Invisalign® Clear Aligners – Moses Lake, WA

Orthodontia That Will Keep You Smiling

Do you dream about having a smile full of sparkling, straight teeth, but you just can’t imagine yourself wearing traditional metal braces? You’ve probably invested in a professional, mature image, and you shouldn’t have to look like a teenager to straighten your teeth. We agree. Now we can make your dreams come true!

Why Choose Moses Lake Family Dentistry for Invisalign® Clear Aligners?

Faster results and better aesthetics than traditional braces

No diet restrictions while in treatment

Teen and adult patients welcome

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a virtually invisible method that can straighten your teeth without metal braces. With Invisalign, a custom-molded set of transparent, removable aligners will progressively reposition your teeth. You can remove the aligners for eating, brushing, flossing, or for special occasions. Invisalign is more comfortable and convenient than traditional braces. Patients do not experience the abrasions caused by metal and wires. Plus, Invisalign aligners are easy to clean, and frequent adjustment appointments aren’t needed.

How does Invisalign work?

First, we use 3D computer imaging to design a comprehensive treatment plan. This allows you to preview the final positioning of your teeth before any work starts. Yes, you will see your future smile before treatment begins!

Then, a lab will create a series of aligners to reposition your teeth over one to two years. You’ll change aligners every two weeks until your smile is straight and beautiful. Typically, you will visit us every six weeks for progress reports. Transparent, removable, no-hassle orthodontia – now that should put a smile on your face!

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign originally made a splash in the field of orthodontics because the aligners were completely metal-free. Over two decades later, and that continues to be a huge draw. However, that’s just one of the many perks of this orthodontic treatment. In this next section, you’ll learn a few other noteworthy benefits of clear aligner treatment.

You Can Remove the Aligners for Special Occasions

Traditional braces can only be removed by a dental professional. That’s not the case with Invisalign aligners. As long as you wear them for 20+ hours a day, you can take them out whenever you want. For example, if you have an important presentation at work, and you’d prefer not to wear your aligners, you have that option. Similarly, if you are going to take a new passport or driver’s license photo, and you want to take them off, you can!

Brushing and Flossing Are Easy

Oftentimes, patients with traditional braces experience a bit of a learning curve when it comes to oral hygiene. As a result, many buy special products, like interproximal toothbrushes, or adopt cumbersome dental care regimens. Don’t worry – Invisalign is very different because the aligners are removable. All you have to do is take them off, store them properly, and continue your dental care regimen as usual.

There Aren’t Any Dietary Restrictions

Thin pizza crust, whole apples, raw celery, and popcorn are just a few of the foods patients with traditional braces need to avoid. Invisalign, on the other hand, doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions. In other words, you don’t have to change your diet – you can eat all of your favorite foods throughout your orthodontic treatment! All we ask is that you don’t overindulge on foods that can negatively impact your oral health, like potato chips and ice cream.

The Trays Are Metal-Free

It goes without saying that metal-free trays are more aesthetically-pleasing. But that’s not all; metal-free trays are also considerably more comfortable! As a result, many patients don’t experience any soft-tissue irritation during the teeth-straightening process.

The Average Treatment Timeline Is Shorter

It’s true! The average treatment timeline with traditional braces is 2-3 years. In contrast, the average treatment timeline with Invisalign is only 12-18 months. That said, there are several factors that impact the length of your orthodontic treatment – from your age to your compliance with the guidelines. If you want an estimate, then schedule a consultation with us so we can review your case!

There Are Fewer Check-In Appointments

Last, but certainly not least, there usually aren’t monthly check-in appointments with Invisalign. Since you’ll have multiple sets of aligners to work through at home, the visits are usually every six or eight

Living with Invisalign Aligners

Whether you’re heading into your senior year of high school, you’re a new mom, or you’re focusing on your career right now, you might be wondering, “What will my life look like with Invisalign?” Since there aren’t any dietary restrictions, monthly appointments, or special oral hygiene products, it will remain pretty much the same. That said, there are a few things you need to know to stay on-track with your treatment plan. So, read on!

Wearing Your Trays

There’s one important rule: you need to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day. In fact, many patients are encouraged to shoot for 22 hours a day in an effort to avoid unwanted treatment plan delays. Either way, there is a limited amount of aligner-free time each day, so don’t take your trays off unless absolutely necessary! You should also use the stopwatch on your phone as a guide, especially toward the beginning of your treatment when you’re adjusting to life with braces.

