About Invisalign

What Is Invisalign?

Comfort Dental Braces is pleased to offer Invisalign, a system that can straighten teeth without anybody noticing. It’s a cutting-edge innovation that employs transparent, removable plastic aligners designed to your specifications to gradually and effectively move your teeth into alignment. The aligners are custom-made to fit the patient and are worn for a week at a time per Dr. Clawson’s recommendations.

Invisalign is effective because it progressively shifts teeth into place over a period of months. The aligners exert gentle pressure on the teeth, gradually shifting them into place. Patients are advised to wear their aligners for at least 20-22 hours each day, removing them only for meals and liquids other than water, as well as brushing and flossing. In contrast to traditional braces, however, less time and fewer office visits are necessary for this treatment.

We provide a free consultation to review your needs and determine if Invisalign in Lakewood or Federal Way, WA, is right for you.

About Spark Aligners

Spark Clear Aligners are crafted using TruGEN™ material, a premium quality plastic that is BPA-free and latex-free. Each patient’s aligners are manufactured specifically for them to provide a snug and comfortable fit as treatment progresses. The aligners are nearly undetectable, thus reducing their conspicuousness compared to conventional metal braces. This means you may confidently display your new smile in public without anybody recognizing your treatment.

The Spark Clear Aligners process is similar to that of Invisalign. These aligners have a relatively short treatment period of around six months on average, making them a more attractive option than traditional orthodontic processes. Spark Clear Aligners may be taken out as necessary, including when you eat, drink, brush your teeth, or floss. This makes maintaining your overall dental hygiene easier throughout treatment.

Clear Aligners vs. Braces

Braces and clear aligners are both incredibly different in appearance and function, but they both serve the same purpose–aligning the teeth and jaw. With clear aligners, patients have the option of removability, which allows them more freedom, like enjoying their favorite foods and brushing and flossing as usual. They also have to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day, which can be a benefit for some and a difficulty for others. Plus, they’re clear, which many adults and teens love, so they can be discreet about their treatment.

Braces, on the other hand, are worn at all times but can use clear or ceramic brackets, which make them appear less visible. The great thing about braces is that they are great for more severe cases of misalignments, whereas clear aligners may not be best for these conditions.

Overall, braces and aligners are both effective at treating misalignments, and determining which one is right for you can be determined by a professional. Contact us today to request a free consultation with Dr. Clawson.

Invisalign For Kids

What Is Invisalign First?

Invisalign is a set of transparent, removable aligners that are created using 3D imaging technology to map out your teeth’s precise motions. Each pair of aligners in the treatment plan will gradually shift your teeth into place until they have reached the final destination. Phase 1 treatment involves the use of orthodontic appliances to guide the growth of a patient’s jaw and support the erupting adult teeth. For children and young adults who need a more in-depth orthodontic treatment plan for optimal jaw and teeth alignment, phase 1 is the first stage of a two-phase treatment plan.

Dr. Clawson is an excellent Invisalign provider in Lakewood and Federal Way, WA. Get in touch with us right away to set up a free consultation if you’re considering Invisalign for kids.

When Should My Child See An Orthodontist?

The first visit to the orthodontist should never be stressful for you and your child. That’s why Comfort Dental Braces should be your first stop when looking for a reliable orthodontist in Lakewood and Federal Way, WA. Our orthodontists have years of practice working with kids of different ages, and they focus on giving each patient comfortable and personalized attention.

We advise parents to bring their children in to see Dr. Clawson no later than the age of seven when permanent teeth typically begin to appear. Dr. Clawson may evaluate bite alignment, jaw development, and other irregularities during this time since most children have a mixture of baby teeth and permanent teeth. Bringing your child in at this age, even if their teeth appear straight, can help us catch any misalignments before they become more challenging and costly to fix later. Taking kids to the dentist as early as possible can have positive effects on their long-term oral health. Call us right away if you’re looking for an orthodontist in Lakewood or Federal Way, WA, for your child.

