Straighten Your Smile With Our Oak Harbor Dentists
Straight, evenly spaced teeth aren’t only cosmetically and aesthetically pleasing but also good for oral health. A straight smile allows you to brush and floss your teeth with ease. At Whidbey Dental Associates, we feature Invisalign® clear aligners for patients interested in improving the alignment of their smiles without the hassle of traditional metal braces. Dr. Hope Wirth has helped countless Oak Harbor patients regain confidence in their smiles with this clear braces option.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign® is a set of clear aligners worn over your teeth. The aligners can be removed to allow you to eat, brush and floss with ease. Invisalign aligners are an excellent way to get your dream smile.
Your custom-made aligners consist of patented SmartTrack® material. This transparent, flexible device sits discreetly and comfortably on your smile and gradually shifts a couple of teeth at a time.
Digital design allows us to see the computer-generated final result prior to treatment. In some cases we recommend a cone beam CT (advanced 3-d imaging) to be taken with your records. Integrating this image into our Invisalign process allows us to visualize the tooth position in the bone and plan implants in the future or to optimize periodontal (gum) health.
Invisalign aligners are a product of over 20 years of technological research and innovation. The results have led to more precise and predictable treatments. As technology improves, the entire Invisalign experience becomes more natural.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign has several advantages that other orthodontic treatments can’t match. Some of these include:
- Discreet — The clear aligners are nearly invisible.
- Comfortable — All of our aligners are uniquely customized for your teeth to ensure a perfect fit.
- Removable — You can easily remove your aligners before meals to enjoy any foods and beverages of your choosing.
- Fast — Typical treatment is done in less than 1 year
- Predictable — Using digital treatment planning, we can predict the results of your treatment with stunning accuracy, giving you total confidence in the procedure.
Ideal Candidates for Invisalign
A majority of patients, both adults, and teens, qualify for Invisalign. Eligible candidates can visit our Oak Harbor Invisalign provider for their treatment. Patients who are suffering from one or more of the following issues may be eligible for Invisalign:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Open bites
- Crossed bites
- Gapped and spaced teeth
- Overbite and underbites
- Malocclusion (bad bites)
If you think Invisalign is the treatment for you, visit Whidbey Dental Associates for a consultation!
The Invisalign Process
Invisalign is a non-invasive, aesthetic solution for straightening your teeth. If your teeth are crowded, gapped, or misaligned. Invisalign can give you a healthier smile
#1) Your Initial Consultation
When you arrive for your initial consultation, Dr. Hope Wirth will examine your smile, review your medical and dental history, and discuss your treatment options. We can begin that day if you decide that Invisalign is the ideal solution.
#2) Creating Your Aligners
If Invisalign is right for you, we’ll start by taking impressions of your smile or a digital scan.
#3) Straightening Your Smile
After a couple of weeks, you’ll pick up your first set of aligners from our Oak Harbor dental office. These aligners will be custom fitted to your smile so that they’ll rest comfortably throughout treatment. We recommend wearing your Invisalign aligners for 22 hours per day for the best results.
Every six weeks we will see you to check on your progress. The success of the Invisalign process relies on gradual, precise changes.
Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners
Taking care of your Invisalign trays is easy. Remove them and gently brush the outside and inside with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Invisalign-specific cleansers are available, and they can help remove stains and bacteria from your aligners. Never use hot water because this can easily warp them.
Remove your aligners when you eat or drink anything besides water because they can become damaged or stained. Before you put your aligners back in, you’ll also want to brush your teeth to prevent any leftover food from getting stuck in your teeth or on your aligners.
Frequently Asked Questions
A typical treatment takes less than 1 year. However, your treatment time may vary depending on your unique needs. After your treatment is complete, we will make your custom-fit retainers to wear at nighttime to help maintain the movements we have achieved.
Yes! Invisalign aligners are completely removable, making them a patient preferred orthodontic treatment. It’s easy to remove your aligners for special occasions, eat certain foods, and brush your teeth — so you don’t have to worry about braces being in the way.
However, you must wear your aligners for 22 hours daily to ensure success. If you don’t wear your aligners enough daily, your treatment will likely last longer.