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Invisalign® orthodontic treatment provides a convenient and discreet way to address alignment problems, like crowding, misaligned jaws, and gaps between the teeth. At Smile By the Station Dentistry in Seattle, Washington, cosmetic and family dentist Ok Kyu Lee, DDS, and the team prescribe Invisalign treatment to teens and adults. Invisalign provides stunning results, rivaling the outcomes of metal braces. Call Smile By the Station Dentistry today to schedule an Invisalign consultation, or book your appointment online.
Invisalign Q&A
How is Invisalign treatment different from braces?
Invisalign aligners and metal braces both correct alignment problems, but they aren’t the same:
Invisalign®
Invisalign uses removable plastic aligners to place mild pressure on your teeth and jaw. You wear the aligners for most of the day, only removing them to eat and brush and floss.
Metal braces
Metal braces use brackets, arch wires, and rubber bands to improve the alignment of your teeth and jaw. Your dentist bonds the brackets and archwires to the front of your teeth.
Braces are worn for 12-18 months on average*. They require regular cleaning and maintenance and can cause your jaws to become sore and irritated.
What types of problems can Invisalign treat?
The Smile By the Station Dentistry team uses Invisalign aligners to treat various alignment problems, including:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overlapping teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
Invisalign treats bite abnormalities, too, including crossbite, overbite, and underbite.
What does Invisalign treatment involve?
Before recommending Invisalign treatment, your Smile By the Station Dentistry provider completes an oral exam and takes dental X-rays to assess the alignment of your teeth and jaw.
You need healthy teeth and gums to undergo orthodontic treatment, so if you have cavities or gum disease, your dentist treats those problems first. After your mouth heals, you can move forward with treatment.
Your Smile By the Station Dentistry provider takes digital scans of your upper and lower jaw. They send your scans to an Invisalign lab that creates a set of custom oral aligners.
When the lab finishes your custom aligners, you return to Smile By the Station Dentistry and try them on. Throughout the course of treatment, you return to the practice every three or four weeks. At each Invisalign checkup, your dentist gives you a new set of Invisalign aligners.
Each new aligner set places slightly different pressure on your teeth and jaw, improving their alignment and position.
Do I need to keep my Invisalign aligners clean?
Yes. Invisalign aligners are like your teeth in that they collect food particles, saliva, and bacteria. Rinse them in cool tap water every time you remove them to eat and brush your teeth. For more thorough cleanings, ask your dentist about Invisalign Cleaning Crystals.
Call Smile By the Station Dentistry today to schedule an Invisalign appointment or book your visit online.