Invisalign in Tacoma, WA
For a lifetime of straight teeth and a beautiful smile, choose Invisalign® at Pacific Northwest Orthodontics and get one of the most advanced and convenient treatments on the market at a price you can afford. Dr. Bobby Virk is one of the top orthodontists in the country.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a set of invisible aligners the patient wears over their teeth to gradually shift them in order to fix dental problems such as overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, crookedness, and gaps between teeth.
Made out of multiple layers of medical-grade plastics, Invisalign® aligners are manufactured using 3D technology to craft sets just for you and your teeth. They are durable and comfortable with rounded edges so as not to harm tissues in your mouth. More than 8 million patients around the world have new smiles because of Invisalign®.
The aligners are not only virtually invisible to those around you, but they are also removable so you can still eat whatever you want, play sports, and just about anything else without interference with your daily routine.
Patients wear each set of aligners for at least 22 hours a day and switch to a new set every two weeks, going through between 18 to 30 different sets until treatment is complete.
Your Local Invisalign® Provider in Tacoma: How Does It Work?
The first step is a free consultation with your orthodontist to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign® treatment. Not everyone is a good candidate. Those who have smaller than normal teeth, dental implants, bridges, or other major dental problems may not qualify. Your course of treatment is determined by you and the orthodontist, who will present alternative options such as braces, so don’t worry if Invisalign® isn’t right for you.
If you are a good candidate, the orthodontist will make a 3D model of your teeth to create a custom set of aligners. The model is also perfect for calculating the movement of each tooth and how your teeth should look after treatment ends.
Each set of aligners gradually shift your teeth into position with little discomfort. You may feel some pressure because the aligners are placing just enough pressure on your teeth to move them into proper alignment. If you feel pressure, you know your aligners are working.
Again, you must wear your aligners for 22 hours a day and switch them out for the new set every two weeks. Remove your aligners whenever you eat and feel free to eat what you want since there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign®.
Please remove your aligners before you play sports and wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. Use these times to clean your aligners when possible and brush your teeth as soon as you can after eating to prevent food particles and plaque buildup on the inside and outside of them.
Be sure to keep up with follow-up visits to your orthodontist, which should occur every 8-10 weeks to evaluate your progress and make changes to your treatment if necessary.
How Long Does Invisalign® Take?
Invisalign® treatment can take up to 18 months to complete. Length of treatment can be shorter or longer depending on the condition of your teeth. You could see results in a matter of weeks, but failure to responsibly wear your aligners for 22 hours a day and switch them for the next set as scheduled could cause delays in treatment.
Invisalign Teen® features a blue dot that fades if you are wearing your aligners enough. This helps parents keep track of their child’s progress. Adults should be responsible enough to make sure they keep up with their own treatment.
Those who have a strong commitment to their treatment are most likely to finish treatment on time or earlier.
What is the Cost of Invisalign® in Tacoma, WA?
The average cost of Invisalign® treatment runs between $3,000 and $8,000 depending on what kind of treatment you need. The cost is roughly the same for teens and adults. Dental insurance can cover part or all of the cost of Invisalign®. Contact your insurance provider to ask about your coverage. Most orthodontists also offer affordable payment plans to accommodate just about any budget, reducing the pressure and stress you may be feeling if in a financial crunch. Ask us about payment plans and financing options.
Invisalign® vs. Traditional Braces
Knowing about the key differences between clear aligners and traditional braces can help you make a decision about which treatment is right for you.
While clear aligners can be removed at any time, braces are bonded to the teeth and will stay put until treatment is over. Braces are also visible to others whenever you smile or open your mouth, whereas clear aligners are virtually invisible. Even your own friends may not notice that you are wearing them.
Braces are harder to clean because they are in your mouth at all times. Clear aligners are easy to clean because you remove them to do so. Unlike clear aligners, you will have to abide by dietary restrictions while wearing braces. You may experience more discomfort while wearing braces.
The cost of Invisalign® and braces is about the same, so no worries there.
Since you cannot remove braces, you will never forget to wear them. If you don’t wear your removable aligners every day, the result will be delays in treatment. If using clear aligners is not working out, you can easily make the switch to braces.
Only you and your orthodontist can decide which treatment is best for you.
Dr. Virk is Your Tacoma Invisalign Diamond Plus Provider
Consider Invisalign® treatment to get the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted — without braces. A complimentary consultation with Dr. Bobby Virk at our Tacoma orthodontic office can determine if Invisalign® is right for you.
As a specialist in orthodontics, Dr. Virk has the most up-to-date information and specialized treatment planning capabilities. He has been the top Invisalign® provider west of the Mississippi River for the past four years!
Expert Invisalign® Treatment in Tacoma, Federal Way, and Tukwila: Why Choose Dr. Virk?
Over his 35 years of experience in comprehensive dentistry and orthodontics, with two residencies beyond dental school including specialty training in orthodontics, and faculty experience, Dr. Virk has given numerous lectures on the subject of smile aesthetics. He has successfully completed several board-certification processes and is committed to recertification. He has helped other doctors understand these important principles. You can benefit from this experience!
Pacific Northwest Orthodontics has the experience and skill to fix your teeth using the most up-to-date techniques and technology available. We strive to make our patients feel as comfortable as possible and will answer any questions you may have about your treatment.
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 will work very hard to help you have fun learning about and taking part in the creation of your valuable new smile.
Get started by scheduling your appointment with our Tacoma orthodontist, Dr. Virk. Call our office at 253-472-7788 or visit our website today!