Cleaning Your Aligners

Fortunately, you don’t need to buy special oral hygiene products to keep your aligners clean and clear. The key is consistency. First, rinse your trays with clean, cool water each time you remove them, and always place them in their designated case instead of leaving them out on the counter. Second, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid each morning and evening to remove saliva, plaque, and other debris. If you want, you can soak them in a dentist-recommended cleaner for 15 minutes a day for a deeper clean too.

Eating & Drinking

Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you don’t have to abide by any dietary restrictions during the teeth-straightening process! That said, if you have a lot of attachments or you’re prone to cavities, it’s a good idea to avoid crunchy foods, like hard pretzels, and to keep added sugar to a minimum. It’s also important to eat lots of nutrient-dense foods to help keep your teeth and gums healthy during the teeth-straightening process.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

Did your aligners fall to the floor, breaking into multiple pieces in the process? Have you looked everywhere, but you can’t seem to find your trays? In both cases, the next best step is the same: call our Moses Lake dental office. Once we know a little more about your orthodontic emergency and where you are in the teeth-straightening process, we can decide the best way to proceed, whether it’s moving onto the next set in the series or wearing your previous pair while replacements are made.

Routine Check-Ins

Although there aren’t monthly adjustment appointments with Invisalign, there are progress visits every 6-8 weeks. Each and every one of these visits are crucial because they allow Dr. Nick Smith to monitor the movement of your teeth and ensure they are moving as anticipated. Plus, if something unexpected happens, like one of your teeth isn’t moving, he can make the necessary changes to your treatment plan to help get you back on-track and avoid significant delays.

Who Can Invisalign Help?

Since Invisalign has helped more than 12 million patients around the world, there’s a good chance that this discreet orthodontic treatment can help you too! The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with our Moses Lake dental team. That said, you can also read on to learn a bit more about how clear aligner treatment can address some of the most common orthodontic problems.

Crowded Teeth

Simply put, your teeth won’t sit in their perfectly aligned positions if there isn’t enough room in your mouth. To create space, patients often needed to have one or more teeth extracted prior to getting traditional braces. However, Invisalign takes a different approach: IPR. This involves the sides of a few of your teeth being shaved (which is completely painless). That way, your teeth have room to move from the guidance of the clear aligners.

Gaps Between Teeth

If you have the opposite problem (there is too much space in your mouth), then your teeth won’t sit in their perfectly aligned positions either. The good news is that we can close the gaps in your mouth with clear aligners! Sometimes, this requires the use of attachments, buttons, and rubber bands, but don’t worry – they are nowhere near as attention-grabbing as traditional braces.

Overbite

Having your top teeth sit in front of your bottom teeth is good. Having your top teeth protrude far beyond your bottom teeth isn’t. That’s because this bite problem (known as an overbite) can make it difficult to chew properly, speak clearly, and even smile confidently. Fortunately, Invisalign has proven to be reliable when it comes to addressing mild to moderate cases. Plus, the average treatment timeline is only 12-18 months!

Underbite

If your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth, then you have an underbite. If you don’t have it fixed, then you can experience everything from premature wear and tear on certain teeth to jaw pain. That’s why it’s important to schedule a consultation with us to learn about your treatment options! If Invisalign is a good fit for you, then we can bring your bite into proper alignment with clear, comfortable, and custom-made aligners.

Crossbite

If some, but not all, of your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth, there’s a good chance that you have a crossbite. Premature wear and tear on your teeth are a primary concern with this orthodontic problem, as well as chronic jaw pain, trouble chewing properly, and low self-esteem. Simply put, if you have a crossbite, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to schedule an Invisalign consultation.

Open Bite

An open bite is when your teeth don’t come together evenly when you bite down because there is space in the front or back of your mouth. Like the other bite problems on this list, it can make everything from chewing properly to smiling confidently difficult, which is why we recommend having it fixed sooner rather than later.

