If you would like straighter teeth but would rather avoid traditional brackets and wires, Invisalign^® clear aligners may be an option.

At Cedar Hills Dental Care, Dr. Christine Chin evaluates your teeth, bite and individual goals to determine whether Invisalign treatment is appropriate for your smile. If it is, your treatment is planned around a customized series of clear aligners that gradually move your teeth toward their desired positions.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move teeth. Each set of aligners is customized for your treatment plan and designed to apply controlled pressure as your teeth move over time.

Because the aligners are removable and clear, many patients appreciate being able to straighten their teeth without the appearance and everyday routine of traditional metal braces.

What Can Invisalign Help Correct?

Invisalign can be used for many different orthodontic concerns. Depending on your individual teeth and bite, treatment may be appropriate for:

Not every orthodontic problem is best treated with clear aligners. An examination is important because the right treatment depends on your teeth, bite, oral health and the type of movement needed.

Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Many adults and teens may be candidates for Invisalign, but the answer is different for every patient.

Dr. Chin will evaluate your teeth and bite, discuss what you would like to change about your smile and determine whether Invisalign is an appropriate treatment option for you. If another approach would better fit your dental needs, that should be part of the conversation as well.

How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?

Invisalign treatment begins with an evaluation and a customized treatment plan. Your aligners are then created to guide your teeth through a planned series of movements.

You wear each set of aligners according to your treatment instructions and move to new aligners as directed. You’ll also return for periodic visits so your progress can be evaluated and your treatment can be adjusted when necessary.

Once active treatment is complete, a retainer is typically used to help maintain the new position of your teeth.

What Is Daily Life Like With Invisalign?

One of the biggest differences between Invisalign and traditional braces is that the aligners are removable.

You generally remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. That means you can continue enjoying your usual foods without brackets and wires getting in the way.

You also remove the aligners to brush and floss, making it easier to maintain your normal oral-hygiene routine during treatment.

The flexibility comes with responsibility. Invisalign aligners generally need to be worn about 20 to 22 hours per day for treatment to progress as planned. Following your individual wear instructions is an important part of getting the intended result.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

There is no single treatment time that applies to everyone. The length of Invisalign treatment depends on factors such as the position of your teeth, the complexity of the movements required and how consistently the aligners are worn. After evaluating your smile, Dr. Chin can give you a better idea of what your individual treatment may involve.

Invisalign for Adults & Teens

Clear aligners can be especially appealing to adults and teens who would like a less noticeable way to straighten their teeth. Whether Invisalign is appropriate depends more on the individual patient’s dental development, oral health and orthodontic needs than simply on age.

Invisalign at Cedar Hills Dental Care

Choosing Invisalign is about more than choosing an aligner. Your treatment plan and ongoing dental supervision matter too.

Christine Chin, DMD earned her D.M.D. from OHSU in 1989 and has more than 35 years of dental experience. Cedar Hills Dental Care combines that experience with modern dental technology and a comfortable, patient-centered approach.

If you’re considering Invisalign, the first step is simply finding out whether clear aligners make sense for your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat normally with Invisalign?

Yes. Because the aligners are removable, you take them out when eating and then clean your teeth as directed before putting the aligners back in.

How many hours a day do I need to wear Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are generally worn about 20 to 22 hours per day. Your dentist will give you instructions based on your individual treatment plan.

Will people notice I’m wearing Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are clear and designed to be much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. They are not completely invisible, but many patients choose them because of their discreet appearance.