The Invisalign alternative to metal braces

Both metal braces and Invisalign are effective in a wide variety of dental alignment issues. The end result for each is straighter teeth, and treatment cost for each is comparable.

However, unlike Invisalign, metal braces are neither transparent nor removable. Also, Invisalign treatment has the significant advantages for Tigard dental patients who:

• prefer the transparent look while their teeth are being straightened
• want to experience far less discomfort than with the traditional metal braces
• want to eat the foods they enjoy
• can remove the device when eating, brushing, and flossing
• prefer to visit the dentist less often during the course of treatment

You have done your research and have made an appointment with Dr. Marostica, your Tigard Family Dentist.  Your first step is to set up a consultation. What you can expect is a full informational session with handouts and Invisalign literature where all your questions will be answered.

Once you have said “yes,” you will schedule your next appointments to:

• receive digital x-rays
• undergo molded impressions and photographs of your teeth
• see how Invisalign’s software can predict how your misaligned teeth will change over time with treatment
• discover how the straightened teeth will look at the end of the treatment

When the x-rays, impressions, and software entries are complete, Invisalign will fabricate custom transparent plastic aligners and send the devices to your dentist.

Each set of aligners is designed to fit the position where the teeth should end up after each progressive two-week period. That means that for the first few days each new set can be somewhat uncomfortable. As the aligner fits better and is more comfortable, it is a sign that the Invisalign treatment is working.

Also, bonded special fasteners may also be necessary. The mostly invisible fasteners are bonded temporarily to the teeth for ease in clipping on the aligners.

The course of Invisalign treatment

Once the treatment begins—and it could last about a year for most patients—plan on periodic visits to the dentist. The Dentist will monitor your progress and make some minor filing adjustments in the spacing of the teeth as they begin to separate and realign.

Plan on following a new hygiene regimen during the Invisalign treatment. You will wear the Invisalign device 20 to 22 hours daily. You can drink or eat most anything, but you must remove the Invisalign aligner while eating and you should faithfully brush and floss after each meal.

What to expect after the Invisalign treatment

Once you’ve finished treatment and the retainers come off, your teeth will look nice and straight. Gaps should be minimal, and the previous crowding will have disappeared. After your treatment, you will receive a metal retainer that fit behind the newly straightened teeth to keep them in position. Your Dentist might also suggest a retainer for bedtime wear.

The good news is that once you complete the Invisalign regimen, your long hours with the Orthodontists are behind you. Your teeth will continue to naturally shift, but wearing a retainer after the treatment is the best insurance to keeping the teeth in the desired position. Periodic checkups with your Dentist will protect your investment in your Invisalign treatment.

Where to come for the best Invisalign treatment

TenderCare Tigard is part of the Tigard Family Dentist treatment network. We offer the most competitive Invisalign treatments in the Portland, OR area.