If you are searching for Invisalign near me in Bellevue, Orthodontic Excellence may be the right choice for your treatment. Dr. Megha Anand has been providing Invisalign treatment to patients for many years, and we are confident you’ll want her to provide your own treatment after a complimentary consultation. But perhaps you still don’t know much about Invisalign and you want to learn more. Orthodontic Excellence has a handy guide with all the information you need.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of clear removable aligners that people wear over their teeth to correct misalignments. Some of the problems these aligners fix include crossbite, overbite, underbite, open bite, gaps between teeth, crookedness, and overcrowding. The aligners are made of multiple layers of medical-grade plastic featuring rounded edges to provide additional comfort.
Created in 1998, Invisalign is a revolutionary treatment that has become one of the most popular in the world because of its convenience. Clear aligners require little to no change in your lifestyle.
How Does Invisalign Work?
During a free consultation, Dr. Anand will thoroughly examine your teeth to determine if treatment is suitable for you. An iTero digital scanner creates a 3D model or impression of your teeth so a custom set of aligners can be made just for you. Patients wear the aligners for 22 hours a day and switch to a new set every two weeks to begin a new stage of shifting similar to getting the archwire of braces tightened, only without having to go to an appointment.
Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth into alignment over a period of time. Once treatment is complete, you will have to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back out of place.
What Can Disqualify Me From Getting Invisalign?
There are several reasons why clear aligner treatment may not be right for you. Patients with smaller than normal teeth may not be able to use it. Tobacco users will have to quit until completing treatment because the aligners can stain or become damaged. In addition, misalignments that are too severe may require braces instead. Dr. Anand will be able to let you know if you are a good candidate or not.
How Do You Clean Invisalign?
So, you have your aligners but you’re not sure how to clean them. The good thing about Invisalign is that you can remove them, which makes cleaning a breeze. There are several professional cleaning products as well as home remedies that you can use to clean your aligners.
- Cleaning Crystals
- WhiteFoam
- OAP Gel and Foam
- Cleaning Tablets
- Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Unscented and Uncolored Dish/Hand Soaps
- Soft Toothbrush and Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
The best times to clean your aligners is in the morning and before bed at night. But you should also clean them after every meal since you have to remove them to eat anyway. Be sure to clean every nook and cranny of your aligners to prevent the growth of bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Clear aligner treatment typically takes 12-15 months to complete, but treatment can be longer or shorter depending on several factors including the severity of your problem, how well your teeth respond, and how responsible you are at keeping up with treatment. You must consistently wear the aligners for 22 hours a day for them to work properly. Failure to do so will cause setbacks and may require a switch to braces.
What Does Invisalign Near Me Cost?
The cost of clear aligner treatment generally ranges between $3,500 to $8,000. However, the cost varies from patient to patient and can be more or less depending on your location, the severity of your problem, the length of your treatment, and the experience level of your orthodontist. Orthodontic Excellence offers low monthly payment plans and discounts to make treatment affordable and will work with just about any budget.
Dental insurance also usually covers at least part of the cost of your treatment, which would save you thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. We accept most insurance providers and will even help you file insurance claims. Don’t let cost stop you from getting the treatment you need. There are options available.
Can You Use Invisalign As A Sports Mouthguard?
You should not use clear aligners as a makeshift mouthguard because they are too thin to protect your teeth from impacts, which will result in damage to your teeth, mouth, and aligners. Always wear an actual mouthguard and store your aligners in a protective case until play ends.
Invisalign vs Braces
Invisalign and braces are both treatments that gradually shift teeth over a period of time to fix a variety of problems. But while clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible to others, braces are not removable and are visible. Braces are also more difficult to clean and come with dietary restrictions.
In addition, braces treatment requires more follow-up appointments because the orthodontist needs to tighten the archwire from time to time to maintain pressure on your teeth. Treatment times are generally similar, but clear aligner treatment is often shorter. Cost is also generally the same. If clear aligners are not working for you, you can easily switch to braces.
Invisalign vs Invisalign Teen
Both of these clear aligner treatments are the same with only a couple of minor differences. Invisalign Teen features a blue dot that fades away the more you wear your aligners. This allows parents to check their teen’s progress and remind them to wear their aligners if necessary. The teen version also features extra aligners just in case of misplacement or damage.
Contact Orthodontic Excellence Today!
Now is your chance to get the Invisalign treatment you need. Dr. Megha Anand is currently accepting new patients of all ages. Every patient deserves to have the smile they have always wanted. It’s our mission to make you comfortable and help you gain self-confidence. We proudly serve Newcastle, Bellevue, and surrounding communities in Washington state. To make an appointment or to learn more, call our Newcastle office at 425-747-4944 or our Bellevue office at 425-747-6335 today!