Invisalign For Teens

What Makes Invisalign For Teens Different?

There are a few key ways in which Invisalign Teen stands out from other versions of the treatment. One of the most significant differences is the compliance indicators. This is a little blue dot at the appliance’s rear that fades with time. This can help both adults and teenagers keep track of how often they’re wearing their aligners. Wearing Invisalign Teen for at least 20–22 hours daily is recommended for maximum effectiveness. If following these instructions, you should find that the compliance indicator will have faded significantly or is no longer there.

The eruption tabs are another special feature of Invisalign Teen. There is space for the permanent teeth to erupt behind the aligner, thanks to these tiny plastic tabs. Your orthodontist can add a tab to the back of the aligners to provide room for a new adult tooth (usually a molar or canine).

Replacement aligners are often included with Invisalign Teen in case you misplace or break any aligners along the way. Teens with active schedules may benefit from this as they may require an extra aligner or two to complete their treatment.

These additions are intended to help with your teen’s maintenance and compliance. Because of innovations like these, Invisalign Teen is a fantastic choice for teenagers who want to correct the alignment of their teeth and smile. Contact Comfort Dental Braces today to discover whether your teenager is a candidate for Invisalign Teen in Lakewood and Federal Way, WA.

Top Things Parents Need To Know About Invisalign For Teens

Invisalign Teen Is As Effective as Braces

As a parent, you want your investment in your teen’s care to be worth it, and it may be a concern that Invisalign isn’t as effective. Allow us to reassure you that Invisalign has been shown to be as effective as braces. We will take great care in ensuring during your consultation that your teen is the proper candidate for braces.

Invisalign Teen Has Practical Advantages

Invisalign has its advantages for teens with busy lifestyles. Firstly, it’s removable so that your child can still play sports without putting their teeth or appliance at risk. They can also remove them to eat, so you won’t have to worry about anything getting stuck in their braces or breaking a bracket. This also means they can still enjoy their favorite foods.

They Can Boost Confidence

Since Invisalign is clear and blends in so well with the patient’s teeth, this can be a huge benefit for teens who may be self-conscious about wearing braces. Your teen may already be insecure about the appearance of their teeth, and wearing braces could draw more attention to that. By investing in Invisalign, your teen can feel confident in their aligners.

You’ll Spend Less Time at the Orthodontist

Braces require regular visits for adjustments and tightening to continue to progress in the treatment. Invisalign, however, does not require any tightening. With Invisalign, Dr. Clawson will design aligners for each phase in the treatment plan. So all you have to do is change out the aligners for the next pair in the treatment–no appointment necessary.

They Must Wear the Aligners 22 Hours Each Day

Invisalign is only as effective as long as the patient follows the treatment plan. This means wearing them for 22 hours a day and changing to the next set every two weeks. With the compliance indicators on the back of the aligners, you can check to ensure your teen is following their treatment plan and wearing their aligners accordingly.

Invisalign For Adults

Benefits Of Getting Invisalign As An Adult

Adult patients seeking an alternative to conventional braces may wish to explore the option of Invisalign treatment in Lakewood and Federal Way, WA. This innovative orthodontic treatment presents a favorable alternative for adult patients due to its numerous advantages:

    • Discreet – One of the primary benefits of Invisalign is its inconspicuousness. The transparent aligners are designed to be discreet, providing patients with the confidence to smile without reservation, as their orthodontic treatment is virtually unnoticeable to others.
    • Comfort – Invisalign employs soft plastic aligners in lieu of metal braces to promote tooth movement, resulting in reduced irritation and discomfort compared to conventional brackets and wires.
    • Ease of Maintenance – When it’s time to clean or floss your teeth, Invisalign aligners can be taken out. It is imperative to uphold optimal oral hygiene and ensure the ongoing care of healthy teeth during the course of treatment.
    • Shorter Treatment Time – An additional benefit of Invisalign is its relatively shorter duration of treatment in comparison to conventional braces. The typical duration for completion of treatment for adult patients ranges from 6-12 months, based on the level of severity of the case.

