
Apr
There is a clear alternative to braces that may also be a clear “winner” when reclaiming your smile’s health and beauty. Eckland Family Dental of Everett and Redmond, Washington, uses a series of see-through, removable aligners to reposition your teeth. Collectively, this treatment is known as Invisalign®.
Yes, it does! First introduced in the late 1990s, Invisalign® is based on the same principles as traditional orthodontic treatment with braces. The aligners are each custom-fit. So they are secure against the teeth. They place consistent pressure on the teeth. This force moves the crowded, crooked, and otherwise unevenly spaced teeth into their proper and healthy placements. Braces, too, use consistent force to move the teeth into their healthiest positions. However, braces use fixed (non-removable) wires and brackets to move the teeth. Our patients can remove Invisalign® aligners. Our dentists do not need to adjust them regularly.
There are two big reasons: clear and removable. Braces have traditionally been made with dark- or silver-colored stainless steel. Invisalign® aligners are made from a flexible and advanced thermoplastic that also happens to be transparent. So, it is a discreet alternative to braces. Braces are also fixed permanently to the teeth and can only be removed or adjusted by a dental professional or specialist. Invisalign® aligners are designed to slip easily in and out of the mouth. So, it is a comfortable alternative to fixed metal braces.
Technically, yes — but only for short periods. Compliance from patients is crucial to the success of aligners, particularly with Invisalign®. If you do not wear the aligners long enough each day, your progress and treatment results can be delayed. We generally advise patients to remove their aligners only before eating meals and brushing and flossing their teeth. You should also remove your aligners to clean them regularly. We recommend good cleaning techniques and products to keep your aligners in shape. In all, the recommended daily wear time is 20 to 22 hours.
It can be! Of course, this depends on your unique needs and characteristics. Each aligner is worn for one to two weeks (s) at a time. Then, you begin to wear the next aligner in your treatment series. The aligners are all marked, so don’t worry about wearing them incorrectly or in the wrong sequence.
The number of required aligners directly affects the length of the treatment time; the more aligners needed, the longer the treatment will take. Also, the need for more aligners generally corresponds with more extensive misalignment or bite imbalances (such as severe overbite or underbite). The average treatment is around twelve to eighteen months. However, some patients get great results in as little as six months. Again, it all depends on your needs.
To find out more, schedule your Invisalign® consultation at Eckland Family Dental. Our teams in Everett and Redmond, WA, can be reached at (425) 249-3830 and (425) 448-6339, respectively, today.
Eckland Family Dental, led by the accomplished team of Dr. Kale Eckland, Dr. Alina Tran, and Dr. Lauren Ma, is a trusted provider of comprehensive dental care in Everett, Redmond, and surrounding communities. With specialized training and extensive expertise in various areas of dentistry, the team is committed to delivering personalized, high-quality dental solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.
Their patient-centered approach prioritizes both oral health and aesthetic outcomes, helping patients maintain radiant smiles. Eckland Family Dental combines state-of-the-art technology, advanced techniques, and a compassionate touch to ensure every patient experience is comfortable and rewarding, and they are dedicated to fostering lifelong oral health and earning the trust of families in the community through exceptional care and service.
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