexibility to remove them while eating and brushing. It also comes with a huge responsibility of wearing them all the time.
- Is 16 hours a day enough for Invisalign?
16 hours is really low end of the limit to get good results with clear aligners or Invisalign.
- How much is Invisalign for small adjustments?
First, small misalignment often followed by other problems which an orthodontists tell you at your consultation appointment. The cost of treatment is often depends on the treatment time. Short Invisalign treatment or clear aligner treatment ranges from $2000 to $5000.
- Is it OK to wear Invisalign for 20 hours?
20 hours per day is a good number. Ideally you would like to wear your aligners 22 hours a day.
- How long does Invisalign take to complete?
Orthodontic treatment time depends on the complexity of the care. Aligner treatment is often similar to braces. Patients compliance of wearing clear aligners 22 hours a day has a huge impact on how quick aligner treatment can be completed.
- Is it possible to get Invisalign for just one tooth?
Generally one tooth minor issue can be fixed by a reset retainer. You could get very short clear aligner treatment for one relapsed tooth.
- What is the lowest cost of Invisalign?
Direct to consumer orthodontic treatment are generally the cheapest aligner treatment.
- What is the best way to clean Invisalign?
There are many solutions on the market to keep your aligners clean. Check this video for a comprehensive how to clean your aligners.
- What is Invisalign teen?
Clear aligners or Invisalign appliances can be used for teens. The aligner system is similar to adults. Replacement of lost aligner with PORTH aligner at our clinic is a matter of hours.