If you are an adult looking for a discreet and comfortable alternative to conventional braces, Invisalign may be the ideal solution for you. Comfort Dental Braces offers Invisalign for adults in Lakewood and Federal Way, WA, seeking to achieve a more aligned smile. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us to arrange a free consultation and determine if Invisalign is a suitable option for your needs.

How Do I Know If Invisalign Is Right For Me?

Determining the suitability of Invisalign for your oral health involves assessing whether you desire an enhanced and self-assured smile. If your teeth are strong from the inside out, Invisalign may be an ideal option for you. If you have more significant dental health concerns, such as malocclusions or overcrowding, the best way to find out if Invisalign is correct for you is to request a free consultation with Dr. Clawson.

Our skilled team will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your teeth utilizing our state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology. If we determine that Invisalign in Lakewood and Federal Way, WA, is the best option for you, we’ll develop a thorough treatment plan that’s customized to your requirements and guarantees your smile looks its best in the least period of time. Using those same scans, we’ll then design and fabricate your aligners so that they fit correctly and comfortably during treatment.

After that, it will be your responsibility to wear your Invisalign for at least 20 to 22 hours each day, making sure to maintain their condition with regular cleaning and safekeeping when you’re not wearing them. The treatment will be completed before you realize it, with just the occasional checkup with Dr. Clawson to discuss your upcoming set of aligners! If all of this appeals to you and fits into your hectic schedule, then it’s time to contact our professionals at Comfort Dental Braces for Invisalign treatment for adults in Lakewood and Federal Way, WA.

Invisalign FAQ

When it comes to straightening teeth, Invisalign treatment is revolutionary. At Comfort Dental Braces, we use cutting-edge technology and innovative techniques to straighten your teeth and correct bite issues of all levels of severity with minimal disruption to your daily routine. Numerous tooth issues can be corrected with Invisalign in Lakewood and Federal Way, Washington.

    • Overcrowding – Overcrowding of the teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss effectively, increasing the risk of gum disease.
    • Overbite – An untreated overbite can lead to tooth enamel degradation, jaw discomfort, and gum tissue damage.
    • Underbite – An underbite can throw the proportions of your face off and make eating and talking a challenge.
    • Crossbite – A crossbite can lead to tooth attrition, receding gums, and even bone loss.
    • Gaps – Invisalign can help you get a beautiful, natural smile if you’re self-conscious about gaps in your teeth by pushing them closer together and closing the gaps.

It’s important to remember that not everyone can benefit from Invisalign. Cases with severe misalignment that are particularly challenging may require a combination of treatments. To find out if Invisalign is best for you, contact our team for a free consultation.

Invisalign aligners call for very little upkeep and are effortless to maintain. It is recommended to use a gentle toothbrush and mild cleaner or hydrogen peroxide to clean your aligners once a day before reinserting them into your mouth. It is recommended to store the trays in their designated case when not in use to avoid misplacement or damage. Should you require any assistance regarding the maintenance of your aligners or in case of loss or damage, please feel free to reach out to us. Our team will be pleased to provide you with the necessary support.

Regular visits to your dentist are crucial during the Invisalign treatment process. To check in on your teeth’s development and make sure you’re sticking to the treatment plan, we advise having a checkup every six months. This will prevent any decay or other issues while you’re undergoing treatment, as your teeth may be more vulnerable during this time.

The recommended wear time for Invisalign is 20 to 22 hours every day. If patients don’t wear their aligners as directed, they risk experiencing setbacks in their treatment. Fortunately, there are strategies to make it less challenging to hit the 22-hour milestone.

Start by scheduling regular times to remove your aligners; for instance, 30 minutes during each meal will still allow you to remove them to brush and floss. To keep track of how long you’ve been wearing your aligners and when it’s safe to remove them, you may want to set reminders or use an app. When it’s time for another set of trays, put them on before going to bed to reduce pain. Since you will be sleeping, your teeth will begin to adjust, and you’ll experience less discomfort.