Is Invisalign Right for You? Exploring Your Clear Aligner Candidacy in Kirkland
Considering a straighter smile without the look of traditional braces in the Kirkland, WA area? Wondering if Invisalign in Kirkland is the right fit for you? At Dentiste, Dr. Roberts can help determine your candidacy for this discreet orthodontic treatment. Discover if clear aligners can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Call our top Kirkland, WA, dentist today at (425) 284-0515 to learn more. We serve individuals in Kirkland and neighboring communities such as Redmond, Bellevue, and Bothell.
Who Is a Good Invisalign Candidate?
An ideal Invisalign candidate typically exhibits the following characteristics:
- Good Oral Health: Candidates should have healthy gums and teeth, free from untreated decay or gum disease. Any existing dental issues, such as active gum disease or cavities, should be addressed before starting Invisalign.
- Commitment to Treatment: Invisalign requires wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours per day and switching to new aligners as directed, usually every one to two weeks. Candidates must be responsible and disciplined to follow these instructions.
- Desire for a Discreet Solution: One of the main advantages of Invisalign is its near invisibility, making it a popular choice for adults and teens who want a less noticeable orthodontic treatment.
- Fully Developed Adult Teeth: Invisalign is generally recommended for teenagers and adults who have all or most of their permanent teeth erupted.
- Adequate Jaw Maturity: For younger teens, the orthodontist will assess jaw development to ensure Invisalign is a suitable option. Invisalign Teen is specifically designed with features for this age group, though they can’t have any baby teeth.
- No Complex Dental Work: While Invisalign can sometimes work with crowns, bridges, and implants, extensive prior dental work might complicate the treatment. You can, however, be a previous braces wearer.
Why Choose Dr. Roberts as Your Local Invisalign Dentist?
Choosing Dr. Roberts as your local Invisalign dentist in Kirkland offers several key advantages:
- Experienced and Dedicated Care: Dr. Roberts is committed to providing exceptional dental care with a personal touch. She takes the time to understand your specific smile goals, concerns, and lifestyle to create an Invisalign treatment plan that aligns with your needs.
- Focus on Patient Comfort: Dr. Roberts and the Dentiste team prioritize your comfort and strive to create a welcoming and relaxing environment. They actively listen to your concerns and answer your questions with professionalism and compassion.
- Advanced Technology: Dentiste utilizes modern technology like the iTero digital scanner, ensuring a comfortable and precise start to your Invisalign treatment by eliminating the need for traditional goopy impressions.
- Convenient Local Service: Choosing Dr. Roberts means you have a trusted Invisalign provider right here in Kirkland, easily accessible for appointments and check-ups, serving not only Kirkland but also neighboring communities like Redmond and Bellevue.
For a personalized Invisalign experience with a caring and skilled local dentist, call Dr. Roberts at Dentiste in Kirkland today at (425) 284-0515 to schedule your consultation.
What Invisalign Can Fix
Crooked and Crowded Teeth
If your teeth are crooked or crowded, Invisalign can gradually straighten them out over time. Crooked teeth can cause issues with biting and chewing, as well as negatively impact your overall appearance. With Invisalign, treatment can help straighten your teeth and improve your oral health, while also giving you a more aesthetically pleasing smile, unlike traditional braces.
Gaps Between Teeth
Invisalign trays can also close gaps between teeth. Gaps can cause food to get stuck between teeth, increase the risk of gum disease, and affect your smile. Invisalign can help move your teeth closer together and close the gaps between permanent teeth, leading to improved oral health and a more confident smile.
Overbites
If your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth, this is called an overbite. An overbite can cause issues with speaking, eating, and jaw pain. Invisalign can correct this issue by gradually shifting your teeth into proper alignment, improving your bite, and reducing discomfort, like from metal braces.
Underbites
An underbite can lead to issues with chewing, speech, and jaw pain. Invisalign trays can correct this issue by gradually shifting your teeth into proper alignment, improving your bite, and reducing discomfort.
Crossbites
CrossbitesIf some upper teeth bite inside your lower teeth, this is called a crossbite. A crossbite can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, and even make your face look asymmetrical. Invisalign can fix this issue by gradually shifting your teeth into proper alignment, improving your bite, and reducing discomfort.
Who Doesn’t Qualify for Invisalign?
While Invisalign can be a great option for many people, it’s not always the best choice. Invisalign may not be right for you if:
- Severe Orthodontic Issues: If you have severe orthodontic issues, such as a very large overbite or underbite, traditional braces may be a better option. Invisalign will not correct severe orthodontic problems that require mouth surgery.
- Young Children: Invisalign is generally not recommended for young children whose teeth are still developing. However, teenagers with all of their adult teeth may qualify for Invisalign Teen.
- Complex Dental Issues: If you have complex dental issues, such as missing teeth, Invisalign may not be the right treatment.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Invisalign requires good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing after every meal. If you struggle with these habits, Invisalign may not be the best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
To achieve the best results, it’s recommended that you wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day. Remove them when eating, brushing your teeth, and flossing. Outside of those situations, wear them consistently as directed by your dentist to ensure that your treatment progresses as planned. Good oral hygiene is essential during Invisalign treatment to prevent infections and maintain overall oral health.
Invisalign aligners may affect your speech for the first few days of treatment. You may notice a slight lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words. However, most people adjust to wearing the aligners fairly quickly and don’t experience any speech issues after the initial adjustment period. Smokers may need to stop smoking during Invisalign treatment to avoid staining the aligners. If you do experience persistent speech issues, be sure to talk to your dentist.
Yes, you can choose Invisalign over traditional braces depending on your orthodontic needs. Invisalign offers nearly invisible alignment, comfort, removability for eating and oral hygiene, and reduced office visits. Invisalign treatments require fewer appointments compared to traditional metal braces, making it a convenient option for many patients. However, for complex orthodontic cases, such as severely crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, traditional braces might be more effective.
Achieve Straight Teeth Through the Invisalign Process in Kirkland
Invisalign treatment can transform your smile and improve your quality of life. If you think you may be a candidate, contact our Invisalign provider today at (425) 284-0515 to schedule an Invisalign consultation. Our Kirkland dental team is dedicated to helping you achieve the perfect smile of your dreams, and we are here to answer any questions you may have about Invisalign candidacy and treatment.
Take the first step towards a brighter, more beautiful smile, and get Invisalign today! We welcome patients from Bothell, Bellevue, Redmond, and surrounding neighborhoods.