Experience the Future of Orthodontics with Invisalign
A confident smile is like sunshine—it warms you up, brightens your day, and lights up the room for everyone around you. At Pacific Northwest Orthodontics, we understand the impact of a confident smile and are dedicated to helping you achieve just that using modern techniques and appliances.
Led by the highly experienced Dr. Bobby Virk and Dr. Basma Tamasas, our practice offers top-quality Invisalign in Tacoma, Federal Way, & South Center. With our commitment to using the latest technology and providing personalized care, you can trust us to help you attain the smile you’ve always wanted.
Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them an excellent choice for those who want a more discreet option. These aligners are custom-made from medical-grade plastic, designed to fit comfortably over your teeth and gradually move them into their correct positions.
Each set of aligners is created using advanced 3D imaging technology, which ensures a precise fit and optimal results. Patients will wear each set for about two weeks before switching to the next. Throughout the treatment, the aligners work continuously to correct various dental issues such as overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and gaps between teeth.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Initial Consultation
The process begins with a free consultation at Pacific Northwest Orthodontics, where we determine if Invisalign is the right solution for you. Using advanced 3D imaging technology, we create a detailed model of your teeth to design a series of custom aligners.
Wearing Your Aligners
Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks, gradually shifting your teeth into their desired positions. It’s essential to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day to ensure optimal results. You can remove them while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, allowing you to maintain your regular routine without any major adjustments.
Gradual Teeth Movement
The aligners are designed to apply precise pressure to specific teeth, moving them incrementally. This method reduces discomfort while ensuring effective treatment. Regular follow-up appointments, typically every four to six weeks, allow us to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Comprehensive Care
At Pacific Northwest Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive care throughout your Invisalign treatment. Dr. Bobby Virk and Dr. Basma Tamasas leverage their extensive experience to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome. With our support, you can look forward to a beautiful, confident smile.
Retention Phase
Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, maintaining your new smile is crucial. The retention phase involves wearing retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions. At Pacific Northwest Orthodontics, we offer a variety of retainer options, including:
Hawley Retainers: These are traditional retainers made of a combination of metal wires and acrylic. They are adjustable and durable.
Essix Retainers: These clear retainers are similar in appearance to Invisalign aligners and are made from a thin, transparent plastic that fits snugly over your teeth.
Fixed Retainers: Also known as bonded retainers, these are thin wires attached to the back of your teeth. They provide permanent retention without the need for removal.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers numerous advantages over traditional braces, making it a popular choice for those seeking a discreet and comfortable orthodontic treatment. Here are some of the key benefits of choosing Invisalign:
Virtually Invisible
Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic, making them nearly invisible when worn. This allows you to straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your orthodontic treatment. You can smile confidently throughout your treatment, knowing that most people won’t even notice you’re wearing aligners.
Removable
One of the most significant benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. You can take them out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This means you can enjoy your favorite foods without any restrictions and maintain excellent oral hygiene with ease.
Comfortable
Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. They are made from smooth, medical-grade plastic, which is gentle on your gums and cheeks. Unlike traditional braces, there are no metal brackets or wires to cause irritation or discomfort.
Fewer Office Visits
With Invisalign, you typically need fewer office visits compared to traditional braces. Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled every four to six weeks to monitor your progress and provide you with the next sets of aligners. This makes Invisalign a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
Predictable Results
Invisalign treatment uses advanced 3D imaging technology to create a customized treatment plan. This technology allows you to see a virtual representation of your teeth at the end of treatment before you even start. This precise planning ensures predictable and effective results.
Improved Oral Health
Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you can maintain better oral hygiene compared to traditional braces. You can brush and floss your teeth without any obstructions, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease during your orthodontic treatment.
Effective for a Variety of Dental Issues
Invisalign can effectively treat a wide range of dental problems, including overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, gaps between teeth, and crooked teeth. It provides a versatile solution for many orthodontic issues, ensuring you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Comfortable Adjustment Period
Invisalign aligners gently move your teeth into their correct positions using precise, controlled forces. Each set of aligners is designed to make gradual adjustments, which minimizes discomfort during the treatment process. You may feel some pressure when you switch to a new set of aligners, but this typically subsides quickly.
Boosts Confidence
Knowing that your orthodontic treatment is discreet and comfortable can significantly boost your confidence. Invisalign allows you to maintain your professional appearance and engage in social activities without feeling self-conscious about your orthodontic treatment.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is an effective treatment option for many people, but it’s important to determine if it’s the right choice for your specific dental needs. Here are the criteria that make someone a good candidate for Invisalign:
Eligibility Criteria
Mild to Moderate Dental Issues: Invisalign is best suited for individuals with mild to moderate dental problems such as overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and gaps between teeth.
Good Oral Health: Candidates should have healthy gums and teeth. Severe dental issues like untreated cavities, gum disease, or other significant oral health problems need to be addressed before starting Invisalign treatment.
Commitment to Treatment: Successful Invisalign treatment requires wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours a day and following the prescribed schedule for switching to new aligners. Those who can commit to these requirements are ideal candidates.
Adults and Teens: Both adults and teens can benefit from Invisalign. For teenagers, Invisalign Teen includes special features to ensure compliance and accommodate growing teeth.
Conditions That May Affect Eligibility
Severe Dental Misalignment: Extremely complex cases may not be suitable for Invisalign and might require traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments.
Dental Implants and Bridges: Patients with dental implants or bridges may face limitations, as these cannot be moved and might interfere with aligner treatment.
