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?

dentist showing their patient their X-raysAn 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.

woman holding her Invisalign clear aligner

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.

malocclusion chartCrossbites

If 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

Invisalign can correct mild to moderate jaw alignment issues, such as minor underbites or overbites, by shifting teeth and sometimes influencing jaw positioning over 12 to 24 months. Severe jaw misalignments may require surgery or additional orthodontic appliances alongside Invisalign for full correction.

Yes, pregnant women can generally get Invisalign, as it’s non-invasive and doesn’t involve medications that could affect pregnancy, but hormonal changes may impact gum health or treatment progress. Consult your obstetrician and a Kirkland dentist to ensure it’s safe, especially if dental X-rays or impressions are needed.

Invisalign results typically become noticeable within 3 to 6 months, with minor gaps or crowding showing improvement first, though full results may take 12 to 24 months. Progress depends on case complexity, aligner wear compliance (22 hours a day), and regular tray changes. Consistent wear accelerates visible improvements to your smile.

Invisalign may cause a slight, temporary speech change, such as a lisp, for some patients during the first 1 to 2 weeks as they adjust to wearing aligners. Most people adapt quickly with practice, and speech typically returns to normal. Practicing speaking or reading aloud can help.

Invisalign may not be suitable for patients with severe malocclusions, significant jaw misalignments requiring surgery, or conditions like advanced gum disease or unrestored dental issues. Those unable to wear aligners 20 to 22 hours daily due to lifestyle or discipline constraints may also be poor candidates. Children with mostly baby teeth or patients needing complex tooth rotations require alternatives.

Invisalign is ideal for teens and adults with mild to moderate dental issues like gaps, crowding, overbites, underbites, or crossbites who prefer a discreet, removable treatment. It suits those committed to wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours daily and maintaining good oral hygiene. Candidates should also have healthy teeth and gums.

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.

keyboard_arrow_up
Skip to content