Enjoy Straighter Teeth in Less Time with Fewer Hassles using Invisalign Teeth Aligners

Years ago, people who wanted straighter teeth had to endure uncomfortable metal braces. Besides the discomfort, metal braces were also unsightly, and they sometimes eroded the self-confidence of the person who had them. 

Fortunately, advances in modern dentistry and orthodontics have expanded your options for straighter teeth. With Invisalign clear aligners, you can enjoy a gorgeous, straight smile without the hassle of metal braces. 

What Is Invisalign®? 

Invisalign® clear aligners were introduced in the late 1990s as a removable, transparent alternative to metal braces with brackets and wires. These aligners are transparent. Like metal braces, Invisalign® aligners use gentle, consistent force to straighten your teeth comfortably and discreetly. 

What Do Invisalign® Aligners Look Like? 

If you’ve ever seen an athlete’s mouthpiece, you probably know the shape of a clear aligner. However, Invisalign® clear aligners are ultra-thin and transparent. 

What Dental Issues Can Invisalign Fix? 

Primarily, Invisalign® was designed to correct minor crookedness and crowding of teeth. But since then, patients have been able to fix various conditions and bite concerns using the Invisalign® system.

Invisalign® can treat all of these conditions: 

• Underbite
• Overbite
• Gapped teeth
• Crossbite
• Crowding
• Openbite
• Unevenly-spaced teeth

Before & After Treatment Images

Will People Know I’m Using Invisalign®? 

Invisalign® aligners are made from smooth, transparent thermoplastic. When you smile, clear aligners are mostly invisible unless someone is up close to you. 

How Do I Clean Invisalign® Clear Aligners?

Like any oral appliance, Invisalign® aligners must be thoroughly cleaned daily. Keep in mind that there’s a difference between rinsing and cleaning. When you rinse your Invisalign® aligner, it will look slightly cleaner. However, a rinse won’t remove the unseen bacteria that naturally build up on your clear aligner. 

Follow these steps for cleaning your Invisalign® aligners before you go to bed:

1. Remove the Invisalign® aligner from your mouth
2. Rinse the Invisalign® aligner thoroughly with warm water
3. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to gently brush the aligner. Don’t use the same toothbrush you use for brushing your teeth
4. Using clear liquid soap, gently remove debris or food particles from your Invisalign® aligner
5. When you’ve finished brushing your aligner, rinse it again under warm running water
6. When you aren’t wearing your Invisalign® aligner, store it in its protective case

What Do I Use to Clean My Invisalign® Aligner? 

You can clean your Invisalign® aligner using soap and water every night before you go to bed. However, you can also buy cleaning crystals made by the Invisalign® company. If you go this route, dissolve the crystals in warm water and place your aligner in the container, allowing the aligner to soak. 

Invisalign Teeth Aligners Lake Oswego Oregon: What Are My Options? 

Dr. Brad Sievert and the team at Westlake Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, Oregon, can help you achieve your best smile. Give us a call today at (503) 386-4164 to schedule a consultation and explore your options for straighter, more beautiful teeth.