Invisalign utilizes a series of nearly transparent aligner trays made of patented SmartTrack® material. SmartTrack is strong enough to move your teeth into their proper place while being comfortable enough to wear for the minimum 20 hours per day necessary for effective treatment. You’ll only remove your trays to eat, drink something other than plain water, and clean your teeth.
Your custom-made Invisalign clear aligners will serve as a guide for your teeth to follow. Depending on your treatment plan, you’ll wear each tray in the series for about two weeks each. With each new set of aligners you wear, your teeth will gradually shift into place until your treatment is complete.
Why is Orthodontic Treatment Important?
Misaligned teeth may lower your self-esteem and make it harder to smile, but the health risks are the most pressing concern. Dental misalignment increases your chances of:
With Invisalign treatment, you can help prevent these issues by straightening your teeth.
What Makes Invisalign Clear Aligners Different?
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners are:
- Removable: You can remove your Invisalign clear aligners for easy cleaning and to eat and drink what you like.
- Comfortable: Invisalign doesn’t use uncomfortable metal brackets and wires that can poke and irritate your mouth.
- Clear: Invisalign clear aligners are almost totally transparent, making your orthodontic treatment unnoticeable.
- Quick: Average treatment with Invisalign is one year, or half the time of traditional metal braces.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
Beginning the Invisalign treatment takes place over two or three appointments at our Lake Oswego office. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Consultation
Before you start treatment with Invisalign, you’ll undergo a consultation with Dr. Bowden. He’ll examine your mouth, evaluate your oral health, and discuss your dental goals with you. Dr. Bowden will be sure to inform you of all of your available options and help you choose the method of orthodontic treatment that’s best for you.
Designing Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
Once Dr. Bowden has determined you’re a candidate for Invisalign, we’ll take images and impressions of your mouth that will serve as the blueprints for your aligner trays.
Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
Your trays will be fabricated off-site at a special lab. You’ll return to our Lake Oswego office to have your first set of Invisalign clear aligners installed once we receive them.
Your Custom Invisalign Clear Aligners
Your Invisalign clear aligners will easily snap onto your teeth, requiring no anesthetic. Dr. Bowden will make sure they fit properly before giving you the rest of your aligner trays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign: Discreet, Comfortable Treatment & Healthy Smiles
Straight teeth don’t just help you look and feel your best. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, less prone to disease, and better for your overall health. With Invisalign, your orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to be unattractive or uncomfortable. We welcome new and returning patients from Lake Oswego and surrounding areas such as Portland, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Beaverton, Tigard, and Sherwood, OR.
To learn more about how Invisalign can discreetly straighten your smile more comfortably than traditional metal braces, call our office in Lake Oswego by dialing (503) 675-7300. You can also fill out our appointment request form and a team member will get back to you shortly. We look forward to shaping the smile you’ve always wanted with Invisalign.
