Main Street Dental provides top cosmetic dentistry, including our work as a Gresham Invisalign dentist.
For many people, particularly in their teenage years, their prom photos and other memorable moments are dominated by unsightly and uncomfortable wire braces. While they may have been delighted with their straightened teeth, the process involved in getting there was long, challenging and not particularly enjoyable.
The good news is that technology has evolved drastically, and there are now other less invasive, and easier to manage methods of straightening your teeth. By far the most popular and commonly used is the Invisalign system.
The Invisalign clear aligners system consists of a series of specially fitted trays. These trays are see-through, and unless someone was paying very close attention, they are virtually invisible. They are manufactured without any metal components and are custom made for every patient. Each set of trays are worn for a prescribed period of time, with the aim of slowly straightening your teeth. At the end of each two week period a new set of trays are manufactured which will incrementally straighten your teeth closer to the desired position. The normal range that each set of trays are designed to straighten teeth is about .25mm per tray.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign Braces are not fixed in place, and can easily, quickly and safely be removed by the patient during meal times, physical activity, or perhaps on a date night.
If you are reading this page because you are considering Invisalign treatment, then the best advice would be to make an appointment and come in and talk to us. All of our dentists have undertaken extensive training and are qualified Invisalign providers. Training with Invisalign is an ongoing process with constant assessments, so you can be confident that all of our dentists meet or exceed the required standard, and consequently can deliver your perfect smile.
After your initial consultation, the next stage involves a digital scan of your teeth. This innovative system uses the information gleaned by the scan to design a customized treatment plan. You will also be provided with 3-D images of your teeth, which will demonstrate the changes in tooth position expected during the treatment. Many people find this one of the most exciting aspects of the procedure, as it gives them a vision of their future. The measurements provided by the scan, are then used to create your first and subsequent trays. The smart science behind the process ensures that not all teeth are moved at the same time. Pressure is applied to different teeth throughout the entire process so that each tooth is moved at precisely the correct stage.
wearing Invisalign is in no way as restrictive as traditional braces? Many adults opt for this system not only because it is discreet, but also because there is no need to change your diet to avoid foods that could damage braces. This is because the Invisalign system is free of braces and brackets, instead opting for a removable tray that can be taken out prior to meals. Also, Invisalign fits well into busy adult schedules, as there is no need to attend frequent visits for wire tightening. Most patients simply change to a new aligner tray every couple of weeks.
A: For adults, the average length of treatment is about twelve months, but this will obviously vary on a case by case basis. With teenagers, it is hard to give a definitive answer, as the average time can vary wildly depending on a number of factors, such as severity of the problem, age of the teenager and certain other issues. We will be able to give you a much clearer answer to this question in person, after your initial consultation.
A: Our advice if you concerned about crooked teeth, or are not happy with your current smile, would be to come into our offices for a consultation. Rather than trying to guess, a simple consultation with one of our friendly and helpful dentists will give you the answer to the question, and provide you with the opportunity to ask any other lingering questions that you might have about the procedure. But, in general, if traditional braces can solve your problem, than Invisalign braces will be an option for you as well.
A: Perhaps the biggest surprise our patients receive when they ask this question is that in most cases the cost of Invisalign braces versus traditional braces is virtually identical, so price is not normally a determining factor in the choice of braces.
A: While we cannot answer that question for every insurance policy, in our experience if your policy covers traditional braces in whole or part, then that will also apply to Invisalign. If it covers some of the cost, this will typically be a percentage of the overall cost or a fixed dollar amount. The best advice is to consult your insurance company to get a definitive answer.
If you have an FSA or HSA plan, then you could pay for Invisalign treatment with those tax-free dollars.
Invisalign treatment delivers outstanding results for our clients, and as well as a beautiful smile, our patients frequently comment that it has dramatically increased their confidence. Don’t waste any more time wondering if Invisalign is for you, contact us today to book your initial consultation.