Invisalign Federal Way, WA
Clear orthodontic aligners have been growing in popularity for many years. One of the most recognizable brands is Invisalign®. Invisalign is a form of orthodontics that uses clear tray aligners to straighten the teeth instead of the traditional mouthful of metal wires and brackets.
If you are a candidate, Invisalign provides an almost invisible way to straighten your teeth. Invisalign is available at Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way and the surrounding area. Call us at (253) 336-0023 to schedule an appointment to see if this treatment is right for you.
An Alternative to Traditional Braces
Invisalign uses clear tray aligners instead of metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth. The aligners are constructed of a solid piece of plastic strong enough to shift the teeth and move them into the correct position. Every one or two weeks, the patient receives a new tray with an updated aligner. Each tray will feel slightly different as it shifts and moves the teeth.
The idea of using removable aligners to adjust the teeth is not a new concept. The idea was first introduced in the 1940s. Additional improvements were made through the decades, though the technology did not improve until the 1990s. The creators of Invisalign developed their mass-market system in 1999.
“Invisalign uses clear tray aligners instead of metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth.”
Three Steps to Transform a Smile
The process to get Invisalign aligners involves three simple steps. The first step includes examining the patient before taking records of their current teeth and bite. Our team will need to take photographs, scans, and X-rays to create an accurate model of their mouth and teeth. Once we collect this information, the next step is to send this information to the Invisalign laboratory.
Technicians will perform a digital scan of the patient's dental impressions and use the data to create a 3-D model before developing a proposed treatment plan. Our team will review the plan and make any necessary changes before approving it. During the last step, the Invisalign laboratory will manufacture and mail out the entire series of aligners. When the aligners are ready, the patient will return to our office to check the fit. The process of getting Invisalign typically takes about four to six weeks.
“The process of getting Invisalign typically takes about four to six weeks.”
Pros and Cons
There are several advantages to opting for Invisalign treatment. Since Invisalign aligners are clear, patients do not have to worry about visible metal brackets and wires. The removable trays provide an additional benefit of convenience. Patients do not have to restrict their diet since they can remove their trays when eating or drinking. With Invisalign, people can easily clean their teeth since they do not have the brush or floss around metal appliances. The trays are also comfortable to wear since they consist of smooth plastic trimmed to fit around the patient's gums.
There are also some potential disadvantages to Invisalign. The removability of aligners can cause people to forgo wearing them for long enough or even misplace them. The need for strict treatment adherence means that Invisalign treatment is not for everyone. Additionally, Invisalign is most effective for people with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, not those with more severe problems. Invisalign treatment was the most accurate at moving the buccal-lingual crown tip and least accurate at rotating teeth in a 2020 study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
“Invisalign wearers can easily clean their teeth since they do not have the brush or floss around metal appliances.”
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Taking Care of Invisalign Aligners
It is essential to use and care for Invisalign aligners appropriately to have a good orthodontic outcome. For Invisalign to work, the aligners have to be worn for the recommended number of hours a day. Patients should try to limit the number of times they remove the aligners since it will not take long to exceed the time they can be left off.
Cleaning the Aligners
Patients should always rinse the aligners when they are removed. Bacteria and plaque can easily attach to them, which can cause an unpleasant odor and sticky feeling on the teeth. Aligners should be cleaned with a clear and unscented antibacterial soap. If patients use toothpaste to clean the aligners, they should make sure that it is not a brand with whitening agents, as these can wear away the plastic.
Invisalign aligners need to be stored in a case when not being worn. Leaving them out in the open exposes them to germs that can then be transferred to the mouth.
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is essential at any time, but it is a bit easier when using Invisalign versus traditional braces. Food and plaque can get trapped in conventional braces' metal brackets and can be tough to brush. Since Invisalign aligners can be removed, it is simple to brush and floss and replace the aligners when finished.
Make sure to brush and floss after meals before putting the aligners back in the mouth. This helps keep food particles from getting stuck in the aligners, leading to bacteria growth and bad breath.
“It is essential to use and care for Invisalign aligners appropriately to have a good orthodontic outcome.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How do I use and care for Invisalign aligners?
Q. How long will I have to wear Invisalign aligners?
Q. What is the process of getting Invisalign?
Q. What are the pros and cons of Invisalign?
People Also Ask
Q. How often do I need to wear my clear aligners?
Q. What are some examples of purely cosmetic procedures?
Q. How should you choose the right treatment and cosmetic dentist?
Q. What are the differences between braces and Invisalign?
Q. Is there commonality by age group?
Q. When are braces more effective than Invisalign?
Q. What are some of the types of cosmetic dental treatments?
Length of Treatment Time
Only a dentist can reasonably predict the length of the Invisalign treatment time. The severity of the condition, how well the patient adheres to the treatment plan, and age are all factors. On average, it takes less than two years to see results. The treatment time for teens is typically a little shorter than adults.
Following all the recommended guidelines will ensure patients do not extend the treatment time. Patients need to switch trays on schedule and talk to our staff if there are any concerns. If the aligners are not worn for the recommended time, the teeth may start to shift back to their original positions.
“Only a dentist can reasonably predict the length of the Invisalign treatment time.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Invisalign hurt?
A. Invisalign treatment is not painful, but it can cause teeth to feel sore. When patients switch out their trays, it is normal to experience some discomfort due to the pressure exerted on teeth. This is a sign that the treatment is progressing and teeth are moving into alignment.
Q. How often will I return for appointments during Invisalign treatment?
A. Invisalign treatment can save patients time coming to the office. While other orthodontic treatments typically require patients to return for adjustment appointments about every three or four weeks, Invisalign patients do not need checkups as often. Patients will need to visit our office about once every four to six weeks to ensure that the treatment progresses as planned.
Q. What are Invisalign attachments?
A. Invisalign attachments are small button-like attachments that are temporarily attached to teeth. We place these attachments at specific locations to help the aligners grip teeth as they are moving them into alignment. Not every patient will need Invisalign attachments. Our team will determine whether they are necessary.
Q. Is it normal for my teeth to feel loose after removing my Invisalign aligners?
A. It is normal for patients to feel like their teeth are loose after removing aligners. This is because their teeth are shifting. As aligners gradually move teeth into their proper position, the gums are also re-forming around each tooth.
Q. Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
A. Any orthodontic appliance has the potential to affect a person's speech. Invisalign is not likely to cause any speech problems. Patients may notice a slight lisp when speaking, but it should disappear as the tongue gets used to the aligners.
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Invisalign® Terminology
Learn More About Invisalign
For many patients, Invisalign is a practical alternative to traditional braces. If you are interested in finding out whether this treatment is right for you, call Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way at 253-336-0023 to learn more about whether or not you are a candidate.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- Invisalign®. How Invisalign Works. 2024
- Invisalign®. Take the Smile Assessment. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Smile Center Dental Care was established in 2005.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: King County and Pierce County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, Des Moines, Tacoma, Fife, Milton, Edgewood, SeaTac, and Algona
- National Provider Identifier Database (1770035289). View NPI Registry Information
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