Small Teeth or Missing Teeth: Smaller than average teeth or significant gaps due to missing teeth can affect the fit and effectiveness of Invisalign aligners.
Alternative Treatments
If Invisalign isn’t the best option for you, don’t worry. There are alternative treatments available. Traditional braces, ceramic braces, or other orthodontic appliances might be more suitable, depending on your specific condition. During your consultation, Dr. Virk and Dr. Tamasas will evaluate your teeth and recommend the best course of action to achieve your desired results.
Free Consultation
The first step to determining if Invisalign is right for you is to schedule a free consultation at Pacific Northwest Orthodontics. During this appointment, our team will assess your dental health, discuss your treatment goals, and help you understand all your options.
Invisalign Teen
Being a teenager comes with its own set of challenges, and wearing metal braces can sometimes add to those challenges. Invisalign Teen offers a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces, allowing teens to straighten their teeth without feeling self-conscious. The clear aligners are virtually invisible, making it easier for teens to maintain their confidence while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Special Features of Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen includes unique features specifically designed to meet the needs of teenagers:
Compliance Indicators: Each set of aligners comes with a small blue dot that fades over time when worn as directed. This helps parents and orthodontists monitor whether the aligners are being worn consistently.
Replacement Aligners: Recognizing that teenagers may occasionally lose or damage their aligners, Invisalign Teen provides up to six replacement aligners at no extra cost.
Eruption Tabs: These are designed to accommodate the growth of second molars, ensuring that the treatment progresses smoothly even as the teeth develop.
Expected Results and Timeline
With consistent use, Invisalign Teen can produce noticeable results in just a few weeks. The entire treatment typically lasts between 12 and 18 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the commitment to wearing the aligners as instructed.
Cost of Invisalign
The cost of Invisalign treatment can vary based on several factors:
Severity of Misalignment
The complexity of your dental issues plays a significant role in determining the cost. More severe misalignments may require a longer treatment duration and additional aligners, which can increase the overall cost.
Treatment Duration
The length of your treatment impacts the number of aligners needed. Shorter treatments for minor adjustments typically cost less than more extended treatments for complex cases.
Additional Treatments: In some cases, additional dental procedures may be necessary to achieve optimal results, which can affect the overall cost of your Invisalign treatment.
Average Cost Range
At Pacific Northwest Orthodontics, the average cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $3,000 to $8,000. This range is similar for both teens and adults. During your free consultation, we will provide a personalized cost estimate based on your specific treatment needs.
Insurance Coverage
Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of Invisalign treatment. We accept a wide range of dental insurance providers and are happy to process your claims on your behalf. Contact your insurance provider to determine the extent of your coverage. Our team can assist you in understanding your benefits and maximizing your coverage.
Flexible Payment Options
We understand that orthodontic treatment is an investment, and we strive to make it affordable for everyone. At Pacific Northwest Orthodontics, we offer several flexible payment options to fit your budget for Invisalign in Tacoma, Federal Way, & South Center:
0% Down Payment: Start your treatment without a large initial payment.
Low Monthly Payments: Plans can be as low as $89 per month, making it easier to manage the cost over time.
Free Invisalign Consultation: Take advantage of a complimentary consultation with our top 1% Invisalign providers to discuss your treatment options and costs.
Special Offers: Receive $500 off Invisalign when you commit to treatment during your free consultation.
Payment Arrangements: We can coordinate payments with your flex plan needs.
Major Credit Cards Accepted: For your convenience, we accept most major credit cards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
To clean your Invisalign aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water and use a soft toothbrush to gently brush them. You can also use Invisalign cleaning crystals or a mild, clear antibacterial soap. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic, and steer clear of colored or scented soaps that might leave residue or discolor the aligners.
Can I smoke while wearing Invisalign aligners?
It is not recommended to smoke while wearing Invisalign aligners. Smoking can discolor the aligners and reduce their transparency, making them more noticeable. Additionally, tobacco can leave a residue on the aligners and negatively affect your oral hygiene.
Will wearing Invisalign affect my speech?
You might experience a slight lisp or change in speech when you first start wearing Invisalign aligners. This is usually temporary and will improve as you get used to having the aligners in your mouth. Most patients adjust within a few days.
What happens if I lose or damage an aligner?
If you lose or damage an aligner, contact Pacific Northwest Orthodontics as soon as possible. Depending on your treatment stage, you may be advised to move on to the next set of aligners or temporarily revert to the previous set. We can also order a replacement aligner if necessary.
Can I use Invisalign if I have had braces before?
Yes, many patients who have had braces in the past use Invisalign to correct any shifting that has occurred over time. Invisalign is a great option for those looking to make minor adjustments or who prefer a more discreet method of treatment.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
Most patients experience only mild discomfort when they start wearing a new set of aligners. This is typically described as a feeling of pressure, which is a sign that the aligners are working to move your teeth. Any discomfort usually subsides within a few days.
Visit Our Offices in Tacoma, Federal Way, and Tukwila to Get Started with Invisalign® Treatment Today!
You will learn more about what goes into designing an amazing Invisalign® smile by visiting with Dr. Virk during your complimentary Smile Analysis. If you choose our Design My Smile consultation, you may even take part in this detailed planning process.
You will have the opportunity to review your proposed treatment with the team at Pacific Northwest Orthodontics prior to initiating the aligner manufacturing process. Our team is dedicated to making the process enjoyable and engaging as you participate in creating your beautiful new smile.