
Understanding Invisalign in Lake Oswego
Introduced in 1999 by Align Technologies, Invisalign is a removable orthodontic appliance that incorporates a series of clear, plastic aligners that fit comfortably over your teeth. The aligners are designed to move your teeth gradually into the desired orthodontic position. Invisalign is a leading brand of orthodontic appliances. The removable aligners are designed to be more esthetically pleasing than conventional braces for treating certain types of minor orthodontic problems including:
- Overly crowded teeth.
- Widely spaced teeth.
- Overbite/overjet.
- Crossbite.
- Mild relapse.
- Simple bite irregularities.
Invisalign requires only one set of impressions and photographs of your teeth, which are taken during your initial consultation. The impressions are used to create a three-dimensional computer projection of how your teeth could be moved in increments, forming the basis for developing a series of custom-made aligners, which are designed to accomplish these movements.
The aligners are manufactured at the Align Technologies dental laboratory using computer-aided design processes. Once fabricated, the aligners are sent to your dentist who will typically dispense them in groups of one or two at a time during regular check-up appointments so that treatment is properly managed. It is important that each aligner is worn in its specific order for approximately two weeks, during which your teeth move in small increments. Although removable, the aligners must be worn at least 20 hours a day in order to successfully reposition your teeth.
Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign in Lake Oswego, but with proper consultation at Lake Oswego Smiles, Dr. Colin Smith can determine the best solution for straightening your smile. Dr. Smith will examine your teeth and advise you on the best treatment option. Talk to Dr. Colin Smith, our Lake Oswego dentist, today to see if Invisalign can straighten your smile.