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

If you are dreaming of a more aligned smile, Invisalign may seem like the perfect solution. After all, it has so many unique benefits that you can’t find anywhere else. However, it is crucial that you understand the cost of the treatment so that you don’t end up with unnecessary surprises. To learn more about how much your Invisalign treatment will cost, give us a call so we can get you started with your initial consultation.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

The cost of Invisalign varies from person to person based on several different factors. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

Number of Arches: The vast majority of people who undergo Invisalign treatment will straighten both their upper and lower teeth at the same time. However, in some cases, only one arch needs to be addressed. If you only need one arch straightened, this will ultimately result in a lower cost.
Complexity: If you have more severe misalignment issues, your treatment is likely to cost more. For example, closing a few small gaps is cheaper than correcting a significant bite problem.
Length of Treatment: A longer treatment time means more aligners and a higher cost.

Invisalign VS Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

When a patient is looking for a “quick fix,” lower budget options, like Smile Direct Club™, may seem tempting. However, a lower cost doesn’t always mean that it’s a better option. While the price is generally lower than Invisalign, Smile Direct Club™ has a “do it yourself” approach with little oversight from a professional. Ultimately, this means more room for errors to be made. You could even end up with serious issues that will need to be treated by a professional anyways.

Fortunately, with Invisalign, you have the trusted oversight of our dentists for each and every step along the way. Invisalign is professionally made, uses highly accurate impressions, and will result in a more successful treatment process overall. The cost difference is certainly worth it for a smoother, worry-free orthodontic treatment!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Some dental insurance plans will include coverage for orthodontic treatment, so it is a good idea to check with your provider to you know what is included. Our team is also always available to help you understand what your plan consists of. You can also use your FSA account to help cover the cost if you have one.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance, you aren’t completely out of luck. We have another option to help make your treatment more affordable. CareCredit is a third-party financing company that can help approved patients to cover dental care costs over multiple months instead of all at once.

We are eager to help you achieve your dream smile. Schedule your initial consultation to learn more about the financial details of Invisalign!

Invisalign Teen

Getting metal braces typically isn’t the change in appearance that teens are thrilled about. In fact, during this highly image-conscious time in their lives, a noticeable orthodontic appliance can impact their confidence in social settings, like in afterschool activities, as they navigate new friendships, and in their yearbook photos. Invisalign Teen is a discreet clear aligner system designed with teens in mind.

How is Invisalign Teen Different?

Invisalign Teen in Moses Lake is very similar to Invisalign for adults, but it has a couple of additional features that lend itself to being more friendly for younger patients trying to build responsibility. Here are the two key differences of Invisalign Teen:

Treatment Compliance Dots: Every Invisalign Teen clear aligner comes with a small blue dot on it, located near where the tray touches the molars. To help your teenager keep on track with their treatment, these indicators will gradually fade to alert them when it’s time to switch to the next series of aligners in their treatment.
Replacement Aligners are Included: Whether your teen accidentally wraps their aligners up in a napkin and throws them away at lunchtime or leaves them at a friend’s house after a sleepover, every replacement tray will be covered in the cost of their treatment.

Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?

Invisalign Teen isn’t the perfect fit for every young patient. Typically, our team at Moses Lake Family Dentistry recommends it in the following situations:

Your Teen Has Good Self-Discipline: Because your teenager will need to wear their trays for between 20 and 22 hours a day, they’ll need to remember to put them back in their mouth after eating and snacking and be dedicated to wearing their aligners.
Their Orthodontic Problems Aren’t Severe: We typically don’t recommend Invisalign Teen for those who have more severe orthodontic issues. However, they’re excellent for those with mild to moderate bite problems, crowding, and misalignment.
Your Teen Has Realistic Expectations: Invisalign comes with its own unique set of pros and cons, so it’s important for your teen to consider these and decide whether it’s the right option for them.

The Benefits of Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen offers a certain amount of freedom and flexibility that they may not be able to enjoy with metal braces. Some of these advantages include:

Great for Extracurricular Activities: Whether your teen participates on their school’s athletics team or plays an instrument in band, their aligners won’t get in the way of them performing their best.
Better Oral Health: Brushing and flossing is much easier, as they won’t have to worry about maneuvering around brackets and wires. This will help them avoid developing cavities and other dental health concerns throughout their treatment.
No Food Restrictions: Whether your teen is a picky eater, or they just love to eat everything and anything, they won’t need to worry about restrictions due to a fragile bracket-and-wire system. All they need to do is take out their aligners before their snack or meal.
Boosted Confidence: Their peers will hardly be able to tell that they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment because Invisalign trays are clear and discreet.

