Am I a Candidate for Invisalign®? Bellevue
 If you are unhappy with the way your smile looks, did you know that you can change it? You can. One of the ways you can change the look of your smile is through the use of a product called Invisalign. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment with a series of removable plastic liners that straighten the teeth in minor adjustments. They are a popular alternative to metal braces. Invisalign can help correct crowded teeth, bite issues, and tooth gaps. People choose Invisalign for its transparent appearance. Invisalign clear aligners are not as noticeable as metal brackets, wire, and multicolor bands. They fit snugly over the teeth but are fully removable. Our team at Cooley Smiles would be happy to provide you with a consultation if you are considering Invisalign. What sets Invisalign apart from braces?Invisalign Aligners Are Not NoticeableInvisalign clear aligners allow a discrete transition from misaligned teeth to a straightened smile. We love using the Invisalign clear aligners to make our patient's teeth straighter without the problems that metal braces can cause for adults. If you are an adult, the last thing you want to do is worry about your mouth being full of metal. Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic, not metal. Invisalign works in the same way as traditional braces do, but you can take them off and on. This means you can take them off to eat or drink. You can also take Invisalign off to brush or floss your teeth. Because the Invisalign braces are made from clear materials, they are not as easy to see. Invisalign Does Not Damage the Surfaces of Your TeethBrackets and dental cement used with braces have been known to leave decalcification spots when removed from the teeth, or leave behind cement residue that must be removed by a dentist. Invisalign trays are fully removable and do not leave residue behind. There Are No Food Restrictions with InvisalignWhen you wear braces, you are advised to avoid gum, sticky foods like caramel, and hard foods like apples, anything that can get stuck in the brackets or damage your braces. Invisalign trays give you much more dietary freedom. Before eating, you will remove your aligners and put it back on right after. Invisalign trays can be left on when you are drinking water. It is advised that you remove the tray if you will be drinking anything other than water, and put it back on after to avoid staining and plaque buildup. Treatment Time is ShorterInvisalign treatment takes a shorter amount of time than braces. Treatment for traditional metal braces can last anywhere from 20 to 24 months, while Invisalign averages only six to 18 months. The aligner trays may have tiny nodes called buttons that attach to rubber bands. Buttons are necessary to treat more stubborn teeth. Some trays have brackets that are bonded directly to the tooth called attachments. The tray clicks onto the attachments allowing for more complex movements. Invisalign treatment can be uncomfortable starting out, most orthodontic treatment is. The new trays can feel stiff, but your teeth will adjust to them over time. Each tray is shaped to minorly adjust your teeth until you transition to the next tray in the series. Is Invisalign Right For Me?While Invisalign can be an effective orthodontic option for many people, not everyone is a suitable candidate. Some complex cases, such as certain tooth rotations or vertical movements, may be better addressed with traditional braces. There are several characteristics that make a person a good candidate for Invisalign. Mild to Moderate Alignment IssuesInvisalign is typically suitable for individuals with mild to moderate orthodontic problems, such as crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Severe cases may require traditional braces. Adults and TeenagersInvisalign is suitable for both adults and teenagers. There are specialized Invisalign options designed for teenagers to accommodate the growth of new teeth. Commitment to ComplianceInvisalign requires a high level of patient compliance. The aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day and changed approximately every one to two weeks, or as directed by your dentist. If a patient is not committed to wearing the aligners as directed, the treatment may not be successful and can also take longer. Good Oral Hygiene HabitsMaintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during your Invisalign treatment. Patients should be committed to keeping their teeth and the aligners clean to avoid issues like cavities or gum disease. No Severe Bite ProblemsInvisalign is effective for many bite issues, but severe cases of malocclusion or complex bite problems may be better addressed with traditional braces. Discipline with Wear TimeInvisalign requires discipline in wearing the aligners consistently. If an individual is likely to forget to wear them regularly, the treatment may not be as effective. No Teeth Extractions RequiredIn some cases, tooth extractions may be necessary before orthodontic treatment. If extensive extractions are required, traditional braces may be a more suitable option. Commitment to Regular Check-upsRegular dental check-ups are essential during Invisalign treatment to monitor progress and address any concerns. A good candidate is willing to attend these appointments. How Do I Get Started with Invisalign?If you are considering Invisalign, reach out to our team at Cooley Smiles for a consultation. One of our dentists will begin with a dental examination to assess your oral health and orthodontic needs. They will determine whether or not you qualify for treatment and share with you the timeline and procedure for Invisalign. Invisalign uses 3D imaging to make your trays instead of impressions. The imaging is used to adjust your new trays the right amount each time and track your treatment progress from start to finish. Over the course of your treatment, during each visit our dentist will give you multiple trays to last until your next appointment. We will give you instructions on how to wear the trays and how to clean them. Typically, you will visit us every six to eight weeks during treatment. Invisalign in BellevueIt's important to consult with an orthodontist or dentist to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for your specific needs. They will assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and answer any of your questions about Invisalign to help you decide on the most appropriate orthodontic option for you. Call Cooley Smiles at (425) 998-6998 to schedule a consultation for Invisalign or for more information. |
Get in Touch!PHONE
(425) 998-6998 bellevue@cooleysmiles.com LOCATION 4100 Factoria Blvd SE Suite C Bellevue, WA 98006-1262 |
