Invisalign® For AdultsCamas, WA

Conditions Treated By Invisalign®

Many of the orthodontic conditions adults face can be treated in as little as six months, depending on the complexity of the patient’s case. Each treatment comes with an individualized custom plan that is curated based on an initial examination, smile assessment, and 3D scanner that takes 6,000 images per second to produce the most accurate results. This allows patients to see what their new smile will look like by the end of treatment.

Invisalign® for adults encompasses treatment for a variety of conditions based on improvements in research, data, and intelligence from past patients. In most cases, patients seek Invisalign® treatment for conditions such as:

• Gaps between the teeth
• Open bites, overbites, overjets, and underbites
• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
• Overcrowding, causing tooth decay or gum disease
• Abnormal jaw pain, or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
• Desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile

Early v. Adult Invisalign® Treatment

Early orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign® First, focuses primarily on guiding the teeth to proper positioning in the early stages of development. During the development phase, orthodontists are able to detect early signs of decay, damage, and misalignment issues that often worsen with the emergence of permanent teeth. Orthodontic treatment for children with more primary teeth differs in that it is more preventative, but many young patients require another round of orthodontic treatment later in adulthood.

Adult orthodontic treatment focuses primarily on correcting teeth, gum, jaw, and bite issues that are fixated after the eruption of all permanent teeth. Most jaws are fully developed at the age of 18, the time around which wisdom teeth begin erupting. This can strain the surrounding teeth and bone, causing overcrowding, misalignment, and other issues. Adults may also need an extraction prior to Invisalign® treatment as structural changes require adequate space that may be unavailable in the patient’s mouth. However, regardless of past treatments and current status, adults can seek orthodontic treatment and achieve their desired results.

The Treatment Process

During the consultation, we will conduct a physical examination and smile assessment, which consists of taking X-rays using a 3D scanner. Upon completing the initial examination and smile assessment, Dr. Le and the patient should have a good understanding of the treatment plan. The patient will also see a 3D illustration of their current state as well as what their new smile will look like upon completion of their prescribed treatment.

The first set of aligners will be ready after two weeks, in which the patient will come in for a fitting to ensure the aligners are comfortable and fit properly in their mouth. Aligners are to be worn for 22 hours a day, only removed to eat, drink, brush, and floss. The patient’s teeth will gradually shift to their desired position with each new set. We schedule follow-ups every six to eight weeks to check the patient’s progress, ensure the treatment plan is going as intended, and hand them their new batch of aligners. During the follow-up appointments, we encourage patients to address any questions or concerns they have.

During and Post Treatment Care

During Treatment

To attain the most accurate and timely results, adult patients must be self-disciplined and adhere to all treatment guidelines during their treatment. It is important to practice good oral hygiene to avoid staining the aligners, which means brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash after every meal. This ensures any excess residue and food particles are washed away before placing the aligners back on.

Maintaining the aligners themselves is just as important as caring for the teeth. To properly maintain the aligners, we recommend cleaning them twice daily using a soft toothbrush, lukewarm water, and mouthwash or cleaning crystals. Aligners should be placed in a case when eating food and brushing teeth to keep them free of dirt particles and avoid loss or breakage. During the first appointment, we will thoroughly discuss proper maintenance and hygiene habits for a healthy, successful smile journey.

Post Treatment

On the patient’s last visit, they can compare their new smile with the smile they came in with on the first visit. We will take the time to discuss the patient’s current oral health status and address any individual guidelines they should follow to keep their new smile intact. We may recommend the patient wear a retainer, which keeps the teeth in their desired position and prevents the natural inclination to return to their original placement. We will go over all retainer options and answer any remaining questions the patient has about post-treatment protocol.

Schedule a Visit Today

Invisalign® for Adults is available at our office. The All Star Orthodontics team looks forward to treating you and helping you achieve the smile you want. Call our office at 360-799-3466 to learn more or schedule an appointment.