Invisalign FAQs

Do you still have questions about Invisalign in Moses Lake? This modern orthodontic treatment has so much to offer, and you won’t want to miss out! For your convenience, we’ve answered some common questions we receive from our patients about Invisalign treatment below.

How often do I need to wear my aligners every day?

It’s true that Invisalign trays are removable, but when you take them out too frequently, it could set back your treatment timeline. That’s why it’s important to keep your trays in for at least 22 hours every day. The only time you should be taking them out is when you brush, floss, eat, or drink anything besides water. When you forget to put your aligners back in your mouth, it can derail your treatment, which can be frustrating. Typically, you should be switching out your aligners every two weeks to advance to the next pair.

How is Invisalign different from mail-in aligners?

Mail-order orthodontic aligners are becoming more popular because of their convenience and low price-point. They’re a different product compared to Invisalign because the process isn’t completed by or overseen by a dental professional. When you visit Dr. Nick Smith, you dentist in Moses Lake, he will thoroughly examine your mouth and conduct an in-depth assessment of the orthodontic problems you face before taking in-person impressions of your mouth to model your aligners after.

Although the process of Invisalign may seem similar, it’s significantly safer than using mail-in trays. Throughout your treatment, your dentist will keep a close eye on the progress you’re making and monitor each stage of the process to make sure no complications arise. Every six to eight weeks, you’ll visit Dr. Nick Smith to receive your next sets of trays.

Will I need to give up certain foods?

One great benefit of Invisalign treatment is that you won’t have to give up some of your favorite snacks out of fear of breaking a bracket or wire. All you need to do before you eat or drink anything besides water is remove your trays. Before you put them back in, be sure to clean your teeth and rinse the trays to prevent food debris becoming trapped between your teeth and orthodontic appliance.

Does it hurt to wear Invisalign aligners?

People who get braces often go on about how much it hurts to have them tightened every eight or so weeks. Fortunately, when you wear aligners, you won’t have to worry about this. Although you may experience some slight tenderness as you advance to your next aligners, it’s nothing that can’t be taken care of with over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. Each set of your trays will be made from smooth, custom-fitted plastic that’s specially built for your unique dental structure. This way, you won’t have to worry about wires and metal scraping against your oral tissues and causing irritation and pain.

What does Invisalign look like?

Many people in Moses Lake opt for Invisalign over standard braces because it’s considered a much more discreet option. Instead of relying on shiny metal brackets and wires, which can leave you feeling self-conscious, this service utilizes transparent plastic trays that fit over your arches to gently shift your teeth.

These clear trays allow your natural enamel to shine through, but only as long as you keep them clean. You should remove them twice daily to gently scrub all surfaces with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear dish soap or non-abrasive toothpaste to clear away plaque, bacteria, and leftover particles that can cause cloudiness or discoloration.

How long does Invisalign treatment usually take?

The time it takes to complete your treatment from start to finish can depend significantly on your unique circumstances, but generally, you can expect it to take about 12 to 18 months. It could be less if your teeth only have minor issues and tend to move quickly, but it might be longer for more severe cases.

Unfortunately, if you don’t wear your trays for the allotted 20 to 22 hours daily, your teeth could shift back to their previous places, potentially adding additional weeks to your overall timeline.

What happens after Invisalign?

After you’ve completed wearing your last aligner, you’ll need to consult Dr. Nick Smith to learn about the next steps recommended. He’ll examine your mouth and bite alignment to ensure everything is in its ideal position. Then, he might provide a custom-fitted retainer for you to wear.

This oral appliance doesn’t exert enough force to shift your teeth, but it does ensure that they remain in their updated positions long enough for your mouth to acclimate. This can help prevent them from reverting to their starting positions following treatment, which they are prone to do.

What if I broke my Invisalign?

Your clear aligners are only intended to be worn a week or two, so they’re not intended to be durable enough to withstand the pressure of biting or chewing. If you’ve broken, cracked, or damaged your tray, you might worry that you won’t be able to complete your treatment on time.

Please don’t try to fix it with superglue or other household supplies, which can be toxic if ingested. Instead, please let our team know what happened, and we’ll determine whether you should switch to the next series of trays early or wear an earlier set while we reorder the ones that have been damaged.

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