Clear Aligners
Invisalign® and SureSmile®aligners prove that effective orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to be difficult. These clear aligners have helped millions straighten their teeth and achieve better-looking smiles, and they can help you, too.
Invisalign® and SureSmile® Clear Aligners in Selah, WA
Invisalign® and SureSmile® aligners are effective and discreet orthodontic treatment options, worn comfortably over your teeth to continuously adjust alignment and spacing.
Invisalign® and SureSmile® clear aligners are custom-made using models of your current teeth and the end result you hope to achieve. With Invisalign® or SureSmile®, you will switch to new aligners about every two weeks. Each new set of aligners shifts your teeth slightly and continues until you have achieved your final results, which usually take about two years.
You remove the Invisalign® and SureSmile® clear aligners for eating, drinking, and cleaning only. At first, they will feel very tight, but they will begin to loosen and feel more comfortable after a few days.
Caring for Your Teeth with Invisalign® or SureSmile®
Maintaining good oral hygiene is extra important while you have Invisalign® or SureSmile® to ensure food debris and bacteria don’t remain trapped against your teeth. Check out our recommended dental health products for those with Invisalign® or SureSmile®.
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How much does Invisalign® and SureSmile® cost?
The cost of this treatment is similar to the cost of metal braces. Costs can vary, depending on:
- Insurance coverage. Most insurance plans cover Invisalign® and SureSmile® aligners the same way they cover metal braces. Insurance will rarely cover Invisalign® aligners for purely cosmetic reasons, but each case is different.
- Length/complexity of treatment. With both SureSmile® and Invisalign®, you get new clear aligners every couple of weeks, so the cost varies, depending on if your treatment requires more (or fewer) aligners.
If you have any financial questions, please contact our office, and we will be happy to discuss your insurance coverage or additional payment options available.
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How does the clear aligner process work?
To begin, we will take photographs of your teeth and face, dental impressions of your teeth, and X-rays. Those records are sent to a lab with detailed instructions on how we want the final result to appear.
The lab will scan the impressions to create a 3D model of the teeth and work with your dentist to get the mold to its exact proportions. This step is done before the treatment’s commencement to give you a clear image of the projected outcome.
Once final, the trays are made and mailed to your dentist’s office. Each set of aligners in the series has to be worn continuously for about two weeks and removed only when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You must visit your dentist every four to six weeks to ensure treatment progresses as planned. The treatment is complete once all the set of aligners in the series are worn. The standard treatment time, which depends on the case’s complexity, usually is six months to one year. However, it is suggested that you wear a retainer after treatment is complete to stop your teeth from relocating to their original positions. Similar to the braces, the length of time the retainers should be worn may vary.
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What are the advantages of clear aligners?
Most people are excellent candidates for clear aligners. However, clear aligners may not be a suitable choice for extensive orthodontic cases involving significant movement. Some may also choose fixed braces because there are no trays to lose.
Clear aligners are a great option for:
- Straightening your teeth without braces that others can see
- Eating foods that are “off-limits” with traditional braces
- Easily cleaning and brushing your teeth
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Who can use clear aligners?
Most teens and adult patients requiring mild to moderate orthodontic corrections can use clear aligners. This includes patients with teeth that are crooked and misaligned or teeth that feature noticeable spacing problems. Clear aligners can even help patients with minor bite issues—however, not all orthodontic issues can be treated with clear aligners. More extensive problems will require additional treatment.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about Invisalign®, SureSmile® or other orthodontic procedures, please contact our office, and we will be happy to discuss further.
