Joseph Van Mieghem DDS
Family Dentist located in Lynnwood, WA
Do you wish you had a straighter smile but don’t want to deal with metal braces? At Joseph Van Mieghem DDS in Lynnwood, Washington, patients can transform their smiles with Invisalign® clear aligners. A comfortable, fast solution for straightening teeth and correcting minor bite issues, Invisalign aligners provide the same results as traditional braces but are barely noticeable to the naked eye.
Invisalign Q&A
Joseph Van Mieghem DDSWhat is Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are made of clear, robust, medical-grade plastic that’s virtually invisible when worn. Aligners look similar to tooth-whitening trays but are custom-made to fit snugly while moving your teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as "contact lenses for teeth."
The Invisalign system uses 3-D computer imaging technology to create a complete treatment plan for straightening your teeth. After the plan is created, a series of custom-made, clear aligners are produced. Each aligner, or tray, moves teeth incrementally and you wear them for about two weeks each until they have moved your teeth into position.
With the application of computer technology and custom manufacturing, Invisalign can treat a wide range of spacing and crowding issues with as much precision as traditional braces.
How can Invisalign help my smile?
Invisalign can address many of the same dental needs as traditional braces. Patients commonly use Invisalign to correct problems like:
- Crowding - Crowding issues can cause teeth to become crooked or misaligned
- Gaps - Large or small gaps between teeth can be a cosmetic concern, but they sometimes also can create oral health problems
- Bite issues - An overbite, underbite, or crossbite can compromise your jaw health or the alignment of your smile
While each patient has a unique treatment plan, you can expect to wear your Invisalign aligners anywhere from about six months to two years.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
With Invisalign, you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment, because you can remove the trays.
You also can brush and floss regularly to maintain good oral hygiene. Because there are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation, you spend less time in the dentist’s chair getting adjustments.
Invisalign also allows you to view your virtual treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Most patients report the Invisalign process is comfortable, pain-free, and efficient.
To schedule a consultation about Invisalign today, use the easy online scheduling tool.