Invisalign
EXPERIENCED INVISALIGN DENTIST IN EVERETT, WASHINGTON
If you’re looking for a way to get straighter teeth without unsightly metal braces, Invisalign in Everett, WA could be the answer.
Invisalign is a world-class aligner treatment that has transformed the smiles of over 9 million people, and counting. As a skilled Invisalign dentist, Dr. Kavitha Gowda has the expertise to give you a smile you feel confident to show off.
Here’s some information to help you decide whether Invisalign could be right for you.
What is Invisalign?
At Perfect Smiles Dentistry, our patients often ask “What is Invisalign?”, “What are clear braces?”, and what is the difference between the two?
Well, clear braces are very similar to metal braces in the way that they work. Small brackets are fixed to each tooth and a wire threaded through them helps to move the teeth into better alignment. The difference is that the brackets (and sometimes the wire) are clear or tooth-colored, so they are much less noticeable than metal.
Clear aligners like Invisalign are a totally different treatment concept. They are thin plastic trays molded to fit right over your teeth. Through carefully planned design, they put pressure on specific teeth at different stages of the process to achieve the desired movement.
Clear braces are a big aesthetic improvement on metal, but they are still quite noticeable – especially in close-ups. Invisalign in Everett, WA, on the other hand, is almost invisible.
How does Invisalign work?
The first step in Invisalign treatment is to take a 3D scan of your teeth. This is used to plan your treatment and show you virtual ‘before’ and ‘after’ images. If you decide to proceed, we will order your first sets of aligners.
You will need to change your aligners every 1-3 weeks, depending on your treatment plan. Each set produces a small amount of movement so your teeth gradually move into position.
As an Invisalign in Everett, WA patient, you must keep your aligners in for 20-22 hours per day. You should only consume water while wearing them, so this means removing the aligners every time you eat or drink anything other than water. Before replacing them, you’ll need to clean your aligners and your teeth.
This may sound like an inconvenience, but it’s important to stick to this to achieve your planned results and avoid harming your teeth in the process. Plus, it’s still a lot easier than trying to floss around fixed braces!
How long does an Invisalign treatment take?
Every patient will have an individual treatment plan based on the amount of tooth movement required. Typically, Invisalign in Everett, WA treatment takes 6-18 months. Some patients need as little as 3 months, and for others, it may be 2 years or more.
When you visit for a consultation, Dr. Gowda will create a personalized plan so you can understand the timing and cost for your specific case.
How often will I need a checkup?
We’ll ask you to visit for a checkup every 4-8 weeks. At these appointments, Dr. Gowda will check that your teeth are moving as intended and that you are maintaining good oral hygiene. You’ll also receive your next few sets of aligners.
Who can get Invisalign treatment at Perfect Smiles Dentistry?
A wide range of patients visit us for Invisalign in Everett, WA. You might think that braces are just for teenagers, but actually around 85% of Invisalign patients are adults.
Because clear aligners are so discreet, they are a very popular choice for adults in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s who want straighter teeth but have a professional image to maintain at work. Others would simply prefer it not to be too obvious that they are undergoing orthodontic work, and Invisalign is an excellent solution in this case.
Clear aligners are also a top choice for patients who have a big day coming up – like a wedding or graduation – and don’t want ‘metal mouth’ photos as a lifelong reminder of their orthodontic treatment.
So, whatever your reasons for wanting to avoid fixed braces, Invisalign could be an effective alternative.
What situations can Invisalign help with?
It’s worth noting that although Invisalign is a proven, effective treatment for straightening teeth and correcting misaligned bites, it isn’t right for everybody. Patients who need significant tooth movement or who have a severe malocclusion might be better suited to fixed braces.
That said, the majority of patients who enquire about Invisalign at Perfect Smiles Dentistry do turn out to be eligible and achieve an excellent outcome. So, if you’re interested in Invisalign, we would encourage you to book an appointment for a full evaluation.
Here are some of the specific problems that Invisalign can help with:
Gapped teeth (diastema)
Some people are very happy living with gaps in their teeth – especially their front top teeth. But others feel self-conscious about that ‘black space’ in their smile, or find that the gaps interfere with their speech or their ability to clean their teeth well. In this case, Invisalign is an effective diastema treatment.
Overcrowded teeth
On the opposite end of the scale, many people suffer from overcrowding. Not only is this an esthetic concern, it also makes it harder to brush and floss thoroughly, putting patients at greater risk of tooth decay. Invisalign can usually treat crowded teeth without the need for extractions.
Crossbite
In a healthy bite, the upper teeth should sit slightly outside the lower teeth, overhanging them. If one or more of the lower teeth sits outside the opposing upper tooth, it’s known as a crossbite.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper teeth sit further forward or down than they should. The result is a significant gap or overlap with the lower teeth.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes in front of the upper jaw, and the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth at the front.
Severe overbites and underbites might require jaw surgery, but often Invisalign can correct the problem without surgery.
Invisalign vs. braces
Still not sure whether Invisalign is right for you? Here’s a recap of the pros and cons of Invisalign vs. fixed metal braces, including the practicalities to consider:
Pros
- Almost invisible
- Removable
- Treatment time similar to fixed braces
- Thin and comfortable
- Patients can clean their teeth as normal
Cons
- Must be removed when consuming anything other than water
- Patients must maintain good oral hygiene
- Require some willpower
- Can be lost or forgotten
On balance, if you’d like straighter teeth but don’t want everybody to know you’re wearing braces, then Invisalign in Everett, WA could be the best solution. You just need to be prepared to make some small adjustments to your daily life, and be vigilant with wearing the aligners for the required time each day.
Book Your Invisalign Appointment with Perfect Smiles Dentistry Today
There’s no need to wait – you can start your Invisalign treatment today with Perfect Smiles Dentistry!
Feel free to make an appointment by phone at 425-513-2222, fill out the contact form or email us at info@myperfectsmilesdentistry.com.
We’ll get you booked for an initial consultation right away!
When you need dental services, trust Perfect Smiles Dentistry in Everett, Washington, to provide you with the best local dentist care.
Contact us for all your dental needs, and let us maintain your oral health and smile with precision and compassion.