Your smile says a lot about you: Indeed, it’s one of the first things people notice about you. If you are hiding your smile because of problem teeth, Dr. Brian Barron and Dr. Jessica Bai, dentists at Brilliant Smiles Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington, offer Invisalign®, a great solution without the hassle of metal braces, giving you the bright, vibrant smile of your dreams. To find out more, call or go online to make an appointment.
Invisalign is a modern approach to straighter teeth without using highly noticeable and cumbersome metal braces. The Invisalign system is comprised of two trays for the upper and lower teeth that are made of clear plastic, making them nearly invisible, allowing you to smile widely knowing that your teeth are being corrected without unsightly braces.
Invisalign has several other advantages over traditional metal braces, including:
The Invisalign straightening system treats the same issues that braces do, often in less time. These issues include:
Invisalign can move teeth horizontally and vertically, and even rotate your teeth.
Treatment times depend on the severity of the problem you’re trying to correct. For mild adjustments, you may only need to wear Invisalign for a few months. For more severe corrections, you may have to use Invisalign for 12-24 months for optimal results.
Invisalign works progressively to shift your teeth slowly over time, minimizing any discomfort along the way. If you wear your Invisalign for the recommended 20-22 hours a day, you’ll see results immediately, as well as over time.
During your first visit, Dr. Barron or Dr. Bai—uses either a scanner to create precise 3-D digital images of your teeth or takes physical impressions. He also maps out your treatment plan and shows you how your teeth will move as well as the expected end result.
Dr. Barron or Dr. Chi then sends your images, or impressions, to the Invisalign lab where custom trays are built for you. Depending on your treatment, you swap out the trays every one to two weeks to continue shifting your teeth into the desired position. You won’t need to visit the dentist every time you swap out your trays, which are sent directly to you. In fact, you only see Dr. Barron or Dr. Chi periodically to track progress or make any necessary adjustments.