Invisalign

Clear Aligner Treatment

It starts with a digital scan

Our clear aligner treatment, including Invisalign, incorporates the latest in digital technology and 3D printing.

For Adults For Teens Invisalign Seattle Invisalign Bellevue

Our highly specialized staff takes a digital scan, then our orthodontists begin to plan the tooth movement using sophisticated software.

The tooth movements are planned to the 0.1mm and mapped out over a series of clear aligners. 3D printing technology aids in manufacturing all of the aligners and ensuring a precise fit and therefore an excellent result.

We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and high quality specialty Invisalign or other clear aligner treatment offered at our Bellevue and Seattle offices.

Invisalign
For Adults

How Clear Aligners Work

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After a thorough examination, our orthodontists will determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign (clear aligner) therapy. You will have the chance to discuss all of your concerns and treatment goals. Our orthodontists and staff will obtain orthodontic records. They will then design a treatment plan just for you and your unique situation and bite.

Your First Visit

Our team will give you your first set of aligners and show you how to take them in and out of your mouth. You will be able to brush, floss, and eat without the trays in, but they should remain in your mouth at least 22 hours per day. You then will progress to the next set of aligners every week.

Enjoy watching your teeth straighten! You will notice changes almost immediately in the way your teeth line up – but hardly anyone will notice that you are undergoing orthodontic therapy due to the clear aligners.

The Advantages Over Braces

While the results may appear the same—a confident, beautiful smile—when you stop and actually compare Invisalign® or other clear aligners to traditional teeth-straightening options, the advantages become quite apparent. Knowing the pros and cons of each option ahead of time will help you make a more confident decision.

Comparison Chart	Clear Aligners	Braces
Effectively treats a wide variety of cases, including crowding, spacing, crossbite, overbite and underbite.	Yes	Yes
Straightens your teeth	Yes	Yes
Allows you to eat whatever foods you enjoy	Yes	No
Lets you remove the device when you want	Yes	No
Allows you to brush and floss your teeth normally for better periodontal health	Yes	No
Consists of smooth, comfortable plastic instead of sharp metal that is more likely to irritate your cheeks and gums.	Yes	No
Frees up your busy schedule, with office visits only every 8 to 12 weeks.	Yes	No

Invisalign
For Teens

Are Teenagers Candidates for Clear Aligners?

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Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are the virtually invisible way to straighten your teen’s teeth without the restrictions that come with traditional braces. Rather than wires and brackets, this method of orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear, removable aligners that have been custom-made for your teen’s teeth. Your teen simply wears them over his or her teeth and changes them out for a new set of aligners every week. Little by little, your teen’s teeth gradually shift into place, achieving that confident smile.

Is Invisalign (Clear Aligners) as effective as traditional braces?

Yes. If our orthodontists recommend clear aligners like Invisalign for your teen, they have determined that it is a great treatment option. When the trays are worn daily for approximately 22 hours a day, they straighten teeth gradually over the course of treatment.

What are some of the practical advantages of Invisalign or clear aligners for my teen over traditional braces?

Clear aligner trays are removable, making it easier to clean your teeth. Patients only need to be seen every 8-12 weeks, cutting down the frequency and number of appointments – a great option for busy families and busy teens. There are less emergency appointments because you no longer have to be seen for broken brackets and poking wires. There are less food restrictions because we are not worried about brackets coming unglued from the teeth.

Who is eligible for Invisalign/Clear Aligner Treatment?

Our orthodontists will determine if your child is a good candidate of clear aligners such as Invisalign. They will be looking at many clinical findings in order to make the final assessment and they will discuss all of their findings with you at your consultation appointment.

How long does cleaer aligner treatment take?

Invisalign Teen and other clear aligners or braces for teenagers tend to require about the same length of time. However, the aligners can be faster in some instances because we see less broken brackets and improved oral hygiene.

How much does Invisalign Teen cost?

Invisalign clear aligner treatment costs about the same as traditional braces. The savings to you is the less frequent visits and the less frequent appointments for broken appliances.

Does my teen have to wear their clear aligners (Invisalign) all the time?

Clear aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and changed every two weeks. We find that our teenage patients are committed to having a great smile and we see great compliance with our patients.

How much time will be spent visiting the orthodontist?

Invisalign or other clear aligner treatment often requires less time in our office. Typically, we can space out your appointments to every 8-12 weeks, compared to every 6-8 weeks for typical braces patients.