Clear Aligners in Portland: The Invisalign Solution

Invisalign is a modern dental procedure that uses clear aligners to achieve straighter-looking teeth. For the longest time, traditional metal braces were the only way to straighten teeth and improve one’s bite. Now, clear aligners like Invisalign have become the standard, with millions of people embracing them. Our expert dentists at Valley Dental Works in Portland can let you know if Invisalign is right for you.

This corrective method adopts a customized approach for each individual, with a unique plastic aligner being designed for every patient.

Benefits of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces

Invisalign offers a number of benefits that traditional metal braces do not:

• Invisalign is almost completely invisible and unnoticeable. Because of this, it does not carry the social stigma that traditional braces do and is much less likely to make patients feel self-conscious.

• Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, which makes activities like eating and brushing much more comfortable.

• Metal braces often cause friction and frustrating injuries due to fit issues. Because Invisalign molds are custom-made for each patient, the aligners fit properly, helping patients avoid these injuries.

• Invisalign requires fewer visits to the dentist’s office, so patients don’t have to take breaks from their busy schedules for frequent Invisalign appointments in Portland.

The Steps of The Invisalign Process

1. Consultation

The first meeting with one of our expert Portland dentists essentially lays the foundation for the entire procedure. Our dentist will conduct a thorough assessment and determine whether Invisalign is the right fit for the patient. Treatment cost, duration, and any other relevant information will be discussed, and the patient will be able to ask any questions they may have.

2. Treatment Plan

During the initial Invisalign session, a mold of the patient’s teeth will be captured with traditional impressions and then digitized using intraoral scanners.

The orthodontist will create a digital version of the intended results of treatment; this serves as a road map of the procedure and gives the patient an idea of what to expect.

3D models of the series of steps are printed, plastic is melted and polished onto those models, and a series of aligners are made.

3. Aligners

Once the aligners have been made, they are given to the patient. They will be replaced by a new set every two weeks. Temporary attachments are often bonded to the teeth to ensure a better grip on the aligners. These attachments come off at the end of the treatment.

Interproximal reduction is required in cases where more space is required to improve the overall structure and achieve optimal results.

Invisalign Results

For best results, aligners are to be worn for 22 to 24 hours a day. This is very important since results will only show if the aligners are placed on the teeth for the required number of hours. They can be removed before eating and brushing.

The progress and changes in the patient’s teeth are monitored, and the aligners are modified if needed. A middle-of-the-course revision of the aligners is required in most cases to ensure the best possible results. The duration of the procedure is specific to each individual.

Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance

Once a patient has completed their Invisalign treatment, our dentists at Valley Dental Works in Portland will assess the results and determine whether a retainer is required to be put in place to ensure that the teeth do not fall back to their previous positions.

*All images are of actual patients

Treatment Limitations

• Invisalign fixes gaps between teeth, crooked teeth, underbite, overbite, and crowded teeth by exerting subtle force to move the teeth. Traditional braces and other treatments may be a better option in cases involving complex orthodontic work.
• The removability of aligners can be counterproductive in cases where patients fail to wear aligners for the necessary time period or end up misplacing them.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

Invisalign may be covered by your insurance. During your consultation, our team can go over the expected price of your Invisalign in Portland and can let you know if it is covered by our insurance as well as go over the payment options we accept.

Start Your Invisalign Journey Today!

Invisalign has been an effective treatment for numerous patients. If you would like to find out more, contact Valley Dental Works at 503.667.2400 today and set up a consultation for your Invisalign in Portland.

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